Nigerian bodybuilding star Chinedu Andrew Obiekea, widely known as Andrew Jacked, has achieved a historic milestone after winning the 2026 Arnold Classic Men’s Open title and taking home a staggering 750,000 dollar prize.
The victory places the Nigerian athlete among the elite champions in global bodybuilding and marks one of the biggest achievements ever recorded by a Nigerian competitor in the sport.
The Arnold Classic, held annually in Columbus, Ohio as part of the Arnold Sports Festival, is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious bodybuilding competitions in the world. Only the Mr. Olympia contest ranks above it in terms of prestige and influence within the bodybuilding community.
Andrew Jacked delivered a commanding performance throughout the competition. Judges and fans praised his aesthetic physique, impressive symmetry, wide back development and stage presence. His conditioning and overall balance gave him the decisive edge in a lineup filled with some of the biggest names in professional bodybuilding.
After the final comparisons, Andrew Jacked secured first place ahead of American bodybuilder Nick Walker who finished in second place, while former Mr. Olympia champion Hadi Choopan placed third.
Beyond the trophy, the financial reward for the victory has also drawn global attention. The 750,000 dollar prize awarded to the winner stands among the largest payouts in bodybuilding history, highlighting the continued growth of the Arnold Classic and its increasing global prestige.
Born in Kaduna, Nigeria, Andrew Jacked has rapidly risen through the ranks of professional bodybuilding over the last few years. His unique blend of mass, aesthetics and proportion has earned him a strong fan base and the respect of judges across the IFBB Pro League.
The 2026 Arnold Classic triumph now positions Andrew Jacked as a serious contender heading into the next Mr. Olympia competition, where many fans believe he could challenge for bodybuilding’s most coveted title.
Across Nigeria and the global fitness community, his victory is being celebrated as a landmark moment. Andrew Jacked’s win not only cements his place among the sport’s top athletes but also shines a powerful spotlight on Nigeria’s growing presence in international bodybuilding.