You Won't Believe Who's Competing in the 2026 Arnold Classic - Shocking Revelations Inside!

The Arnold Sports Festival, one of the largest multi-sport fitness events globally, is set to return to Columbus, Ohio, from March 6 to March 8, 2026. Founded by bodybuilding icon Arnold Schwarzenegger as a competitive bodybuilding contest to rival the prestigious Mr. Olympia, the festival has grown into a four-day extravaganza that showcases a wide range of sports. From strength competitions to combat sports, it draws thousands of amateur and professional athletes, all eager to demonstrate their prowess in front of large crowds and industry enthusiasts.

This year, the festival will take place at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, featuring numerous competitions across diverse categories such as powerlifting, weightlifting, and functional fitness. Among the most notable attractions are the Arnold Classic bodybuilding contest and the Arnold Strongman Classic. In addition to the competitions, the Arnold Expo will feature hundreds of vendors, seminars, and demonstrations focused on health, nutrition, and performance.

Bodybuilding and Strongman Competitions

The bodybuilding events are scheduled for Friday, March 6, and Saturday, March 7. Top athletes from the IFBB Pro League will compete across various divisions. The prejudging sessions on March 6 will take place in the Expo Stage from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM for divisions like Classic Physique, Fitness International, and Wellness International. The evening finals will run from 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM in the Battelle Grand, showcasing competitions in Classic Physique, Fitness, and Wellness divisions.

Saturday night is the climax of the festival, featuring the major finals, including the Arnold Classic Men’s Open, where top professional bodybuilders will battle for one of the most coveted titles in the sport. The finals for Men's Physique and Bikini divisions will also be held in the Battelle Grand from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

For strongman enthusiasts, the Arnold Strongman Classic will unfold over two days, with events designed to test maximum strength and explosive power. Day 1, on March 6, starts at 11:00 AM and runs until 6:00 PM in the Strongman Arena, featuring events like the Elephant Bar Deadlift and the Cyr Dumbbell Challenge. The following day, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, competitors will face off in events such as the Austrian Oak Log Press and Stone Drag, with the overall champion determined by combined scores from both days.

Additional Events and Expo Activities

Apart from bodybuilding and strongman competitions, the festival includes a broad array of events taking place throughout the weekend. Daily powerlifting and weightlifting sessions will feature Olympic lifts, with competitions running from morning into the afternoon. Other disciplines include arm wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and amateur strongman events, all designed to engage a diverse audience.

The Arnold Expo, an integral part of the weekend, is open to all attendees and will run as follows:

• Friday, March 6: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Saturday, March 7: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Sunday, March 8: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

This vibrant expo will showcase hundreds of vendors, live demonstrations, and seminars, providing a rich experience for fitness enthusiasts. It complements the competitive atmosphere of the main events with opportunities for fans to learn more about health and fitness trends.

As the festival approaches, anticipation is building among athletes and fans alike. The Arnold Sports Festival 2026 promises a packed schedule of elite competitions and a celebration of athleticism that is hard to match. With a focus on strength, physique, and performance, it remains a must-attend event for fitness aficionados. Whether you're an athlete or a spectator, the festival is set to deliver thrilling competition and community spirit.

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