The 2026 Arnold Classic UK is taking place from March 27-29 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. This show featured seven bodybuilding divisions: Open Bodybuilding, Classic Physique, Men’s Physique, Pro Wheelchair, Fitness, Bikini, and Wellness. Competitors brought their best physiques to pursue large cash prizes and Mr. Olympia qualifications.
With bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger‘s name attached to the event, the Arnold UK has quickly evolved into one of the most prestigious contests on the calendar. Over the years, it’s become a haven for fitness enthusiasts from across the globe.
The stakes are unprecedented; the Men’s Open champion will secure a massive $250,000 winner’s purse. Chinedu Andrew ‘Jacked’ Obiekea has a chance to clear $1 million in earnings after claiming the $750,000 grand prize at the Arnold Classic Ohio. From a packed expo and strongman action to the bodybuilding stage, this weekend won’t be one to miss.
2026 Arnold Classic UK Winners:
Men’s Open: Coming Soon!
Classic Physique: Mike Sommerfeld
Men’s Physique: Coming Soon!
Bikini: Coming Soon!
Fitness: Michelle Fredua-Mensah
Wellness: Rayane Fogal
Pro Wheelchair: Coming Soon!
2026 Arnold Classic UK Results and Prize Money
Below are the results and a recap of the bodybuilding action from the 2026 Arnold Classic UK:
Get Fitter, Faster
Level Up Your Fitness: Join our 💪 strong community in Fitness Volt Newsletter. Get daily inspiration, expert-backed workouts, nutrition tips, the latest in strength sports, and the support you need to reach your goals. Subscribe for free!
Classic Physique
It was the Classic Physique showdown we were all waiting for. Mike Sommerfeld successfully made weight and brought a tight package to the finals. After missing out on the Arnold Classic Ohio (failed to make weight), he was out to make a statement. Sommerfeld last tested himself at the 2025 Mr. Olympia, where he pushed Ramon Queiroz en route to a silver medal finish.
Meanwhile, Wesley Vissers appeared more conditioned than he was in Ohio. His lats and legs both improved, helping him hold his own in side and rear poses, which are two of Sommerfeld’s strengths.
Vissers came into this event with huge momentum; he secured back-to-back victories at the 2026 Arnold Classic Ohio and the Detroit Pro. After a pose-down in the finals, Mike Sommerfeld secured the big win, cementing his status as a frontrunner for the Mr. Olympia in September! Wesley Vissers took second place, and Jorge Herrera finished in third place.
Winner — Mike Sommerfeld
Second Place — Wesley Vissers
Third Place — Jorge Herrera
Fourth Place — Andrea Mammoli
Fifth Place — Joaquim Camps Angel
Sixth Place — Paul Kanu
Fitness
Fitness has turned into an extremely competitive bodybuilding category, and this show proved that. While a handful of contenders stood out during the prejudging physique rounds, fans knew it would come down to their individual posing routines in the finals.
Anna Fominas’s stage presence and athleticism gave her an early edge. She last competed at the Arnold Ohio and took fourth place. With time to work on her presentation, she made a powerful bid for gold. However, reigning Fitness Olympia and AC Fitness champ Michelle Fredua-Mensah was in the mix, and her posing routines are always must-watch.
In the end, Michelle Fredua-Mensah pulled off a rare three-peat – the Fitness Olympia title, Arnold Classic Fitness International title, and now the Arnold UK Fitness title.
Anna Fomina hit the podium in second place, and Michaela Pavleova took third place.
Winner — Michelle Fredua-Mensah
Second Place — Anna Fomina
Third Place — Michaela Pavleova
Fourth Place — Jeanine Renee Taddeo
Fifth Place — Tamara Vahn
Sixth Place — Stephanie Jones
Wellness
Wellness has rapidly become one of the most-watched categories in the sport. While the glitz and glam often get attention, the lower body muscle tone required takes tremendous discipline. Small details matter, like over-tensing the muscles onstage while walking.
In the finals, it turned into a two-woman war. Rayane Fogal brought another aesthetic physique, great glute-ham tie-ins, and balanced proportions. She put forth a dominant showing in her last outing, securing gold at the 2026 Arnold Classic Ohio.
In addition, Giselle Machado commanded the stage. Her tight waist made her front pose even more powerful, which gave her an edge during comparisons. Her last contest came at the AC Ohio, but she fell to seventh place. Following a tough battle, Rayane Fogal won her second consecutive title. Giselle Machado finished runner-up, and Wynter Adams took bronze.
Get Fitter, Faster
Level Up Your Fitness: Join our 💪 strong community in Fitness Volt Newsletter. Get daily inspiration, expert-backed workouts, nutrition tips, the latest in strength sports, and the support you need to reach your goals. Subscribe for free!
Winner — Rayane Fogal
Second Place — Giselle Machado
Third Place — Wynter Adams
Fourth Place — Alexis Drury
Fifth Place — Juliana Mota
Sixth Place — Josy Alves Macedo
Men’s Physique
Coming Soon!
Bikini
Coming Soon!
Men’s Open
Coming Soon!
Pro Wheelchair
Coming Soon!
2026 Arnold Classic UK Scorecards
Coming Soon!
Competitors are tasked with qualifying for the 2026 Mr. Olympia, which has become more challenging thanks to a new rule change. While the Men’s Open, Pro Wheelchair, and Fitness winners are guaranteed Mr. Olympia qualifications with Pro show wins, that doesn’t apply to the remaining categories.
Athletes from Classic Physique, Men’s Physique, Bikini, and Wellness must secure two Pro show victories or place in the top 25 in point standings by the end of the season (ends on August 30, 2026) to qualify for 2026 Mr. Olympia.
The 2026 Arnold Classic UK delivered plenty of triumphs and upsets. Our team at Fitness Volt congratulates all participants, especially the newly crowned champions!
Stay Updated with FitnessVolt
Get the latest fitness news, workouts & nutrition tips delivered to your feed
Tip: If you’re signed in to Google, tap Follow.
