Chinedu Andrew Obiekea, better known to strength fans as Andrew Jacked, made history in Columbus, Ohio when he won the 38th annual Arnold Classic.
In topping the podium, the Nigerian bodybuilder, who lives and trains in Dubai, claimed a mega $750,000 pay cheque – the sport’s biggest ever prize.
Here’s the story from an incredible night for the “Mona Lisa” of muscle.
Andrew Jacked Shines in Columbus
Having placed third at the 2025 Olympia, many expected Andrew Jacked to go at least one better at the Arnold.
His odds were made even stronger by having no Derek Lunsford or Samson Dauda to contend with.
The latter revealed he was taking a break to rest and recover after a non-stop competition schedule in recent years.
Nevertheless, Jacked still had to bring his best to the stage – and the combination of an energetic posing routine paired with mutant size and conditioning was enough to secure him the record-breaking purse.
To make his weekend even sweeter, Jacked also took home a further $10,000 for winning the Ed Corney Best Poser Award.
Despite his bumper earnings, the big man was humble as ever in his victory speech.
“The biggest prize in life is waking up healthy and sound, and thanking God,” he said.
Drama at the Arnold Classic
Andrew Jacked’s incredible display wasn’t the only headline from an eventful Arnold Classic division.
Temperatures reached boiling point between Nick Walker and Martin Fitzwater – who have developed plenty of needle over the years.
Fitzwater was seen celebrating wildly when it was announced that Walker had finished second, narrowly missing out on the top spot.
He then shook the hand of everyone except Walker, before reportedly shoving his nemesis in a backstage altercation.
In the wake of the incident, Fitzwater has been dropped by his sponsors, including RAW Nutrition and Elev8 Foods.
All the commotion didn’t take the gloss off what was a memorable night for Andrew Jacked, who walked away a deserved champion.
Arnold Classic Results
- 1st: Andrew Jacked
- 2nd: Nick Walker
- 3rd: Hadi Choopan
- 4th: Martin Fitzwater
- 5th: Brandon Curry
Elsewhere, there were wins for Wesley Vissers and Brandon Hendrickson in the Classic Physique and Men’s Physique divisions, respectively.
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