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The bodybuilding industry is evolving with each passing day. With the recent pro show held at the Sheik Saeed Hall in the Trade Center Arena, the one and only Dubai Pro has taken the initiative to carry the legacy. The Arnold Classic also decided to increase the prize pool for next year's event.
The famous Instagram bodybuilding page B&T broke the news that Dubai Pro has decided to increase the prize money for the winners from 220K to 500K dollars for the next year. Earlier, the prize money was $100K for the open division, $60K for the classic physique, $40K for the men's physique, and $20K for the 212 division.
However, the pro show has not opened up about the increased prize money for each division.
Recently, the Dubai Pro Show gave athletes an to confirm their Olympia qualifications. Behrooz Tabani bagged $100K in the show along with a spot in Mr. Olympia. Breon Ansley, a two-time Mr. Olympia, also won his Olympia spot along with a prize of $60k.
In the Men's Physique division, Erin Banks lifted the title along with a check for $40,000. Lastly, Angel Calderon won $20K along with a green flag to compete in Mr. Olympia.
The Dubai Pro raised the prize pool equivalent to the Arnold Classic
Arnold Schwarzenegger has also decided to raise the prize pool, and this has always been the Austrian Oak's nature. The prize money started at $2,000, and then it rose to $12,500.
After a few more years, the prize pool increased to $20,000 and then to $37,500, and Samson Dauda won the prize.
After a few years, a significant change was seen in the winning amount and Steve Kuclo won $70,000. Since then, Arnold hasn't stopped increasing the amount, giving a sense of competition to the Mr. Olympia stage. In 2021, the Arnold Classic winner won $120,000; in 2022, the champion won $200,000; and in 2023, there was a 50% hike in the prize money.
In 2024, the cash prize also increased significantly, and the co-founder raised $100,000, and Hadi Choopan won the title. But in March this year, Arnold Schwarzenegger revealed that the prize money would be further increased to $500K for the 2025 Arnold Classic champion. Along with the cash prize, the Austrian Oak also gave non-cash prizes, including a Hummer car and an Audemars Piguet watch.
What do you think of the decision to increase the prize pool and make it equivalent to Mr. Olympia? Let us know in the comments.
