By now, we all know the Arnold Classic brings out the best of the best. But whos the best among those best? Heading into the 20th edition of what has become one of the biggest events in bodybuilding, we decided to go to someone whos seen them all FLEX Group Editorial Director Peter McGough in ranking the five all-time best physiques to ever step onstage at the Arnold.
NUMBER ONE: RONNIE COLEMAN, 2001
Simply the best physique Ive ever seen onstage. At 245 pounds King Ron was full and shredded from head-to-toe: his cuts being deeper than Bill Gates pockets. His delts, arms and chest were spectacular, his back really beyond description. Ten seconds after he first walked out the contest was over.
NUMBER TWO: FLEX WHEELER, 1993
This was Flexs best ever shape. He was chiseled to the max, exhibited more balance than the Cirque du Soleil, and his back double biceps was a thing of beauty. Although he competed until 2003 he was never again as good as he was in his second pro contest that dramatic Columbus night in 2003.
NUMBER THREE: JAY CUTLER, 2002
Apart from the 2001 Mr. Olympia contest maybe the hardest hes ever been. With deeply embedded abs and full thighs more ripped than Britney Spears copy of Hide and Seek For Dummies, Cutler relegated Chris Cormier to the third of what was to become a run of six consecutive runner-up spots.