2021 Arnold Classic Confirmed For September 25 In Columbus
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Fans around the world were understandably disappointed when it was announced that the 2021 Arnold’s Sports Festival was postponed. While everyone understands just how devastating the pandemic restrictions have been to all major events, it was starting to look like the year was going to be a complete write-off. A short time ago we did bring some good news though. While it was not yet confirmed, sources were saying the Arnold’s Sports Festival had been rescheduled for September 25, 2021, in Columbus, OH. We’ve seen the United States begin to ease restrictions and get back to holding bodybuilding contests across the country. And now, after some long-awaited anticipation, the Arnold Sports Festival has made the official announcement that the 2021 Arnold Classic has been confirmed for September 25th in Columbus. A press release was just sent out announcing the details.
The Arnold Classic men’s bodybuilding championships, held annually since 1989, is the marquee event of the Arnold Sports Festival, the multi-sport festival founded by Schwarzenegger and Jim Lorimer as a one-day celebration of professional bodybuilding and physique sports.
This year’s Arnold Classic will pay homage to its roots as competitors in the Arnold Classic and three other IFBB Pro League events – Arnold Classic Physique, Fitness International and Bikini International – compete for bodybuilding’s most prestigious prize on the Battelle Grand stage at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. The 2021 Arnold Sports Festival, originally scheduled for March, was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“The Arnold Classic has been held for 32 consecutive years and it would be unthinkable to go a year without providing the athletes the opportunity to compete,” Schwarzenegger said. “My support of the sport of bodybuilding is enormous and, with the help of our sponsors, we are committed to making this year’s Arnold Classic a tremendous success.”
Five-time champion Dexter Jackson, four-time winner Flex Wheeler, three-time champ Jay Cutler and the great Ronnie Coleman are among the bodybuilding legends who have graced the Arnold Classic stage. William Bonac of the Netherlands took home the Arnold Classic trophy for the second time when he won the Arnold Classic in 2020.
In addition to Bonac, defending champions include Alex Cambronero of Miami (Arnold Classic Physique), Missy Truscott dual citizen of Canada and the USA (Fitness International), and Elisa Pecini of Brazil (Bikini International). Competitor lists for this year’s contests will be announced in early June. Tickets for the 2021 Arnold Classic will go on sale June 15.
The unfortunate part of this announcement is that it does not include mention of the other popular categories such as Figure International, Women’s Physique International, and Men’s Physique which would be the opportunity for Andre Fergusson to attempt a fourth straight championship title. By all accounts, it looks like the event will also take place without the other numerous sporting events, Arnold Amateur, or the Arnold Fitness EXPO.
The 2022 Arnold Sports Festival – including the Arnold Fitness EXPO, Arnold Classic, Arnold Amateur Bodybuilding Championships, and an unprecedented lineup of physique, strength, combat, and related sports and events – will return to the Greater Columbus Convention Center from March 3-6, 2022. More information will be released soon.
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Source: Arnold Sports Festival