The victory, which saw Andrew Jacked defeat former Mr Olympia Hadi Choopan and 2021 winner Nick Walker, stands as one of the largest payouts in the sport’s history.
By Abioye Damilare Samson
Chinedu Andrew Obiekea, the athlete known globally as Andrew Jacked, has claimed the prestigious 2026 Arnold Classic Men’s Open title, earning a record-breaking $750,000 grand prize at the 38th annual Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio.
The victory, which saw Andrew defeat former Mr Olympia Hadi Choopan and 2021 winner Nick Walker, stands as one of the largest payouts in the sport’s history. The Arnold Classic, held annually in Columbus, Ohio, is one of bodybuilding’s most prestigious competitions and serves as a major qualifier for the Mr Olympia championship.
In a lineup that felt more like a clash of titans than a standard competition, Andrew’s victory was defined by a rare blend of towering height and aesthetic symmetry that the judges found impossible to overlook. Known for his “Mona Lisa” physique, he brought his most complete package to date, maintaining a level of conditioning that kept the arena electric until the final posedown. He further solidified his dominant showing by walking away with the Ed Corney Best Poser Award, a distinction that added another $10,000 to his historic haul.
Among the competitors, Andrew stands out for his unique journey and mental discipline. Born in Kaduna, Nigeria, he initially pursued electrical engineering and served as a military officer before transitioning to kickboxing and then to bodybuilding in Dubai. Just four years after winning the Arnold Classic Amateur, he has now secured the professional Men’s Open title.
Reflecting on the mental discipline required for such a victory, Andrew noted that he stayed entirely off social media to avoid comparing himself to other competitors. “I didn’t need to scroll Instagram to see anyone else; I just needed to bring the best version of Chinedu”, he shared in a post-win interview with RXMuscle.
Andrew’s recognition at the Arnold Classic reflects his rise from his roots in Kaduna to becoming a legitimate threat to the Mr Olympia throne. His 2026 win marks a major milestone in his career, highlighted by a handshake with Arnold Schwarzenegger to close out the night, cementing his place among bodybuilding’s elite competitors.