Categories: Fitness

Derek Lunsford Wins 2025 Arnold Classic

Bodybuilding History Made in Columbus

Derek Lunsford is the 2025 Arnold Classic champion. After a close round of pre-judging on Feb. 28, 2025, the finals were held in the Battelle Grand of the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, OH, on March 1, 2025. As a result of his efforts, he left the stage with the Arnold trophy and $500,000, the second-largest prize purse in bodybuilding history.

2025 Arnold Classic Results

Derek Lunsford
Samson Dauda
Andrew Jacked
Brandon Curry
William Bonac
Eye Williams

Winner – Derek Lunsford

This was Lunsford’s Arnold Classic debut, and he made the most of it. The 2023 Mr. Olympia winner earned half a million dollars and has regained momentum heading into the 2025 Mr. Olympia.

Second Place – Samson Dauda

The 2024 Sandow Trophy winner showed up respectfully, but it was insufficient to overtake Lunsford. Nonetheless, Dauda now has extra fuel for his fire as he prepares to defend his Olympia championship later this season.

Third Place — Andrew Jacked

Jacked was coming off a fifth-place finish at the 2024 Mr. Olympia, and he needed this win to qualify for 2025. To compete in Las Vegas, he must win a pro show before Sept. 14, 2025.

Other Notes

Lunsford received the Ed Corney award as the best poser for this competition and a $10,000 bonus for his efforts.
Dauda won the same prize money for earning the Franco Columbu Most Muscular award.
Mike Katz, a former pro bodybuilder, judge, and star of [TV show], received the 2025 Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement award.

Conclusion

The 2025 Arnold Classic has concluded, and Derek Lunsford has emerged victorious. This win earns him a significant amount of prize money and momentum heading into the 2025 Mr. Olympia. Other notable finishers include Samson Dauda and Andrew Jacked, who will look to improve their performances in future competitions.

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