Event Overview
The 2025 Arnold Classic, held at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio, on February 28–March 1, 2025, showcased elite athletes across seven IFBB Pro League divisions. From Men’s Open Bodybuilding to Pro Wheelchair, competitors vied for top honors, substantial prize money, and qualifications for the 2025 Mr. Olympia.
Main Winners – Arnold Classic 2025
- Men’s Open Bodybuilding: Derek Lunsford
- Classic Physique: Mike Sommerfeld
- Men’s Physique: Ali Bilal
- Bikini International: Vania Auguste
- Wellness International: Eduarda Bezerra
- Fitness International: Jaclyn Baker
- Pro Wheelchair: Rajesh John
What follows is a detailed breakdown of each division, including full rankings, performance highlights, and expert insights from a coach’s perspective.
Men’s Open Bodybuilding
🥇 Winner: Derek Lunsford (USA)
Derek Lunsford clinched his first Arnold Classic title, adding to his 2023 Mr. Olympia victory. His balanced physique, muscular density, and refined posing set him apart. Samson Dauda, the 2024 Mr. Olympia, secured second place, while Andrew Jacked rounded out the top three.
Top 6 Placings:
- Derek Lunsford (USA)
- Samson Dauda (USA)
- Andrew Jacked (UAE)
- Brandon Curry (USA)
- William Bonac (Netherlands)
- Akim Williams (USA)
Coach’s Insight: Lunsford’s victory was a testament to his meticulous preparation and strategic improvements. His enhanced muscle maturity and stage presence were evident, making him a formidable contender for future titles.
Classic Physique
🥇 Winner: Mike Sommerfeld (Germany)
Mike Sommerfeld emerged victorious in the Classic Physique division, showcasing a harmonious blend of aesthetics and muscularity. His victory positions him as a leading figure in the post-Chris Bumstead era.
Top 6 Placings:
- Mike Sommerfeld (Germany)
- Logan Franklin (USA)
- Matthew Greggo (USA)
- Michael Daboul (UAE)
- Wesley Vissers (Netherlands)
- Jihoon Bang (South Korea)
Coach’s Insight: Sommerfeld’s victory was well-deserved, reflecting his dedication to the classic aesthetic. His posing and symmetry were exemplary, setting a new standard in the division.
Men’s Physique
🥇 Winner: Ali Bilal (Denmark)
Ali Bilal secured the Men’s Physique title, demonstrating exceptional conditioning and stage charisma. His performance solidified his status as a top contender in the division.
Top 6 Placings:
- Ali Bilal (Denmark)
- Erin Banks (USA)
- Diogo Montenegro (Brazil)
- Emmanuel Costa (Brazil)
- Alessandro Cavagnola (Italy)
- Jason Huynh (USA)
Coach’s Insight: Bilal’s victory was a result of his balanced physique and confident presentation. His ability to engage the audience and judges alike was a key factor in his win.
Bikini International
🥇 Winner: Vania Auguste (USA)
Vania Auguste claimed the Bikini International title, impressing with her poise, symmetry, and overall presentation.
Top 6 Placings:
- Vania Auguste (USA)
- Aimee Delgado (USA)
- Ashlyn Little (USA)
- Maria Acosta (USA)
- Ariana Brothers (USA)
- Jasmine Gonzalez (USA)
Coach’s Insight: Auguste’s stage presence and conditioning were standout elements of her performance. Her consistency and attention to detail set her apart in a highly competitive field.
Wellness International
🥇 Winner: Eduarda Bezerra (Brazil)
Eduarda Bezerra triumphed in the Wellness division, showcasing impressive lower body development and overall balance.
Top 6 Placings:
- Eduarda Bezerra (Brazil)
- Isabelle Nunes (USA)
- Elisa Alcantara (Dominican Republic)
- Kassandra Gillis (Canada)
- Sandra Colorado (Spain)
- Lisa Meiswinkel (Germany)
Coach’s Insight: Bezerra’s dominance in the Wellness category was evident through her muscular development and confident presentation. Her performance sets a high benchmark for future competitors.
Fitness International
🥇 Winner: Jaclyn Baker (USA)
Jaclyn Baker captivated the audience with her dynamic routine, combining strength, flexibility, and artistry to secure the Fitness International title.
Top 6 Placings:
- Jaclyn Baker (USA)
- Michelle Fredua-Mensah (UK)
- Tamara Vahn (USA)
- Amber Steffen (USA)
- Andrea Glass (USA)
- Tiffany Chandler (USA)
Coach’s Insight: Baker’s routine was a masterclass in performance, blending technical skill with engaging choreography. Her athleticism and stage presence were unmatched.
Pro Wheelchair
🥇 Winner: Rajesh John (India)
Rajesh John delivered an inspiring performance to win the Pro Wheelchair division, demonstrating exceptional upper-body development and control.
Top 6 Placings:
- Rajesh John (India)
- James Berger (USA)
- Gabriele Andriulli (Italy)
- Kevin Secundino (France)
- Harold Kelley (USA)
- Bradley Betts (USA)
Coach’s Insight: John’s victory was a testament to his dedication and resilience. His muscularity and presentation were exemplary, setting a new standard in the division.
Prize Money & Financial Highlights
The 2025 Arnold Classic once again set a new standard in bodybuilding by offering some of the highest cash prizes in the sport. The biggest payout of the weekend went to Derek Lunsford, who earned a massive $500,000 for his first-place finish in the Men’s Open Bodybuilding division, making it the most lucrative prize in Arnold Classic history. Lunsford also secured an additional $10,000 by winning the Ed Corney Best Poser Award, further recognizing his mastery in presentation.
Runner-up Samson Dauda took home $150,000, along with an extra $10,000 for winning the Franco Columbu Most Muscular Award, honoring his dense and commanding physique.
While the exact prize breakdowns for other divisions weren’t publicly disclosed, the Arnold Sports Festival confirmed a generous prize pool across all categories, including $182,000 for the Arnold Strongman Classic and $75,000 for the Arnold Strongwoman Classic.
Coach’s Insight: High-caliber payouts like these not only reward elite performance but also elevate the event’s prestige, attracting the world’s best athletes and pushing the level of competition even higher year after year.
Final Thoughts
The Arnold Classic 2025 results confirmed once again why this event remains one of the most prestigious showcases in the professional bodybuilding world. From Derek Lunsford’s powerful win in the Men’s Open to Mike Sommerfeld’s elegant dominance in Classic Physique, this year’s edition delivered drama, discipline, and excellence across every division.
As a strength and conditioning coach, I’m excited to see how these athletes continue to evolve through 2025 and beyond — and how their performance strategies will influence the next generation of physique competitors.
📢 Stay tuned — we’ll continue breaking down top bodybuilding contests, athlete transformations, and coaching insights to help you stay ahead in the world of muscle and performance.
