On Episode 275 of “The Menace Podcast,” host Dennis James was joined by common friends 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 largest reveals in bodybuilding.
Arnold Traditional 2026: Prize Cash Hits Historic Highs
The Arnold Traditional Open division winner will take dwelling the largest 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 file 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 yr, 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 at present in one of the best form of his profession. Chris Cormier famous that “The Dutch” Oak must right a few of his perceived weaknesses, nevertheless, and show extra mass on his legs, however James felt that these latest 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, , super-duper peeled. He’s going to should discover a glad medium to remain fuller, particularly within the lower-half, and I feel if he can pull that off, I feel he can really 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 person 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 could possibly 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 largest payday as a result of Derek Lunsford is taking some well-earned outing having received this competitors, and the Olympia, final yr. Samson Dauda may even be lacking motion as he’s specializing in the 2026 Mr Olympia occasion. Conversely, Andrew Jacked has emerged as a critical 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 smart, they’ve been shut earlier than,” agreed Chris Cormier. “I feel Martin appears 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 latest controversies might hinder his capacity to remain in form.
Prediction: Andrew Jacked (Consensus)
To look at the complete episode, the place the panel additionally mentioned Hadi Choopan and the newest bodybuilding information, see beneath.