Nigerian Sensation Andrew Jacked Secures Historic Victory at 2026 Arnold Classic; Claims Record $750,000 Prize

Nigerian bodybuilder Andrew Jacked wins the 2026 Arnold Classic, defeating Hadi Choopan and Nick Walker to claim a record $750,000 prize in Columbus, Ohio.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 12, 2026, 8:56 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from BellaNaija

A Historic Night in Columbus

The global bodybuilding stage witnessed a monumental shift on March 12, 2026, as Chinedu Andrew Obiekea, famously known as Andrew Jacked, was crowned the 2026 Arnold Classic champion. Competing at the 38th annual Arnold Sports Festival, the Nigerian athlete delivered a performance characterized by what judges described as a "Mona Lisa" physique—a rare combination of massive muscle volume and aesthetic symmetry. His victory over formidable opponents, including former Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan and 2021 Arnold winner Nick Walker, marks his transition from a rising star to a dominant force in the Men’s Open division.

Record-Breaking Payouts and Accolades

The 2026 win wasn't just a physical triumph; it was a financial milestone. Andrew walked away with a $750,000 grand prize, the highest in the history of the Arnold Classic, reflecting the growing commercial stature of the sport. His performance was further distinguished by winning the Ed Corney Best Poser Award, which earned him an additional $10,000. The evening culminated in a victory ceremony where Andrew was presented the trophy by bodybuilding icon Arnold Schwarzenegger, a moment that cemented his status as a top contender for the upcoming Mr. Olympia title.

The Strategy of Silence

In post-competition interviews, Andrew revealed that his preparation involved a complete social media blackout. "I didn't need to scroll Instagram to see anyone else; I just needed to bring the best version of Chinedu," he told RXMuscle. This mental discipline allowed him to focus entirely on his own conditioning and posing, avoiding the psychological pressure of comparing himself to rivals. This "best version" featured an unprecedented level of conditioning, particularly in his midsection and back symmetry, which ultimately swayed the judges in his favor during the final posedown.