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 may win one of many greatest exhibits in bodybuilding.
Arnold Traditional 2026: Prize Cash Hits Historic Highs
The Arnold Traditional Open division winner will take residence the largest single examine over given to a aggressive bodybuilder — a cool $750,000K, whereas the prize cash for Males’s Traditional Physique can also be at document numbers, matching Olympia’s jackpot of $100K. To breakdown who may take advantage of financial institution in Columbus, the gang acquired collectively to debate who may stroll away from every of those divisions as respective winners.
Dennis James, Chris Cormier & Milos Sarcev Reveal Arnold Traditional Predictions
Having received the Arnold with an unbelievable show final 12 months, Mike “The Badass” Sommerfeld is the person to beat in 2026, however Dennis James feels that Wesley Vissers may pose an enormous risk. “The Menace” feels that Vissers, who received the Arnold in 2024, is presently in the very best 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 these current blurry pictures, 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 assume he’s going for, you understand, super-duper peeled. He’s going to need to discover a glad medium to remain fuller, particularly within the lower-half, and I believe if he can pull that off, I believe he can truly problem Mike.”
Milos Sarcev felt that not having a “small” waist or “highly effective quads” may let The Dutch Oak down on the evening, however he stated that when it comes to his chest and shoulders, “no one has what Wesley does.”
Prediction: A high 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 recent battle for bodybuilding’s greatest payday as a result of Derek Lunsford is taking some well-earned day trip having received this competitors, and the Olympia, final 12 months. Samson Dauda can even 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, preventing Andrew,” shared Dennis James. “It is sensible, they’ve been shut earlier than,” agreed Chris Cormier. “I believe Martin appears to be like 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 high of his recreation, the Iranian is “Unbeatable,” however James speculated whether or not his current controversies could hinder his potential to remain in form.
Prediction: Andrew Jacked (Consensus)
To observe the complete episode, the place the panel additionally mentioned Hadi Choopan and the most recent bodybuilding information, see beneath.
