In 1988, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jim Lorimer partnered up to create and promote the Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio. They decided they would make it an “invitational” so they could decide who would compete in their show, as well as personally invite elite bodybuilders from around the world to compete against each other. They would choose the first weekend of March to hold this annual event that would yield three Mr. Olympia champions and 13 different winners. The contest is held at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium while the EXPO, which has exploded, is held five minutes away at the Convention Center and is home to 44 different events and 18,000 athletes.

The Arnold Classic Weekend, which was originally a men’s bodybuilding contest playing host to 4,000 fans, is now the full-blown Arnold Sports Festival— bringing in upward of 150,000 fans from around the globe— and events include Strongman, Powerlifting, Fencing, Mixed Martial Arts, Cheerleading, Fitness, Figure and Amateur Bodybuilding.

Looking back at the past winners including Rich Gaspari, Shawn Ray, Mike Ashley, Vince Taylor, Flex Wheeler, Mike Francois, Nasser El Sonbaty, Kevin Levrone, Ronnie Coleman, Jay Cutler, Dexter Jackson, Victor Martinez and last year’s champion, Kai Greene, we anxiously await the future champions.

In 1988, New Jersey’s own Richie Gaspari rolled into Columbus to fight back the competition en route to finishing the year for the third straight time as a Mr. Olympia 1^st runner-up. Rich had already been declared the #2 bodybuilder in the world in 1986 and 1987, so it stood to reason that sans Lee Haney, Richie would walk away with this contest and the $50,000 prize money— which he did, with perfect scores! This was the start of what many considered to be the #2 contest in the world, and end up arguably the “premier event” of our sport.

In 1990, the first-ever “drug tested” pro contest was held, and ended in a cloud of suspension as I would go on to win the event with perfect scores and receive a check for $60,000— only to be notified a week later that I had failed the test and had to return the trophy and check to 1^st runner-up Mike Ashley— who had be widely recognized as a natural bodybuilder his entire career.

In 1991 I returned to Columbus with vengeance, and as fate would have it, I would repeat what I had done the previous year by winning the contest again with a perfect score— and pocketing the $70,000 1^st place prize, and I got to keep the trophy!

In 1992, Florida’s Vince Taylor would claim his rightful place in the winner’s circle, taking 1^st place and the $75,000 prize, setting the tone for what would wind up as a Hall of Fame career— yielding a record five Masters Mr. Olympia championship titles, before retiring from the sport.

In 1993, Flex Wheeler would display arguably the “finest” physique the sport of bodybuilding has ever seen! Flex won in convincing fashion, and was awarded $80,000 before he was done competing. He would have a record four Arnold Classic titles to his credit (1997, 1998, 2000) before getting enshrined in the IFBB Hall of Fame.

In 1994, “The Maryland Muscle Machine,” Kevin Levrone, stepped in to solidify his place in professional bodybuilding after winning 1^st runner-up in the 1992 Mr. Olympia. Kevin would walk off the stage with the ASC trophy and check for $90,000. Before Kevin called it quits, he would come back to Ohio again, and in 1996 he added another ASC title and $100,000 for his efforts.

In 1995, Ohio native Mike Francois would make a name for himself by taking down the defending champion, Flex Wheeler, who was on the mend from a serious car accident but nevertheless very formidable. Iron Mike slayed the field and took the prestigious ASC title, trophy and $100,000 check to be shared with his hometown family and friends.

In 1999, California resident and pro Nasser El Sonbaty would bring in his mammoth, supersized physique— which had come into fashion, and proudly beat down the competition! Weighing nearly 300 pounds, Nasser was at his biggest and freakiest, which was handsomely rewarded— as he walked away with victory and the $100,000 1^st place prize!

In 2001, three-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman felt the need to “clean up” the prize money in the sport, after winning in Las Vegas in a hotly-contested battle with Jay Cutler. Ronnie, ever the consummate professional, accepted the invitation from promoter Jim Lorimar and Arnold— who were extremely pleased and excited, as this was the first time the reigning Mr. Olympia would compete in their show, effectively risking it all! Ronnie was more than capable, and had the incentive of winning not only $100,000 but also a brand new Hummer, free and clear! Ronnie showed up looking very “svelte” but still huge, and nobody was close to him.

From 2002 to 2003, Jay Cutler— the Mr. Olympia “bridesmaid”— decided to go for broke and in the process, cleaned up prize money in excess of $300,000, three Hummers, a Rolex and Terminator 3 watch! Jay was arguably the #2 bodybuilder in the world at the time but surely Columbus, Ohio saw him as #1!

In 2005, 2006 and 2008, Dexter “The Blade” Jackson had come into his own, laying claim to the title fit for a King! Dexter, at all of 5’6” and 220 pounds, was busy serving notice of things to come. Shortly after winning these three titles and the $100,000 prize money that went with it, Dexter would win the 2008 Mr. Olympia and become immortalized in the annals of bodybuilding history. One of most victorious pros of all time, Dexter had fully arrived on the scene. After winning the Mr. Olympia in 2008 and losing it in 2009, will he have what it takes to repeat in Columbus in 2010?

In 2007, “The Dominican Dominator” Victor Martinez quietly snuck up on the scene to capture the ASC title $120,000 prize and go on to finish the year as 1^st runner-up at the Mr. Olympia! Victor now joined an “elite” field of athletes and seemed to be set on the path of greatness. Unfortunately for Victor, 2008 started with knee surgery, keeping out of the mix for a full year— only to return to the Arnold still on the mend, placing 2^nd in 2009.

In 2009, Kai Greene— the fastest-rising star on the pro scene— winner of the Shawn Ray, Colorado Pro and New York Pro— would add the Arnold Classic title and check for $130,000, plus a $20,000 watch and $10,000 Best Poser Award to his treasure chest. Shortly thereafter, Kai would go on to win the Australian Pro and compete in his first Mr. Olympia, landing himself in 4^th place. Not bad for a guy would could one day be KING!

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the Class of 2010:

Reigning and defending champion, Kai Greene: Coming off the 2009 Mr. Olympia, where he placed 4^th, Kai will need to make sure he “nails” his conditioning. Playing the size game is something that is a bit scary, as he might sacrifice much-need “cuts” for muscle.

Former Mr. Olympia and three0ime ASC Champion, Dexter “The Blade” Jackson: After taking a tumble to 3^rd place in the Mr. Olympia a year after winning it, Dexter needs to simply focus on what got him where he is in order to “tie” Flex Wheeler with four overall victories in Columbus.

2009 Mr. Olympia 1^st Runner-up, Branch Warren: Arguably the fan favorite! Presently the #2 bodybuilder in the world, Branch should not have a care in this world as he prepares for this contest. He will need to replicate what we saw in Las Vegas only five short months ago, with a bit more mass on the upper pecs and more fullness to the biceps— and victory could be his. This one is Branch Warren’s contest to lose!

Phil “The Gift” Heath: The “Denver Nugget” missed his peak at the Mr. Olympia and still wound up in the top five, which speaks volumes toward his contest preparation. Phil is a diamond in the rough, waiting to be polished. He swears that all he’s been doing since the Mr. Olympia in September is working on the finer details of his physique and at his age, 30 he feels his time is now!

2009 Sacramento Pro Winner, Toney “The X Man” Freeman: Toney, at 43 years old, has never looked at his age as a hindrance. He slipped a few spots at the Olympia last September, then came back to finish the year with a victory in Sacramento. He has stayed on his contest-training regimen, and now feels only minor adjustments will get him back in the hunt once more. The Arnold title is the last of the cherished titles that have eluded Toney, and he’d like nothing more than to upset the apple cart and rain on everyone’s parade come March 6^th!

Hidetada Yamagishi: Another guy who has consistently impressed and improved from contest to contest! Standing on 5’5” and competing at 215 pounds, Hide is nothing short of amazing! He has the polish of a seasoned veteran and a flare for posing. Hide will need to hit his best ever, if he hopes to really make an impact.

Other Notable 2010 Entries:

Melvin Anthony, Tarek Elsetouhi, Johnnie Jackson, Robert Piotrkowicz, Ronny Rockel, Sergey Shelestov, Roelly Winklaar

 

Don’t miss the 2010 Arnold Classic Weekend, March 4^th -7^th in Columbus, Ohio.

For Complete Event Information visit www.arnoldsportsfestival.com

400 North High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone 400 North High Street
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Phone: 614.827.2500: 614.827.2500

 

 

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