Bodybuilding

Brandon Curry saw off competition from William Bonac and Hadi Choopan to be crowned Mr. Olympia 2019 on Saturday at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

The 36-year-old claimed the title for the first time in his career and becomes the 15th contestant to lift bodybuilding's prestigious Sandow Trophy.

Curry's victory also sees him take home the top prize-money payout of $400,000, while Bonac collects $150,000 and Choopan wins $100,000, per Derek Hall of Middle Easy.

    

Mr. Olympia 2019 Prize Payouts

1. Brandon Curry: $400,000

2. William Bonac: $150,000

3. Hadi Choopan: $100,000

4. Dexter Jackson: $45,000

5. Roelly Winklaar: $40,000

   

Curry lived up to his billing as one of the pre-tournament favourites in the absence of 2018 championShawn Rhoden and seven-time winner Phil Heath.

The American followed up his win at the Arnold Classic USA in March with another impressive display and was a cut above the rest when it came to physique, conditioning and symmetry.

Curry spoke to RxMuscle's Siddique Farooqi about his "overwhelming" win afterwards and how he had prepared for the event:

Bonac finished second to Curry at the Arnold Classic, and it was the same result for the 37-year-old in Las Vegas. The result is his highest finish at Mr. Olympia, beating his previous best of third in 2017, and comes despite the Ghanaian firing his coach Neil Hill in the buildup to the event.

Meanwhile, Choopan not only finished third but also took home the People's Champion title on his first appearance at Mr. Olympia:

Mr. Olympia 2019: Hadi Choopan of Iran Wins People Choice Awardhttps://t.co/aDUeVAv07E#MrOlympia2019 #mrolympia #HadiChoopan pic.twitter.com/qtLuEnL9mm

— Iran Front Page - IFP News (@IranFrontPage) September 15, 2019

The popular Iranian has enjoyed an eventful few weeks. He only landed in the United States at the end of August after finally gaining a visa that ensured he would be able to compete, per Generation Iron.

Choopan was also involved in a backstage "verbal fight" during the competition:

REPORT: Hadi Choopan gets into verbal fight with members of Oxygen Gym backstage at Olympia 2019. #Olympia2019 #HadiChoopan #Bodybuilding #GenerationIron

Full story: https://t.co/5YVInj4sCk pic.twitter.com/NkmTuVxxvB

— GENERATION IRON (@GenerationIron) September 14, 2019

However, the 31-year-old more than deserved his third place and surprised many with an impressive performance on his debut.

Yet the title belongs to Curry who maintained his momentum from the Arnold Classic and will be hoping to continue his success.

He can expect Bonac and Choopan to continue to challenge, while great rivals Heath and Kai Greene could return for Mr. Olympia 2020, according to Tom Miller at Fitness Volt.

Brandon Curry did what was expected and took the prize as the Mr. Olympia titleholder for 2019 on Saturday. The American was the clear favourite and dominated the signature event.

There was no room in the field for Phil Heath, who has won this title seven times previously but opted against competing this year. It left Curry to impress the judges more than William Bonac and 31-year-old Iranian Hadi Choopan.

The official website for the Arnold Sports Festival lists Curry at 5'8" and 260 pounds, and he caught the eye with his massive frame and vivid definition.

Curry appeared in flawless condition when he took the stage at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Proving that his win at this year's Arnold Classic back in March was no fluke, The Prodigy flexed his way through a solid routine to earn the $400,000 in prize money due the winner.

Here is video of Curry showing off the classic bodybuilder look alongside his nearest rivals captured during the final:

Speaking to Charles Thomas of Muscular Development, Curry said he was "tired, but happy" and "in a mixed state of consciousness" trying to "process" the result.

New Mr. Olympia Brandon Curry! Interview with the champion up now —> https://t.co/P2hDSdpdJn pic.twitter.com/p4hLNV9SG8

— Muscular Development (@MuscularDevelop) September 15, 2019

Curry also told Thomas he felt the title was his once prejudging had been brought to a close.

One of the first to congratulate Curry was former Arnold Classic champion Shawn Ray:

And the NEW MR OLYMPIA CHAMPION, Brandon Curry!
Come visit us in Waikiki, Hawaii November 23rd where we welcome our new King of Bodybuilding at the NPC Shawn Ray Hawaiian Classic!https://t.co/lZrG3iaDYp pic.twitter.com/m6ilxamzTS

— shawn ray (@sugarshawnray) September 15, 2019

It was also an excellent day for Choopan. He took the People's Champion award to cap a remarkable Mr. Olympia debut for the bodybuilder who only received his visa to compete on U.S. soil a few weeks prior to the event, according to Generation Iron.

Speaking to Muscular Development through a translator, Choopan called his third-place finish "a big team effort." He also said "first and foremost, the biggest win that I had was getting the visa and then becoming a champion."

The PEOPLE’S CHAMPION! Hadi Choopan post-Olympia interview —> https://t.co/lpBnqqInBe pic.twitter.com/5NtrUfxeCt

— Muscular Development (@MuscularDevelop) September 15, 2019

Most of the focus stayed on Curry, though, understandably given the 36-year-old's special night. By adding the Olympia to the Arnold Classic, he matched the exploits of Dexter Jackson, who also won both titles in the same year back in 2008.

The competitor known as The Blade was involved on Saturday, finishing fourth ahead of 2018 People's Champion Roelly Winklaar. Jackson's placing was called a "slight upset" by Generation Iron, who tabbed the 49-year-old for fifth or sixth, even though Jackson had been confident ahead of prejudging.

Last nights pre judging.. I was in first call outs but feel I can improve with a fuller package tonight. Wish me luck! #dex #dexter #dexterjackson #dexterjacksonclassic #dexterjacksonproductions #mro #mrolympia… https://t.co/KwX5yZ0r2I

— Dexter Jackson (@MrOlympia08) September 14, 2019

Jackson was once the dominant force of the sport, but Curry now appears primed to merit that particular distinction after a terrific year.

With Shawn Rhoden and Phil Heath set to miss the competition, the race for the 2019 Mr Olympia is wide open.

Rhoden was the shock winner in 2018, pipping Heath to the Sandow Trophy. However, he will not be present to defend his title a year on, as his permission to participate has been revoked after he was charged with rape in July. 

After seeing his run of seven successes in a row ended last year, Heath will have to wait another 12 months to get his hands on the most prestigious title in bodybuilding. He denied speculation regarding a possible surprise return recently, reaffirming his intention to take a year out.

It means there's a chance for a new star of the sport to emerge. Here is the schedule for the weekend and a preview of what to expect at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

     

Event Schedule

Saturday, September 14, 7 p.m. (PT): Finals of Mr. Olympia, Bikini Olympia, Men's Physique Olympia and Classic Physique Olympia

    

Past Winners

Unsurprisingly, with Heath going for an eighth title in a row a year ago, few anticipated the Sandow Trophy would end up in anyone else's grasp. But Rhoden was able to surprise the world with his condition on the biggest stage in bodybuilding.

This year, the defending champion will not be in action. Per Jacob Ladon of Generation Iron, competition organisers American Media LLC decided to suspend Rhoden from the Olympia events rape charges being filed against him.

Per TMZ, Rhoden was charged with first-degree rape in Utah in July. He was accused of sexually assaulting a female body builder in October 2018. Rhoden has denied the charges but turned himself in to police in Utah after an arrest warrant was issued.

Heath is also poised to sit the competition out. After social media footage showed him in excellent condition lately, there was some buzz about the seven-time champion returning to action. However, he dismissed the speculation ahead of the event, per Jonathan Salmon of Generation Iron:

"I am thankful to finally announce that I am not competing at this year's 2019 Mr. Olympia contest. 

"As many people have known me throughout my career to compete at the sports biggest event, I will be sitting this one out, as I continue to work on other projects, inside and outside of bodybuilding. 

"I haven't stopped training, as bodybuilding is something I extremely enjoy doing, but at this point in time, I have chosen to bypass this year's event."

With the aforementioned pair not involved, the only former champion in the field this year is 2008 winner Dexter Jackson.

The Mr. Olympia Twitter account noted that it'll be a landmark appearance in the event for Jackson:

The one & only DEXTER “THE BLADE” JACKSON competes in his 20th Mr. Olympia next weekend. Can he win the title, again? #ExperienceTheOlympia Dexter Jackson pic.twitter.com/DjFW3RyHJ8

— Mr. Olympia LLC (@MrOlympiaLLC) September 5, 2019

Even so, at the age of 49, it would be a massive shock if he was to clinch the Sandow Trophy, 11 years on from his first success. A year ago, Rhoden tied the record for the oldest Mr. Olympia victor at 43.

There are still those who believe Jackson is capable of victory, though:

Dex, Bonac, curry. There’s your top 3.

Next. https://t.co/6DmqvUF5bj

— Muscle Phone™ (@MusclePhone) September 10, 2019

In 2018, Roelly Winklaar was in third, although he's not enjoyed the best season so far, finishing in fifth at the Arnold Classic Ohio. The Curaçaoan will be doing all he can to be a force in this wide-open field.

Past champions Phil Heath, Jay Cutler and Shawn Rhoden will not be competing at the 2019 Mr. Olympia.

Four-time winner Cutler has not participated since 2013, while Phil Heath—whose seven-year winning streak was broken by Rhoden last year—is not taking part.

Rhoden will not compete after America Media LLC revoked his eligibility to compete "in the 2019 and future Mr. Olympia competitions" after he was charged with felony rape, felony object rape and felony forcible sexual assault in July.

Per Gretel Kauffman of KSL.com, Rhoden has been accused of raping a female bodybuilder in a Utah hotel room in October. TMZ reported Rhoden turned himself in to the police and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

                  

Date: Saturday, September 14

Time: 7 p.m. PT, 10 p.m. ET, 3 a.m. BST (Sunday)

Where: Orleans Arena, Las Vegas

Prize Money: $1.4 million total ($400,000 for first)

The full schedule is available at the competition's official website.

       

2008 winner Dexter Jackson is the only previous champion competing in the field this year.

The veteran is two months shy of his 50th birthday in November, and he'll be making his 20th appearance at the event:

The one & only DEXTER “THE BLADE” JACKSON competes in his 20th Mr. Olympia next weekend. Can he win the title, again? #ExperienceTheOlympia Dexter Jackson pic.twitter.com/DjFW3RyHJ8

— Mr. Olympia LLC (@MrOlympiaLLC) September 5, 2019

Jackson has a record 29 IFBB bodybuilding titles, most recently winning the Tampa Pro event in August, and he'll hope he can use his experience to his advantage on Saturday.

Brandon Curry will also be among the favourites.

He only placed fifth at Mr. Olympia last year, but his victory at the Arnold Classic in March will put him in contention:

BRANDON CURRY WINS THE ARNOLD CLASSIC....AND QUALIFIES FOR THE 2019 OLYMPIA!!! #Olympia2019 pic.twitter.com/AbusmigGc8

— Mr. Olympia LLC (@MrOlympiaLLC) March 3, 2019

Amid talk of an open field, the 36-year-old feels he's in pole position to win the title.

"It's wide open they say, but I've got that door handle in my hand," he said. "It's my time right now, it's all about timing, and yeah I'm ready to close that door man. I don't see a better opportunity, I don't see a better weekend to have this happen. It's all about now and I'm ready."

Cutler believes Hadi Choopan's presence could upset the apple cart, and he's looking forward to seeing how he fares against Jackson:

The Iranian won gold in the IFBB Vancouver Pro this year, as well as in last year's Asia Grand Prix and IFBB Portugal Pro.

Roelly Winklaar is another to watch out for. The Curacao-born bodybuilder only came fifth in this year's Arnold Classic, but he finished third last year at Mr. Olympia.

With the two men who finished in front of him—Rhoden and Heath—not competing, he'll also fancy his chances.

Saturday's 2019 Mr. Olympia contest is a difficult one to call, with the two previous winners not competing in Las Vegas.

Shawn Rhoden is the current champion after unseating seven-time winner Phil Heath last year. However, Rhoden has been barred from competing after American Media LLC revoked his eligibility following sexual assault allegations.

Rhoden turned himself in to Utah police on July 23 and pled not guilty to felony rape, object rape and forcible sexual assault charges, according to TMZ.

Heath also won't be competing after releasing a statement to say he's working on other projects, per Jonathan Salmon of Generation Iron.

Here's a look at some of the top competitors to keep an eye on in their absence.

     

Dexter Jackson

The 2008 champion is among this year's top dark horses, and if there ever was a time for the 49-year-old to bag his second title, this would be the year.

A five-time winner of the Arnold Classic, Jackson finished second at the Mr. Olympia as recently as 2015. He had to settle for seventh place last year, but he did win the Tampa Pro this year. His 29 IFBB titles trump every other competitor in history, and the veteran knows every trick in the book as far as posing goes.

   

William Bonac

Bonac is last year's Arnold Classic winner, and he has been remarkably consistent in the last few years. He took fourth place at last year's Mr. Olympia behind Rhoden, Heath and Roelly Winklaar, placed second in this year's Arnold Classic and won the Arnold Classic Australia.

One of the shorter competitors in the field, Bonac stands out for the amount of muscle he can put on such a small frame, as well as his balance.

His midsection has been the one area holding him back, and there are some questions regarding his decision to part with his trainer during the summer, per Generation Iron:

Was it the right move for William Bonac to drop Neil Hill so close to the Olympia 2019? Let's break it down: https://t.co/fqXvyV2zYv

@nickworldclass #WilliamBonac #NeilHill #Fired #Bodybuilding #GenerationIron pic.twitter.com/yM6W15I0BV

— GENERATION IRON (@GenerationIron) July 16, 2019

Bonac seems a safe bet to place in the top five, and this could be the year he finally captures the top prize.

    

Roelly Winklaar

Winklaar beat everyone but Heath and Rhoden in last year's competition, but he has struggled in 2019. He finished in fifth place at the Arnold Classic, carrying some poor conditioning into the contest.

The Dutch Beast has some of the best features in the field, with a tremendous midsection and shoulders. If his conditioning is on point, he should place in the top two, but that conditioning remains a question mark.

   

Brandon Curry

After winning this year's Arnold Classic, Curry is among the top picks to win this year's Mr. Olympia.

He has been steadily building up his form and physique, taking fifth place last year and improving from there.

Conditioning has long been one of his strengths, but the American also brings awesome size and balance to the table.

Even in a full-strength field, Curry would have been among the favourites. With Heath and Rhoden out of the competition, the title appears his for the taking.

Mr. Olympia 2019 promises to be one of the most open and exciting tournaments in recent years, with a new winner set to be crowned at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Defending champion Shawn Rhoden will not feature after having his eligibility revoked by Olympia's parent company American Media Inc. (AMI) after he was charged with rape in Utah, per FitnessVolt.com. Rhoden has denied the charges but turned himself in to police in July, per TMZ Sports.

Seven-time champion Phil Heath has also announced he will sit this one out. Heath told Ron Harris at Muscular Development that he has "chosen to bypass this year's event."

Australian bodybuilding champion Josh Lenartowicz is another big name not competing in 2019 after undergoing surgery on a tumour on his skull, while Kai Greene and Mamdouh "Big Ramy" Elssbiay also miss out, per Roger Lockridge at Barbend.com. 

All of which means the title is there for the taking, and stars such as Hadi Choopan, Roelly Winklaar, Brandon Curry, William Bonac and Dexter Jackson head into the event as the favourites.

The 2019 winner will take home $400,000 from a total prize money pot of $1.4 million, which is a new tournament record, per Derek Hall at FitnessVolt.com.

The first event is on Friday at 7 p.m. local time (10 p.m. ET/3 a.m. BST Sat), and the full schedule is available via the tournament's official website.

        

Top Bodybuilders and Predictions

Curry heads into Mr. Olympia 2019 after a great win over Bonac at the Arnold Classic USA in March.

It is the first time he has won the title, although he has clinched victory at the 2013 Arnold Classic Brasil and the 2017 Arnold Classic Australia:

BRANDON CURRY WINS THE ARNOLD CLASSIC....AND QUALIFIES FOR THE 2019 OLYMPIA!!! #Olympia2019 pic.twitter.com/AbusmigGc8

— Mr. Olympia LLC (@MrOlympiaLLC) March 3, 2019

The 36-year-old put in the best performance of his career at the Arnold Classic, and if he can come up with something similar in Las Vegas, he looks destined to win the Sandow.

Curry only finished fifth at the 2018 Mr. Olympia, an improvement on his eighth-placed finish in 2017, but he heads into the event looking in the best shape of his career and certain to improve on that placement.

The American told RxMuscle (h/t Hall) in the buildup to the event that he thinks he is in his "prime season" and is not short of confidence.

He added: "Winning is the ideal, so right now I've just got a winner's mindset, and I know what it takes. I know what it takes to win."

He will face fierce competition from Winklaar, who placed third at this event in 2018. The Dutch star has been training hard in the gym, and his impressive physique will take some beating:

Via @roellywinklaar 8 weeks out @mrolympiallc

Get your Tickets TODAY for the 2019 Olympia Weekend!
Go to: https://t.co/4Oao0yNo8q pic.twitter.com/FILRp2KydC

— Mr. Olympia LLC (@MrOlympiaLLC) July 19, 2019

Jackson is another strong contender who has been wowing fans on social media with his progress ahead of the event.

The Blade will turn 50 in November but has shown absolutely no signs of slowing down:

Dexter Jackson is looking like a world beater in his latest post to social media. #bodybuilding https://t.co/3s4LJRRNxG pic.twitter.com/9sAJA8d1a3

— GENERATION IRON (@GenerationIron) August 14, 2019

The 49-year-old claimed the 2019 Tampa Pro in August and heads to Las Vegas hoping to win Mr. Olympia for the second time in his career and for the first time since 2008.

There will be no shortage of quality on show at Mr. Olympia 2019, despite some of the big stars missing out, but Curry looks to have the edge on his rivals and is the man to beat in Las Vegas this weekend.

Bodybuilder Shawn Rhoden, who won the 2018 Mr. Olympia, has a warrant out for his arrest on charges related to an alleged sexual assault. 

Per court documents obtained by Gretel Kauffman of KSL.com, Rhoden has been accused of raping a female bodybuilder in a Utah hotel room on Oct. 12, 2018. He's been charged with felony rape, felony object rape and felony forcible sexual abuse. 

Per TMZ Sports, Rhoden has not yet been arrested since the warrant was issued on Thursday.

Per the charging documents, the woman said Rhoden "forced himself on her and sexually assaulted her, despite her trying to push him away and telling him repeatedly to stop." 

She said Rhoden eventually let her go when she said an acquaintance who was waiting in the hotel lobby would "know something [was] up" if she wasn't there. 

Police said a DNA sample found on the woman's body matched with Rhoden, per Kauffman. 

Rhoden has competed in every Mr. Olympia since 2011. The Jamaican-born bodybuilder tied Chris Dickerson as the oldest winner in the event's history (43 years old) when he was won last year.  

Sunday marked the fourth and final day of the 2019 Arnold Sports Festival at the Columbus Convention Center in Columbus, Ohio, which meant one thing—the Rogue Record Breakers took center stage.

It serves as the annual culmination of the event after the majority of the headline competitions were in the rearview mirror by Sunday.

Hafthor Bjornsson, who is best known for his role as The Mountain on HBO's Game of Thrones, repeated as the Arnold Strongman champion on Saturday. Janet Layug also topped the Bikini International competition on the same day, while Natalia Coelho (Arnold Classic Women's Physique champion) and George Peterson (Classic Physique champion) impressed Friday.

Sunday was about more than just the Rogue Record Breakers, as the event's official website noted there was a foosball tournament, 5K run, Spartan obstacle course, jump rope competition and ninja warrior competition, among other events.

Still, those served as the appetizers for the Rogue Record Breakers and the chance to earn significant recognition.

According to the event's official website, anyone who breaks a world record during the Rogue Record Breakers was awarded with $5,000 and a submission into the Guinness Book of Records.

The chance at smashing records meant more opportunities for Bjornsson to impress in Ohio's capital city. He took center stage alongside Spencer Tyler in the Men's Weight Throw that asked competitors to throw a 56-pound weight over a bar that was more than 20 feet in the air.

Bjornsson already owned the record from his 2018 performance in which he threw the weight over a 20-foot bar, but he solidified himself atop the leaderboard with another record-setting performance Sunday. He launched the 56-pound weight over a bar of 20'2", giving him another chance to flex for the crowd:

New Record! @ThorBjornsson_ breaks his own record in the weight over bar during Rogue Record Breakers! 56lb weight over 20’2”.

Rep the Thor Record Breaker Shirt: https://t.co/Xgd8bBWGEd pic.twitter.com/6PSOYkqpmB

— Rogue Fitness (@RogueFitness) March 3, 2019

He wasn't the only one to impress by breaking his own, as Mateusz Kieliszkowski did the same by finishing five reps in the stone to shoulder event.

Kieliszkowski stole the spotlight for a moment, but the 2019 Arnold Sports Festival belonged to Bjornsson yet again by winning the Arnold Strongman for the second straight year and adding to his own record.

It will be up to the rest of the field next year to change that as the world's best weightlifters and bodybuilders head to central Ohio for the annual challenges.

The third day of the Arnold Sports Festival at the Columbus Convention Center in Ohio's capital city presented more superhuman feats and crowned a new controversial winner in the Arnold Classic competition.

Other events throughout the day spanned from body painting to CrossFit, pickleball, swimming, amateur boxing and much more. The full event schedule for Saturday can be viewed on the Arnold Sports official website.

Saturday concluded having declared champions in events including Arnold Strongman Classic, Bikini International, Arnold Classic, Men's Physique and Pro Men's Wheelchair.

The most universally recognizable name belongs to Hafthor Bjornsson, who plays The Mountain on HBO's Game of Thrones. Bjornsson is pivoting nicely to a life outside of the soon-ending Game of Thrones, repeating as Arnold Strongman champion:

No one can stop @ThorBjornsson_ . Congrats to the 2019 Arnold Strongman Champion on his repeat victory!https://t.co/r5bl7vAej9 pic.twitter.com/SJnCzjuing

— Rogue Fitness (@RogueFitness) March 3, 2019

https://twitter.com/ArnoldSports/status/1102030232117112832

While Bjornsson went home with the highest honor, Ray Williams did set a new squatting record of 1,080 pounds.

Elsewhere, Janet Layug topped Bikini International. She placed ahead of Isa Pecini (second place), Ashley Kaltwasser (third place), Jennifer Dorie (fourth place), Marcia Goncalves (fifth place) and Lauralie Chapados (sixth place). Arnold Schwarzenegger, the event's host, personally congratulated Layug on stage:

https://twitter.com/ArnoldSports/status/1102038288242757633

Another champion didn't receive as warm of a welcome as RXMuscle wondered if Brandon Curry should have won the Arnold Classic over defending champion William Bonac. Bonac finished second behind Curry followed by Luke Sandoe (third), Cedric McMillan (fourth), Roelly Winklaar (fifth) and Steve Kuclo (sixth).

THE WINNER, AND NEWWW ARNOLD CLASSIC CHAMPION, BRANDON CURRY!

Arnold Classic Final Placings:

1. Brandon Curry
2. William Bonac
3. Luke Sandoe
4. Cedric McMillan
5. Roelly Winklaar
6. Steve Kuclo pic.twitter.com/4SsjO25dO0

— RXMuscle.com (@RXMuscledotcom) March 3, 2019

LUKE SANDOE: Aside from the top-2 of Curry and Bonac, the British sensation has grabbed a large share of the conversation today, finishing with a highly impressive top-3 rank.

What did you make of "The Juggernaut" in his 2019 Arnold Classic showing? pic.twitter.com/o1arxZ6zwg

— RXMuscle.com (@RXMuscledotcom) March 3, 2019

Andre Ferguson claimed the top prize in Men's Physique, per NPC News Online. The top five rounded out with Raymont Edmonds in second, Kyron Holden in third, Logan Franklin in fourth and George Brown in fifth.

NPC News Online also provided results for Pro Men's Wheelchair. Harold Kelley won the event with Kris Dim (second), Anand Arnold (third), Joshua Rucker (fourth) and Tyler Brey (fifth) finishing behind him.

The festival will conclude on Sunday, and the final day's full schedule can be viewed here.

The 2019 Arnold Sports Festival wrapped up its second day of action at the Columbus Convention Center in Ohio on Friday night.

The self-proclaimed world's largest multisport festival—named after Arnold Schwarzenegger—is hosted in Ohio's capital city annually and welcomes some of the world's most acclaimed bodybuilders. 

Outside of bodybuilding, those at the expo could enjoy fitness and yoga, body painting, foosball and a meet-and-greet, among many other events. The full event schedule for the four-day event can be viewed on the Arnold Sports Festival's official website.

Friday's action concluded finals for Fitness International, Figure International, Women's Physique and Classic Physique. 

Cydney Gillon took home the top prize in Miss Figure International. Gillon is a two-time Miss Figure Olympia champion as well as a contestant on the 32nd season of Survivor. Last year, Gillon placed second in this category.

Gillon placed ahead of Nadia Wyatt (second place), Jessica Reyes Padilla (third place), Natalia Soltero (fourth place), Bojana Vasiljevic (fifth place) and Sandra Grajales (sixth place). RXMuscle shared a look of Gillon:

2 x MS. FIGURE OLYMPIA AND NOW MS. FIGURE INTERNATIONAL, CYDNEY GILLON!

Miss Figure International Final Placings:

1. Cydney Gillon
2. Nadia Wyatt
3. Jessica Reyes Padilla
4. Natalia Soltero
5. Bojana Vasiljevic
6. Sandra Grajales pic.twitter.com/UjYYl5yVeB

— RXMuscle.com (@RXMuscledotcom) March 2, 2019

The next category was Arnold Classic Women's Physique, and as RXMuscle put it, Natalia Coelho reigned supreme. Following her were Sheronica Henton (second), Penpraghai Tiangngok (third), Brittany Watts (fourth), Margrita Zamalova (fifth) and Ashley Fuller (sixth).

COELHO REIGNS SUPREME!

Arnold Classic Women's Physique, Final Placings:

1. Natalia Coelho
2. Sheronica Henton
3. Penpraghai Tiangngok
4. Brittany Watts
5. Margrita Zamalova
6. Ashley Fuller pic.twitter.com/GjiPa6O4Qk

— RXMuscle.com (@RXMuscledotcom) March 2, 2019

For the men, George Peterson—nicknamed "Da Bull"—took home Classic Physique. 

DA BULL ROLLS TO ARNOLD TRIUMPH!

George Peterson SHINES in Columbus to take Classic Physique title at the Arnold Classic!

Arnold Classic (Classic Physique) Final Placings

1. George Peterson
2. Steve Laureus
3. Courage Opara
4. Keone Pearson
5. Khaled Chikhaoui
6. Rickey Moten pic.twitter.com/P6ua7QbgwV

— RXMuscle.com (@RXMuscledotcom) March 2, 2019

To close out Friday's finals, Ryall Graber pulled off what RXMuscle described as a "stunning victory" over the reigning Ms. Fitness Olympia, Whitney Jones, in the Miss Fitness International class. Jones placed second, followed by Tiffany Chandler (third), Missy Farrell (fourth), Kate Errington (fifth) and Allison Ethier (sixth).

GRABER SCORES STUNNING VICTORY!

Ryall Graber wins over reigning Ms. Fitness Olympia Whitney Jones to take the Fitness International 🏆.

Miss Fitness International

1. Ryall Graber
2. Whitney Jones
3. Tiffany Chandler
4. Missy Farrell
5. Kate Errington
6. Allison Ethier pic.twitter.com/K7RzMy4a5u

— RXMuscle.com (@RXMuscledotcom) March 2, 2019

The warmest moment from Friday came from Schwarzenegger, though. "When I walk through the @arnoldsports people tell me I'm their hero," the event's host tweeted, "[and] I appreciate it. But tonight I wanted to introduce the crowd to some of my heroes. 

He included a photo of himself alongside members of the Special Olympics. 

When I walk through the @arnoldsports people tell me I’m their hero, & I appreciate it. But tonight I wanted to introduce the crowd to some of my heroes. I want to thank Miles Taylor, @DerickCarverBST, & Garrett & Jabari from @SpecialOlympics for inspiring me & the entire crowd. pic.twitter.com/OSaFNcJzK6

— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) March 2, 2019

The 71-year-old fitness pioneer, actor and former politician went on in a series of tweets: "They prove that fitness is for everyone. We all have the right to be fit. There is no privilege in fitness. ... If you own a successful gym but don't welcome absolutely everyone, you do not run a successful gym. Do better."

The Arnold Sports Festival continues Saturday beginning in the morning with pickleball and XPC powerlifting.