Three-time Arnold Classic champ Jay Cutler, bodybuilding coach Milos Sarcev, and Matt Daniels convened on the Cutler Cast podcast to analyze the 2024 Arnold Classic results. The contest occurred on March 1-3, 2024, in Columbus, OH, and featured 2022 Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan claiming his first Arnold Classic title by dethroning 2023 Arnold Classic champion Samson Dauda.
Sarcev was Dauda’s coach for the 2024 Arnold Classic — their 13th pro show. However, they split following the contest in Columbus. Cutler, Sarcev, and Daniels also discussed expectations for the forthcoming Arnold Classic UK set for March 15-17, 2024, in Birmingham, England. Listen to their takes in the video below:
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Arnold Classic Men’s Open Division
Cutler and Sarcev acknowledge the Men’s Open at the 2024 Arnold Classic was a head-to-head battle between Dauda and Choopan. Sarcev contends that Choopan achieved the best conditioning he’s ever had.
Choopan appeared larger than he was at the 2023 Olympia. Still, Sarcev concurs with IFBB Pro League Vice President Tyler Manion on the necessity for Choopan to increase his size further if he is to reclaim the Mr. Olympia title from Derek Lunsford in 2024.
Dauda vs. Choopan — Posing Comparison
Choopan and Dauda will clash again at the 2024 Arnold Classic UK. Observing poses from the 2024 Arnold Classic US, Sarcev mentioned Dauda as more imposing than Choopan in a relaxed stance but points out Choopan’s remarkable ability to expand when posing.
Flexing Abs
Sarcev remarks that Choopan’s abs, when flexed, display his phenomenal conditioning. Despite Dauda’s narrower waist, Sarcev observes that Choopan’s waistline remains impressively unblocky.
Cutler and Sarcev concur that while Choopan showcases incredible conditioning, Dauda possesses a superhero-esque physique for sheer size and shape.
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Front Double Biceps Pose
Sarcev highlights Choopan’s and Dauda’s smaller waists and pronounced V-tapers in the front double biceps pose. Sarcev prefers Dauda’s overall aesthetics but acknowledged that Choopan’s arms, broad lats, and defined quads with distinct cross striations combined with his dense musculature were beyond reproach
Front Lat Spread
Cutler and Sarcev notice how Choopan positions his legs at an angle due to an imbalance, saying his right leg appears slightly smaller than his left. Sarcev argues that Choopan’s adjustment is unnecessary, as Choopan’s typical stance conceals the supposed discrepancy.
Side Chest Pose & Side Triceps
Sarcev prefers Dauda’s full build of significant muscle mass in the side chest pose. However, Cutler highlights Choopan’s superior conditioning, which is particularly noticeable in Choopan’s arms and shoulder tie-ins. Sarcev feels when showcased properly, Dauda’s muscular superiority is more evident in profile view.
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Rear Double Biceps Pose
Cutler and Sarcev note Choopan’s improvements since the 2023 Olympia. They remain impressed by Dauda’s flow, but Cutler suggests Dauda could benefit from more muscle on his back. They unanimously acknowledge Dauda’s significant progress over the past three years.
Rear Lat Spread Pose
Choopan’s rear lat spread impressed Cutler and Sarcev, asserting Choopan’s 2024 Arnold Classic package surpasses Lunsford’s from the 2023 Mr. Olympia. While Dauda boasts remarkable thickness, Choopan’s exceptional conditioning captivates the audience.
Abdominal & Thigh Pose
Choopan’s vacuum pose is an unquestionable highlight that can make a difference in close competition. Dauda exudes confidence in the abs and thighs, but the flow offered by a superior vacuum is hard to beat.
More Muscular Pose
Choopan is formidable in the most muscular as his legs were significantly improved from the 2023 Olympia. Choopan has room to improve in the fullness of his chest, but the sharpness of his striations compensates.
Jon Delarosa
Jon Delarosa secured fourth place 2024 Arnold Classic and was one of the most improved athletes in the field. Previously critiqued by Sarcev, Delarosa took the feedback and made significant improvements.
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2024 Arnold Classic‌ Physique
Sarcev feels the enthusiasm for the Classic Physique division falls short of the Men’s Open. Nevertheless, having had a front-row seat, Sarcev found the 2024 Arnold Classic Classic Physique champ Wesley Vissers‘ performance, highlighted by significant leg and upper body improvements, was worthy of the gold.
However, Sarcev felt runner-up Ramon Queiroz presented a more comprehensive package. The victory margin was slim; Queiroz fell short by one point.
Vissers win raised the stakes for five-time reigning Olympia champion Chris Bumstead. Sarcev remains skeptical anyone in Classic Physique measures up to Bumstead, but Vissers’ Arnold Classic win was a massive shake-up.
Sarcev, Cutler, and Daniels discussed 2024 Arnold Classic fourth-place finisher Breon Ansley‘s shredded physique, noting bronze medalist Urs Kalecinski‘s larger legs gave edged out Ansley.
Featured image: @milossarcev on Instagram
