On Episode 275 of “The Menace Podcast,” host Dennis James was joined by common company Chris Cormier and Milos Sarcev and, simply days out from the extremely anticipated Arnold Traditional finals, the crew made their predictions in regard to who might win one of many greatest reveals in bodybuilding.
Arnold Traditional 2026: Prize Cash Hits Historic Highs
The Arnold Traditional Open division winner will take residence the most important single verify over given to a aggressive bodybuilder — a cool $750,000K, whereas the prize cash for Males’s Traditional Physique can also be at report numbers, matching Olympia’s jackpot of $100K. To breakdown who might take advantage of financial institution in Columbus, the gang acquired collectively to debate who might stroll away from every of those divisions as respective winners.
Dennis James, Chris Cormier & Milos Sarcev Reveal Arnold Traditional Predictions
Having gained the Arnold with an unbelievable show final yr, Mike “The Badass” Sommerfeld is the person to beat in 2026, however Dennis James feels that Wesley Vissers might pose an enormous risk. “The Menace” feels that Vissers, who gained the Arnold in 2024, is at the moment in the perfect form of his profession. Chris Cormier famous that “The Dutch” Oak must appropriate a few of his perceived weaknesses, nevertheless, and show extra mass on his legs, however James felt that those recent blurry photos, teased by Vissers, gave a glimpse of a filler lower-half.
“I simply don’t know if that (fuller look in his legs) is gonna be there when he’s dry,” famous The Menace. “However I don’t suppose he’s going for, you recognize, super-duper peeled. He’s going to need to discover a completely happy medium to remain fuller, particularly within the lower-half, and I believe if he can pull that off, I believe he can really problem Mike.”
Milos Sarcev felt that not having a “small” waist or “highly effective quads” might let The Dutch Oak down on the night time, however he stated that when it comes to his chest and shoulders, “no person has what Wesley does.”
Prediction: A prime two showdown between Mike Sommerfeld and Wesley Vissers * Breaking Information: Shortly after this episode was broadcast, Mike Sommerfeld missed his weight restrict and may very well be out of the ultimate, pending an official announcement.
Open Divisions Predictions on TMP
The Open division will see a contemporary battle for bodybuilding’s greatest payday as a result of Derek Lunsford is taking some well-earned outing having gained this competitors, and the Olympia, final yr. Samson Dauda may also be lacking motion as he’s specializing in the 2026 Mr Olympia occasion. Conversely, Andrew Jacked has emerged as a severe contender for the Arnold, after his third place displaying in Las Vegas, and Martin Fitzwater can also be turning heads along with his present physique.
“I put Martin in second, combating Andrew,” shared Dennis James. “It is sensible, they’ve been shut earlier than,” agreed Chris Cormier. “I believe Martin seems extra balanced than I’ve seen him, of late. I’m gonna go Martin second.”
Milos Sarcev made a case for Hadi Choopan to win, noting that when he’s on the prime of his sport, the Iranian is “Unbeatable,” however James speculated whether or not his latest controversies could hinder his potential to remain in form.
Prediction: Andrew Jacked (Consensus)
To look at the total episode, the place the panel additionally mentioned Hadi Choopan and the most recent bodybuilding information, see under.
