The bodybuilding legend discusses what to expect in Columbus this March.
When James “Flex” Lewis talks about the current state of bodybuilding, people in the community tend to listen to the retired legend. As the 2023 Arnold Classic (AC) approaches this March — a competition that now carries a lucrative $300,000 cash prize — the former Dynasty seven-time 212 Olympia champion (2012-2018) discusses some of his perspectives on the Columbus, OH, event.
On January 27, 2023, Lewis appeared on a podcast episode with Fouad Abiad Media March 2-5, 2023 to partially break down what will happen at 2023 AC. The fitness icon seemingly spared few details, Predicts his top 10 finishers for the main event.
With 2023 AC roughly five weeks away at the time of this writing, here’s how Lewis sees the competition shaking out for some of bodybuilding’s elite:
Flex Lewis’ 2023 Arnold Classic Top 10 Prediction
- Nick Walker | Champion
- Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elsbiay
- Andrew Jacked
- David Samson
- William Bonnock
- Shawn Clarida
- Akeem Williams
- Justin Rodriguez
- Kamal Elgargni
- Patrick Moore
Lewis views Walker as the odds-on favorite to capture his second career AC title in the past three years. However, he made it clear some names – such as former two-time Mr. Olympia (2020-2021) Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elsbia and rising star Chinedu Andrew Obikia, aka “Andrew Jacked” – he thinks can push and keep Walker. Athlete standing on stage.
“I can’t wait to see Rami [Elssbiay] Nick is able to bring a good look forward [Walker]” Lewis said. “Andrew [Jacked] My dark horse. Samson [Dauda] Just need to add one to two years of muscle in the right areas, and maturity, and then you’re talking about a completely different monster. I feel like Samson [Dauda] Any one will be a threat [expletive] Show that he will step into the future.
Notably, Lewis asserted that two-time 212 winner (2020, 2022) Shawn Clarida could make some noise. However, it may seem like a tall task for the 5’2″ athlete to topple the ranks of the Men’s Open competitors.
“If they judge and look at Shawn [Clarida] In addition [blinders] Above, he [expletive] Ronnie Coleman is a size 212,” Lewis explained. “He is [Clarida] Never misses. He gets to the point every time … It’s hard for me to see anyone I have a vested interest in as 212 champion, but I think he’ll be lost by the height of what’s out there.
As AC rises in prominence and prestige as a competition, it’s hard to imagine the spotlight growing larger and more attention being drawn from the established titans. Plus, with Lewis giving Walker his blessing – the second ex-Olympia mainstay to do so recently – it seems the superstar could use the upcoming AC as another launch-off point in his young career.
Featured Image: @nick_walker39 on Instagram
