Steve Kuclo is looking absolutely peeled three weeks before his fifth Arnold Classic USA appearance, and he wants the world to know.
On Feb. 12, 2022, “King Snake” posted a video of himself performing seated dumbbell curls on his Instagram. In the video, Kuclo’s arm definition and vascularity are apparent. Many competitors opt to keep their physiques under wraps before a show, but Kuclo seems more interested in showing off his hard work and drumming up hype before the second most popular show in bodybuilding.
View this post on Instagram
The 2022 Arnold Classic, scheduled for Mar. 3-5, 2022 at Battelle Grand Ballroom of the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, OH, is three weeks away.
Judging by his latest Instagram posts, and the willingness of Kuclo to share these videos, one can argue that Kuclo’s package three weeks out of the 2022 Arnold Classic is his best ever. And that would track.
In 2018, Kuclo’s first AC appearance, he placed fifth. In 2019 he dropped one place to sixth. Kuclo earned fourth place in 2020 and then an impressive third-place finish in 2021. Barring that one drop from 2018 to 2019, Kuclo has been on a steady rise at the Arnold Classic. With the 2021 champion, Nick Walker, sitting this show out, Kuclo’s chances look even better.
Steve Kuclo’s Peeled Conditioning For 2022 Arnold Classic
Steve Kuclo has not only been consistent with his training, but also with sharing his progress with his fans. On Feb. 10, 2022, Kuclo shared a photo on Instagram showing off his insane vascularity.
Kuclo’s last pro show win came in 2019 when he won the Indy Pro. His physique updates are proof that he is hungry for his next title win.
View this post on Instagram
However, Kuclo is expecting stiff competition from the 2019 Arnold Classic and Mr. O. champion Brandon Curry, 2020 AC champ William Bonac, and the 2017 AC winner, Cedric McMillan. All previous AC champs are making a comeback after missing the 2021 edition of the show.
The Arnold Classic USA is considered the second biggest bodybuilding contest after the prestigious Mr. Olympia. Winning the 2022 AC is also a direct ticket to the Mr. Olympia (set for Dec. 16-18 in Las Vegas, NV.). Kuclo wasn’t able to qualify for the 2021 Mr. Olympia. In total, he’s competed in six Olympias, his best finish being sixth place in 2019.
2022 Arnold Classic Bodybuilding Roster
- William Bonac (Netherlands)
- Maxx Charles (USA)
- Brandon Curry (USA)
- Samson Dauda (United Kingdom)
- Regan Grimes (Canada)
- Steve Kuclo (USA)
- Cedric McMillan (USA)
- Fabio Giga Rezende (Brasil)
- Justin Rodriguez (USA)
- Brett Wilkin (USA)
- Akim Williams (USA)
Note: The Men’s Open roster originally had 14 competitors. However, Rafael Brandao, Nathan De Asha, and Mohamed Shaaban all withdrew.
Olympia Qualifying Criteria
Every athlete competing at an IFBB pro show has their eyes set on Mr. O. Here are the criteria to qualify for the 2022 Mr. Olympia:
- Olympia winners earn an automatic lifetime qualification for the division they won the title in. (If an athlete wants to compete in a new division, they have to qualify again.)
- The top five in the Men’s Open division at the 2021 Olympia qualify for the 2022 Mr. O.
- The top three in the other 10 divisions qualify for the 2022 Mr. O.
- Any winner of a pro show between Sept. 13, 2021, and Nov. 20, 2022, qualify for their specific division.
- The top three point-holders in each division will qualify for the 2022 Olympia.
- Athletes can also receive a special invite from the Olympia team.
2022 Mr. Olympia Qualified Bodybuilders
As of Feb. 12, 2022, here is the list of bodybuilders qualified to compete at the 2022 Mr. O:
- Nick Walker (USA)
- Nathan De Asha (UK)
- Mamdouh Elssbiay (Egypt)
- Brandon Curry (USA)
- Hadi Choopan (Iran)
- Hunter Labrada (USA)
- Shaun Clarida (USA)
- Regan Grimes (Canada)
- Samson Dauda (UK)
- Rafael Brandao (Brazil)
- Angel Calderon Frias (Spain)
- Joel Thomas (USA)
Point Standings For 2022 Mr. Olympia Qualification
The point standing to qualify for the 2022 Mr. O as of Feb. 12, 2022:
- Quinton Eriya (Canada), 11
- Iain Valliere (Canada), 10
- Steve Kuclo (USA), 9
- Justin Rodriguez (USA), 8
- Theo Leguerrier (France), 8
- Emir Omeragic (Germany), 8
- Akim Williams (USA), 7
- Roelly Winklaar (Curacao), 7
- Joseph Seeman (Canada), 7
- Patrick Johnson (Denmark), 6
- Eiren Gauley (Canada), 6
- Krystian Wolski (Poland), 5
- Vladyslav Sukhoruchko (Ukraine), 5
- Sergio Oliva, Jr (USA), 5
- Behrooz Tabani Abarghani (Iran), 5
- Eric Salazar (USA), 5
- Stan de Longeaux (USA), 5
- Tonio Burton (USA), 4
- Mohamed Shaaban (Egypt), 4
- Martin Fitzwater (USA), 3
- Dani Kaganovich (Israel), 3
- Andrea Presti (Italy), 2
- Mohamed El Emam (Egypt), 2
- Mohammad Alnsoor (Jordan), 2
- Mohamed El Fatah Hassan (Egypt), 1
- Eduardo Rodriguez (Paraguay), 1
2022 Arnold Classic Point Awards
According to the Olympia scoring system, AC is a Tier 1 show — meaning, the second through fifth-place finishers of the show earn the following points:
- 2nd – 10 points
- 3rd – 9 points
- 4th – 8 points
- 5th – 7 points
2022 Arnold Classic Men’s Open Bodybuilding Schedule
- Prejudging — Friday, Mar 04: 7:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m. * Columbus Convention Center, Battelle Grand
- Finals — Saturday, Mar 05: 7:00 p.m.-10:00 .p.m. Columbus Convention Center, Battelle Grand
* Times are in Eastern Standard Time (EST)
Featured Image: @stevekuclo on Instagram
