Arnold Sports Festival Returns with Top Competitors in Columbus

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Arnold Sports Festival, renowned as the world’s largest multisport festival, kicks off its 37th year this weekend at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. Founded in 1989 by bodybuilding icon Arnold Schwarzenegger, the event has transformed from a modest weightlifting competition into a sprawling showcase attracting athletes from over 80 countries.

This year, the festival will feature a wide array of events, including the Arnold Strongman and Strongwoman Classic, which are set to take place on Friday and Saturday. Additionally, competitors will vie for titles in categories like wellness, bikini, and martial arts at the Battelle Grand Ballroom. Brent LaLonde, director of communications for the festival, emphasized the event’s inclusive nature. “There’s a little bit of something for everyone,” he said.

The festival expects to host more than 100,000 attendees across three days, with over 800 booths and 25 exhibitors. Those interested in witnessing the competitions firsthand are encouraged to purchase daily tickets. LaLonde advised, “It’s hard to take it all in, so just buy a ticket and go experience and bounce around to see what you can find.”

This year’s Arnold Sports Festival will be headlined by notable figures including 2023 Arnold Classic champion Samson Dauda and 2023 Mr. Olympia Derek Lunsford. Mitchell Hooper aims for his third championship title in the Strongman Classic, while 11 of the world’s strongest women, including champions Angelica Jardine and Olga Liashchuk, will compete for the top spot.

Other events on the schedule include the Arnold Amateur, gymnastics, fitness, and physique championships happening Thursday through Saturday. The festival also showcases extreme powerlifting competitions that highlight the grit and determination prevalent in bodybuilding. “These are more on the extreme side of bodybuilding, but they make for a good show,” LaLonde noted.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is expected to make appearances throughout the festival, participating in panels and enjoying the festivities. He will speak during the Arnold Sunday Showcase from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday. “He kind of just bounces around and watches the show he created and grew over all these years into the world’s largest multisports festival,” LaLonde added.

Amid the excitement, popular clothing brand exhibitors will present fashion trends alongside the fitness competitions. Bodybuilding finals are scheduled for Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m. With the diverse range of events, attendees can engage with the best in fitness and the latest wellness products available.

Returning champions include Brandon Curry, the 2022 Arnold Classic winner, and Hafþór ‘Thor’ Júlíus Björnsson, known for his role as “The Mountain” in HBO’s Game of Thrones. Local amateur bodybuilder Sam Sulek, who gained popularity through social media with over 6.5 million followers, will compete in the Arnold Amateur finals after qualifying for the first time this year. “My only goal was to qualify for the Arnold this year. I definitely feel spoiled to be able to do what I love in my hometown,” Sulek stated.

As the festival unfolds, Capt. Quinn Romasko and 1st Lt. Vincent Wilkinson, both active-duty army servicemembers, will also compete in the Lightweight Strongman Men’s Preliminaries on Saturday. With a stunning lineup of athletes and events, the Arnold Sports Festival promises to deliver an unforgettable experience for all.