The Classic Physique division has become one of the most popular categories in bodybuilding, and the Arnold Classic Physique competition is a large reason why.
In recent years, the annual contest in Columbus, OH, has helped establish top contenders for the Classic Physique Olympia title. It is an elite stage for competitors to introduce themselves to broader audiences.
Arnold Classic Physique Champions
The Arnold Classic Physique competition is part of the Arnold Classic weekend. Six champions have been crowned six champions since its first contest in 2018:
- Breon Ansley (2018)
- George Peterson (2019)
- Alex Cambronero (2020)
- Terrence Ruffin (2021 – 2022)
- Ramon Rocha Queiroz (2023)
- Wesley Vissers (2024)
[Related: Every Winner of the Wellness International Competition]
Breon Ansley (2018)
The first edition of this contest was held in 2018. It featured then-reigning Classic Physique Olympia champion Breon Ansley, who went on to dominate the field and secure his first and only Arnold Classic title to date. The popular Arash Rahbar took silver and bronze and went to Courage Opara. Ansley followed this up by winning his second Olympia championship later that season.
- Breon Ansley
- Arash Rahbar
- Courage Opara
George Peterson III (2019)
The second champion of this contest was the late George Peterson III, who held off the challenge of Steve Laurus and Courage Opara, who finished second and third to win the title in 2019. Peterson would eventually move up to the 212 division and be set to compete at the 2021 212 Olympia in Orlando, FL, when he tragically died on Oct. 6, 2021, at the age of 37.
- George Peterson III
- Steve Laureus
- Courage Opara
Alex Cambronero (2020)
The Arnold Classic was one of the first major sporting events affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. When it was deemed unsafe for fans to attend, the competition went on as planned under compromised circumstances, and Alex Cambronero went home with the title. It would be several months before another contest was held that season.
- Alex Cambronero
- Terrence Ruffin
- Steve Laureus
Terrence Ruffin (2021-22)
As of 2024, Terrence Ruffin remains the only repeat and two-time winner in the contest’s history. “Ruff Diesel” went back-to-back in 2021 and 2022 as the world emerged from the pandemic. His symmetry and posing helped him dethrone the former champion, Cambronero and then helped him hold off a future champion in Ramon Rocha Queiroz.
2021
- Terrence Ruffin
- Alex Cambronero
- Logan Franklin
2022
- Terrence Ruffin
- Ramon Rocha Queiroz
- Urs Kalecinski
Ramon Rocha Queiroz (2023)
“Ramon Dino” would not be denied, and his time eventually came in 2023. In what many considered a close contest with Urs Kalecinski, Queiroz was the last man standing. He famously pointed at promoter Arnold Schwarzenegger when he brought the trophy for the champion.
- Ramon Rocha Queiroz
- Urs Kalecinski
- Alex Cambronero
Wesley Vissers (2024)
Queiroz was the overwhelming favorite to repeat in 2024, but Wesley Vissers took the stage in imposing form. Some experts referred to him as the second coming of Arnold himself while he was posing. Vissers shocked the bodybuilding world by dethroning the champion and securing his first major title.
- Wesley Vissers
- Ramon Rocha Queiroz
- Urs Kalecinski
More Bodybuilding Content
- The Hany Rambod-Jeremy Buendia Interview You’ve Been Waiting For
- Shanique Grant To Return To Competitive Bodybuilding as Wellness Athlete
- Latest Meta-Analysis on Training Frequency for Hypertrophy
Featured Image: @wesleyvissers on Instagram
