💪 A Shocker at the 2023 Arnold Classic!

Just months removed from one of the most shocking Olympias in bodybuilding history, many of the biggest names in the sport returned to the stage this weekend for the 2023 Arnold Classic. Seven divisions were up for grabs in Columbus, Ohio, and we've got the highlights from a packed two days of showdowns and posedowns.

In a surprise finish, Samson Dauda beat out a top-tier field — including favorite Nick Walker — to win the highly anticipated Men’s Open division contest.

​​Ramon Rocha Queiroz took first in the Classic Physique division and is now the biggest threat to Chris Bumstead’s Olympia dynasty.

And in the Bikini contest, Lauralie Chapados secured her second consecutive victory at the Arnold, topping 2022 Olympia Bikini champ Maureen Blanquisco.

Head here to see the full results from every division. And check out our deep dive into some of the highlights from the show below.

MEN’S OPEN RESULTS

Dauda Stuns in Columbus

The consensus among most bodybuilding analysts was that the 2023 Arnold Classic was Nick Walker's title to lose. Even though he came in third at last year's Mr. Olympia, "The Mutant" was looking better than ever on social media in recent weeks, and it seemed like the stars had aligned for him to have a historic trip to Columbus. Unfortunately for Walker, Samson Dauda didn't follow the script.

Coming in with unreal size, symmetry, and conditioning, Dauda surprised the bodybuilding world by topping a stacked field that included Walker, Andrew Jacked, and Big Ramy.

Is Dauda ready to crack the top three at the Mr. Olympia later this year? While that's still up in the air, he definitely made a statement that the entire sport should take notice of.

Here's the full top five from the event:

1. Samson Dauda

2. Nick Walker

3. Andrew Jacked

4. Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay

5. Shaun Clarida

CLASSIC PHYSIQUE RESULTS

Ramon Rocha Queiroz Arrives

If you follow bodybuilding, you no doubt know all about Ramon Rocha Queiroz. Sure, Chris Bumstead won the Classic Physique Olympia for the fourth time in 2022, but Queiroz claimed a close — and we’re talking close — runner-up spot. He also came in second at the 2022 Arnold Classic, falling just behind Terrence Ruffin.

Queiroz finally got the monkey off his back at the Arnold Classic this weekend, beating out the likes of Urs Kalecinski and Courage Opara for the top spot at the show. Not only is the Arnold title a huge, career-defining moment for ​​Queiroz, but it could foreshadow even bigger things at the 2023 Olympia. Here’s the top five:

1. Ramon Rocha Queiroz

2. Urs Kalecinski

3. Alex Cambronero

4. Mike Sommerfeld

5. Courage Opara

2023 BIKINI INTERNATIONAL RESULTS

Chapados Defends the Throne

Out of the seven IFBB Pro League shows at the 2023 Arnold Classic, Bikini International may have been the most competitive. The defending champion, Lauralie Chapados, battled against 2022 Olympia winner Maureen Blanquisco and the 2021 Arnold and Olympia winner Jennifer Dorie.

Seven of the nine competitors were looking for their first Arnold title, while Ashley Kaltwasser wanted to add to her record 37 wins to become the first three-time winner in history.

Ultimately, the total package Chapados brought to the show was unbeatable, and she secured the title defense. Here's who ended up in the top five:

1. Lauralie Chapados

2. Maureen Blanquisco

3. Jennifer Dorie

4. Ashley Kaltwasser

5. Romina Basualdo

MORE 2023 ARNOLD CLASSIC COVERAGE

Harold Kelley Dominates (What Else Is New?)

• After briefly losing his Arnold Classic Wheelchair division title in 2022, Harold Kelley returned with a vengeance to reclaim his crown. That makes six Arnold Classic wins for Kelley in his career.

• Ariel Khadr bounced back from a third-place effort at the Olympia to win her second consecutive Miss Fitness International contest at the Arnold Classic. ​​

• Just months after winning his first Olympia title, Erin Banks secured his second consecutive Men's Physique win at the Arnold.