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 Basic finals, the crew made their predictions in regard to who might win one of many greatest exhibits in bodybuilding.
Arnold Basic 2026: Prize Cash Hits Historic Highs
The Arnold Basic Open division winner will take dwelling the most important single examine over given to a aggressive bodybuilder — a cool $750,000K, whereas the prize cash for Males’s Basic Physique can be at document numbers, matching Olympia’s jackpot of $100K. To breakdown who might take advantage of financial institution in Columbus, the gang received collectively to debate who might stroll away from every of those divisions as respective winners.
Dennis James, Chris Cormier & Milos Sarcev Reveal Arnold Basic 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 might pose an enormous menace. “The Menace” feels that Vissers, who received the Arnold in 2024, is presently in the most effective 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 current blurry photographs, 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 need to discover a completely satisfied 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” might let The Dutch Oak down on the evening, however he mentioned 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 might 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 day out having received this competitors, and the Olympia, final yr. Samson Dauda will 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 exhibiting in Las Vegas, and Martin Fitzwater can be turning heads together 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 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 prime of his sport, the Iranian is “Unbeatable,” however James speculated whether or not his current controversies might hinder his capacity 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.
