2021 Arnold Classic UK Preview: Who Will Be the First Champion?
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By Roger Lockridge
There aren’t a lot of opportunities to be a first in the sport of bodybuilding. On the rare occurrence that a chance does take place, whoever it is that takes advantage is sure to be remembered for many years to come. For example, Larry Scott was the first Mr. Olympia in 1965. Rich Gaspari became the first Arnold Classic Champion in 1989. Gaspari is now mentioned every year when that contest comes around. On October 2nd, 2021, another history marking event will occur when the first Arnold Classic UK Champion is crowned in Birmingham, England. 13 men will compete and pose down for that honor. The winner will also be the first athlete to qualify for the 2022 Mr. Olympia. Here are the favorites going into that contest.
Nathan DeAsha
The home stage advantage belongs to the former British amateur champion. “The Prophecy” has finished as high as 7th in the Olympia, and he has to be considered the early favorite. He had to face legal issues surrounding restrictions in his home country over the past year, but he is now locked in and focused on winning this contest. If he does it, then it will be his seventh professional victory. His conditioning has to be on point, and being bigger than in the past will help his cause as well.
Regan Grimes
Grimes has done his home country of Canada proud so far in his young career. This will be his first competition since the 2020 Olympia where he placed 15th, but his followers are highly anticipating what he will bring to Birmingham because the long offseason has served him well. He has added quality size onto his 5 foot, 11 inch frame without affecting his symmetry. He isn’t known for missing the mark, but he certainly has to be on point for this contest if he wants to beat someone with the caliber of physique that DeAsha has. Another interesting fact: DeAsha started competing as a pro in 2016, and Grimes began his pro career one year later. This will be the first time that the two stars will share a stage. The closest they had come to competing together was at the 2018 Olympia. DeAsha finished 8th in the Open, and Grimes finished 8th in the Classic Physique division.
Samson Dauda
There are four British competitors in this contest, and Dauda should certainly not be overlooked. He has yet to achieve victory in the IFBB Pro League, but he has been in contention on multiple occasions. His last onstage appearance was a runner-up effort at the Monsterzym Pro. If there is to be a dark horse in this lineup, then the four year pro would be a good one to keep an eye on.
2021 Arnold Classic UK Competitor List (in alphabetical order)
- Gabor Berek
- Roberto Buonomo
- Jamie Christian-Johal
- Kuba Cielen
- Samson Dauda
- Nathan DeAsha
- Regan Grimes
- Patrick Johnson
- Theo Leguerrier
- Mauro Olejniczak
- Joe Seemen
- Ole Kristian Vaaga
- Krystian Wolski