“You Might As Well Do the Big One”: Sam Sulek Arnold Classic Debut Locked In for 2026
Bodybuilding sensation and man of the people, Sam Sulek, has officially confirmed he’ll be making his pro debut at the 2026 Arnold Classic.
The Ohio-born muscleman earned his IFBB Pro Card earlier this year, topping the podium in Classic Physique at the Arnold Amateur.
That victory came just two weeks after he won the same division at the 2025 NPC Legends Classic in Las Vegas — an impressive back-to-back that fast-tracked his pro journey.
Despite the tight turnaround, Sulek showed up at the Arnold Amateur with tightened posing and a more dialed-in physique, securing his pro status on the first try.
That win also earned him an invite to one of the most prestigious stages in bodybuilding: the Arnold Classic.
Sam Sulek Arnold Classic 2026
Sulek recently linked up with David Laid and six-time Mr. Olympia champion Chris Bumstead for a massive announcement video.
The 23-year-old has now joined Laid and CBum on Gymshark’s powerhouse athlete roster, completing what the brand has dubbed its “trifecta” in men’s lifting.
The trio crushed a huge back workout, before sitting down to talk shop. While discussing goals, Sulek casually let it slip: “The plan’s to go to the Arnold in March.”
To which CBum responded: “That’s the show you’re going to do? Your first pro show?”
“If you have an invite, you might as well do the big one,” Sulek replied.
“When I said that before I was like, ‘alright, I can go to prejudging.’ Anything else, there’s no guarantee.”
The Arnold Classic is second only to Mr. Olympia in prestige, and Sulek will be stepping on stage after just two amateur contests.
But while the leap is big, his prep seems equally serious.
He noted that he’s been growing steadily, tweaking where needed, and crucially, avoiding injuries. The key to that, he said, is managing load on slower days and focusing on controlled stretches over explosive lifts.
Sam Sulek Arnold Classic: Locked In & Level-Headed
Sulek isn’t getting ahead of himself. He knows escaping prejudging will be tough enough when pitted against some of the world’s elite.
Whatever the result, one thing’s for sure: seeing Sam Sulek on the Arnold Classic stage will be a moment to remember.
He’s earned the right to be there — and fans will be hoping this debut is just the beginning of his journey on bodybuilding’s biggest stages.
