Biggest 2025 Arnold Classic Disappointments. The 2025 Arnold Classic took place from February 27 to March 1. It brought together elite competitors for one of the most anticipated bodybuilding events of the year. During the four-day event, seven champions were crowned, each earning a significant paycheck.
Fans eagerly awaited the competition, especially in the Men’s Open division, which featured the reigning Mr. Olympia champion, a previous Arnold Classic winner, and several high-level contenders. However, while the event had its high points, it also delivered several disappointments, including controversial judging, underwhelming performances, and organizational issues that left fans and athletes questioning what went wrong.
Underwhelming Performances from Top Competitors
In a shocking turn of events, Derek Lunsford sensationally claimed the Men’s Open title, defeating the 2024 Mr. Olympia champion, Samson Dauda. It was an impressive turnaround for Lunsford after finishing third at the Olympia, especially given his late competition entry and new coaching team. His win reshaped the division and left the door open for the 2025 Mr. Olympia later in the year.
Samson Dauda is a huge man with a huge stage presence, but he was not as sharp as expected. He was slightly off-conditioned and finished second. The open division was fiercely competitive, with the top three athletes all capable of winning on any given day. While Lunsford’s aesthetics and leg development gave him the edge, Dauda’s size and dominance on stage made the result a point of debate.
Other divisions also saw unexpected results. In Wellness 2024, Olympia Wellness Champion Isabelle Nunes was expected to win. However, her midsection was off her usual standard, interfering with her overall physique. It allowed Eduarda Bezerra to claim victory, marking another surprising outcome at the event.
Judging Controversies and Scoring Issues
As with many bodybuilding events, the 2025 Arnold Classic saw its fair share of judging controversy. The Men’s Open division raised questions about how Derek Lunsford scored against Samson Dauda. Though some thought Lunsford had a balanced physique and was visually appealing, others felt Dauda was bigger and stronger and should have won the title anyway. The subjective nature of bodybuilding judging was again under scrutiny.
By winning the title, Ali Bilal reaffirmed his status as a top contender in the Men’s Physique division. His performance left no doubt about his Olympia aspirations. Still, some fans questioned whether two-time winner and former Olympia champion Erin Banks had been slightly overlooked.
Meanwhile, in Classic Physique, Mike Sommerfeld, the 2024 Classic Physique Olympia runner-up, took a crucial step toward Olympia glory by winning the Arnold Classic Physique championship. However, Wesley Vissers, the 2024 champion, struggled and fell to fifth place, raising eyebrows about whether the judging fully reflected his physique.
Notable Absences and Fan Reactions
While the event boasted a strong lineup, missing competitors reduced the competition and excitement. Fans expressed their disappointment online, particularly in divisions where previous champions chose not to participate.
Chris Bumstead’s retirement after securing six Mr. Olympia titles left a significant void in the Classic Physique division. Although Bumstead only competed at the Arnold Classic once in his career, his dominance in the sport made his presence sorely missed. While new contenders are emerging in the division, no one has fully stepped into the role he left behind.
What Fans and Athletes Expected vs. What Happened
Heading into the Arnold Classic, anticipation was high for thrilling battles across all divisions. Many fans expected dominant performances from the defending champions and a continuation of the rivalries that had developed at the 2024 Mr. Olympia.
However, the results deviated from expectations, with new champions emerging and past winners struggling to maintain dominance.
The Women’s divisions also saw shifts in dominance. People expected Isabelle Nunes to build on her Olympia victory in Wellness, but Eduarda Bezerra’s win changed the narrative. Likewise, in Bikini, the departure of three-time champion Lauralie Chapados paved the way for Vania Auguste to make history as the first African American woman to win the title.
While these shake-ups added excitement, they also left many wondering who the true favorites will be heading into the 2025 Olympia.
Lessons Learned for Future Competitions
The 2025 Arnold Classic provided moments of both excitement and frustration. Athletes must refine their strategies to ensure they peak correctly for major events. The judging process must continue to evolve to maintain transparency and fairness, particularly in divisions where placements are hotly debated.
Organizers should also improve the event’s logistics, ensuring a smoother experience for fans and competitors. With bodybuilding’s popularity, future competitions must rise to meet the increasing community expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were fans disappointed with the 2025 Arnold Classic?
Fans were frustrated with controversial judging, unexpected results, technical issues, and the absence of key competitors.
Who won the Men’s Open division?
Derek Lunsford won in a shocking upset, defeating 2024 Mr. Olympia champion Samson Dauda.
What were the biggest surprises of the competition?
Eduarda Bezerra’s victory over Isabelle Nunes in Wellness and Derek Lunsford’s win in Men’s Open were among the biggest surprises.
