What to know about the event so far?
At this time, the location of the US Arnold Classic has not been confirmed to the public. Though rumors claim that the promoter’s event is eying Santa Monica, California as the best option. As of the time of this report, this will only include the Arnold Classic and Arnold Strongman events. The traditional expo will return in 2022.
It is also unclear if fan attendance will be permitted for the US Arnold Classic 2021. According to close sources, fans will be allowed to attend the event only if the hosting city deems it safe. As we have yet to receive a confirmed location – these details are still currently up in the air.
The US Arnold Classic and the entirety of the Arnold Sports Festival traditionally take place in the first half of March. But due to the ongoing globally pandemic situation, this was deemed not possible in 2021. It was unclear if the competition and festival would return at all this year – but this news comes as some form of relief. The Arnold Classic competition is undoubtedly one of the largest and biggest bodybuilding events of the year.
News of the rescheduling further pushes the 2021 bodybuilding season to be back heavy with events. The Arnold Classic 2021 will now take place between two other Arnold events. The Arnold Europe will take place Sept. 17-19, 2021 in Seville, Spain. The Arnold Sports Festival UK will take place on October 2-3, 2021 in Birmingham, England.
Interestingly enough, the winner of the Arnold Classic will qualify for Mr. Olympia 2022 the following year. This is due to the cutoff date to qualify for Mr. Olympia 2021 being September 12. It is unclear if this cutoff date will change in lieu of the announcement and rescheduling.
WILLIAM BONAC CLAIMED 2ND ARNOLD TITLE
In the Arnold Classic that took place in COLUMBUS, Ohio, William “The Conqueror” Bonac of the Netherlands reclaimed the Arnold Classic title with a narrow win over five-time champion Dexter “The Blade” Jackson at the 32nd Arnold Classic at the 2020 Arnold Sports Festival.
William Bonac won his first Arnold Classic title in 2018 and finished second in 2019 to Brandon Curry, who went on to also claim 2019, Mr. Olympia.
William Bonac received congratulations from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a check for $130,000, a Tony Nowak Official Champions Jacket, and the champion’s trophy from Natalie Eva Marie of Reign Total Body Fuel and Steve Slater of Rogue Fitness.
Dexter Jackson, who won the Arnold Classic in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2013, and 2015, fell just short of claiming his sixth Arnold Classic crown. The Jacksonville, Fla., resident, who will retire after this year’s Mr. Olympia, has competed in Columbus a record 17 times. Jackson received $75,000 and a medal from Cryotech Nordic and Big Sports.
Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay of Egypt finished third in his first Arnold Classic appearance. He received a check for $50,000 and a medal from Mount Carmel Health System and Jan Tana. He received an extra $10,000 for winning the inaugural Franco Columbu Most Muscular Award.
Stephen Kuclo of Dallas, Texas, finished a career-best fourth in his third appearance in Columbus. He received $30,000 and a medal from Ricart Automotive and Europa Sports.
Sergio Oliva Jr. of Los Angeles finished fifth and received $15,000 and a medal from Jan Tana and Cryotech Nordic. He also took home $10,000 for winning the Ed Corney Best Poser Award.
Cedric McMillan of Heath Springs, S.C., finished sixth and received a medal and $10,000 from The Columbus Dispatch and Mount Carmel Health System.
Also competing and finishing seventh through thirteenth, respectively, were Akim Williams (Pompton Lakes, N.J.), Maxx Charles (Huntington, N.Y.), Victor Martinez (New York, N.Y.), Patrick Moore ((Tomball, TX), Josh Lenartowicz(Australia), Morgan Aste (France), and Johnnie Jackson (Dallas, TX).
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