The 2027 Arnold Classic may serve as the arena where Hadi Choopan confronts Nick Walker for the title of bodybuilding’s most dominant athlete. Walker presently holds the Mr. Olympia crown, while the Iranian contender’s route to Columbus depends on more than raw muscle.
Choopan missed the 2026 Olympia final because travel restrictions prevented his participation, leaving a noticeable gap in the competition. Host Dennis James of The Menace Podcast described the upcoming encounter as a direct clash between the two champions, emphasizing Walker’s track record of staying in peak condition across several shows. James added that Andrew Jacked could face difficulties from overuse, that Samson Dauda remains an unpredictable factor, and that Derek Lunsford is unlikely to appear on the stage.
The mental aspect of Choopan’s preparation could be as important as his physical form. After sharing recent progress photos on Instagram, panelist Chris Cormier noted that the emotional impact of missing the Olympia final may have shifted the Iranian’s focus. Milos Sarcev, his coach, confirmed that the athlete will pursue early travel authorization, planning to land in the United States roughly 90 days before the Classic to allow a period of acclimation. Sarcev stressed that athletes typically need several weeks to adjust before intensive training can resume.
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James warned that Walker would have a legitimate reason to be wary of a rejuvenated Choopan, stating, “Unless Hadi comes in off,” and suggesting that the Iranian’s competitive advantage lies in his capacity to peak at the precise moment. The discussion panel also observed that the recent Instagram updates, which displayed near-peak conditioning, could indicate renewed confidence following the Olympia disappointment.
With $750k up for grabs, James felt that Hadi Choopan could be Walker’s biggest obstacle to another big win.
