Andrew Jacked: Clock Is Ticking

 

The relationship between Andrew "Jacked" Chinedu and the Arnold Classic is a love hate story that few truly understand. It was precisely on that stage where it all began: in 2022, he won the Arnold Classic amateur and turned professional. That same year, now as a pro, he returned and won the English version of the Arnold Classic. A debut that made it seem like claiming the professional Arnold title was only a matter of time.

But time has not been so kind.

In 2023 came the first third place. Samson Dauda won, Nick Walker took second, and Andrew finished behind. In 2025 the story repeated with another third place, this time with Dauda once again beating him and Derek Lunsford taking first. That same year, the Arnold wasn't the only stage where Andrew placed third. At the 2025 Mr. Olympia, Lunsford and Hadi Choopan surpassed him again. Three third place finishes don't kill a career, but they do raise questions.

And yet, Andrew climbed two positions at the Mr. Olympia in just one year. That's no small feat.

For many analysts and fans of the sport, 2026 is Andrew Jacked's year. Not because trends say so, but because the numbers and his trajectory point that way. At this year's Arnold Classic, his main rivals are Hadi Choopan and Nick Walker. Two men who know that stage better than anyone. Walker won it in 2021. Choopan won it in 2024. And while Andrew managed to beat Walker at the 2025 Olympia, the Arnold remains unfinished business.

Choopan is one of the toughest competitors to beat in recent bodybuilding history. His condition is brutal and impeccable. But this year, incredibly, geopolitical factors have directly impacted him, which could translate into a real disadvantage in his mental preparation. Plus, for the past couple of years, Choopan hasn't shown considerable improvement. He maintains his level, yes, but the progress is no longer visible. Although his prep photos this period suggest he wants to present something different, it's yet to be seen if that change arrives on time.

Walker, meanwhile, has been stumbling for a couple of years. He's lost harmony and aesthetics, though his physique keeps growing in mass. He knows it. And it seems he's realized he already has the size, what he needs now is more shape. If he nails that refinement, he'll be a dangerous rival.

Andrew Jacked has something not everyone combines well: size and aesthetics. But he also has real weaknesses. His back and legs aren't on the level of Lunsford's or Choopan's, and in this sport, those details decide championships.

What makes all this urgent is one single number: 41 years old.

No Mr. Olympia has ever won the title past 43. Shawn Rhoden did it at that age in 2018, and Chris Dickerson in 1982. Andrew is progressing, but the margin is narrowing. Choopan is 38. Walker is 31 and almost certainly has several high-level years ahead. Andrew doesn't have that luxury.

And the Arnold Classic isn't just another contest on his schedule. It's the stage where, in his personal story, either everything goes right or everything goes wrong. If he advances this year, he heads into the October Olympia with real momentum, where Lunsford and Dauda will be waiting. If he doesn't, the path gets even more complicated than it already is.

This could be Andrew Jacked's year. There might not be another one.