TEHRAN – Hadi Choopan, known as the Persian wolf, won the 2024 Arnold Classic, proving he remains the number one contender for the Mr. Olympia title.

Bodybuilding fans were abuzz about the comparison between 2023 Arnold Classic champion Samson Dauda and 2022 Mr. Olympia winner Hadi Choopan in the final callout of pre-judging for the 2024 edition of the Arnold Classic in Columbus, OH.

The 2024 Arnold Classic final was held Saturday night at the Battelle Grand Ballroom in front of a sold-out crowd. The Men’s Open competitors were introduced and compared to confirm the judges’ decision. Choopan was awarded the title of 2024 Arnold Classic champion.

The two favorites kicked off the first callout in another head-to-head. The commentary team felt Choopan’s conditioning was the difference maker and predicted Choopan would take the title from the defending champion.

Dauda and Choopan were called out again in a third callout with the other top contenders, Brandao and Williams, who filled out well overnight from pre-judging.

Choopan won $300,000 and was presented the trophy by Arnold Schwarzenegger. The champion will return at the Mr. Olympia in Las Vegas, NV, on Oct. 10-13, 2024. He will be considered the top contender to reigning Mr. Olympia champion Derek Lunsford, barbend.com reported.