After we take into consideration potential candidates to win the second most prestigious title in physique-based sports activities we regularly look to the favorites, however one competitor who largely goes unnoticed is Brazil’s Rafael Brandao.
Right here’s a bodybuilder who has been knocking on the proverbial door for a minimum of a couple of years. He’s amassed fairly a resume, together with a High 3 on the 2024 Arnold USA. That’s no small feat particularly contemplating the very fact he shared the High 3 with guys like Hadi Choopan and Samson Dauda. Rafael has additionally lastly surpassed the 300lb mark within the low season. He’s received exhibits in Romania and Brazil and he continues to set his sights on the highest spots within the sport. The truth that he’s been invited again to the ASC can also be notable as a result of they’ll invite just about anybody they need. Who’s going to cross up the chance to earn more money than even on the Olympia? Plus, that is Arnold’s present.
Everybody who has ever competed in bodybuilding desires The Oak to take a pic with them. They need to be congratulated by the previous governor of California on stage in entrance of hundreds of thousands all all over the world. And for somebody who has positioned High 3, it’s a purpose so shut that Brandao can in all probability style it. With the 2026 Arnold simply across the nook, the pundits are giving the towering Brazilian second and third seems. Plus, Derek nor Samson might be competing in order that opens up a much more reachable path. That stated, there’s nonetheless Martin, Nick, and a handful of different threats apart from Hadi that Rafael must defeat. The query is, can he?
I might say that Rafael Brandao has greater than paid his dues and has competed in entrance of numerous judging panels. He understands that every present is exclusive. As Bob Cicherillo typically says, bodybuilding is a sport of “apples and oranges.” You by no means know what the judges are on the lookout for, however you at all times need to pose arduous.
Huge classes could be realized from guys who had the successful physique on recreation day, however both due to humility or stage fright, didn’t showcase it for the judges. At a contest, that panel has the ultimate phrase. It doesn’t matter how loud the followers cheer or what number of images get snapped, you’re not posing for the followers or the photographers! You’re posing for the people who write on the scorecards. It’s a must to be sure that all of the judges see. There’s judges to the appropriate and there’s judges to the left. Simply posing for the top choose within the center generally is a pricey mistake. The excellent news is the athletes don’t need to go to them. The entire goal of the prejudging and the affirmation spherical is in order that the judges can see every competitor. Rafael is a seasoned professional that understands the worth on this. Some guys begin to fade the extra they’re in contrast. The actually seasoned guys go right into a contest anticipating the judges to scrutinize them. The extra comparisons there are – the higher! If have been a simple course of, then it’d both be as a result of one man is way superior in a crowd of bums – or – perhaps everybody sucks that day. The very best exhibits are the place the prejudging and comparability rounds drag on and on – after which on for some extra!
I might count on nothing much less on the Arnold Basic. That being stated, there have been some weaker years than others. With out taking something away from Rafael’s stellar putting in Columbus in 2024, I’d say that even with out Samson and Derek current, the 2026 lineup seems far deeper. This isn’t to say that Rafael received’t be High 3 once more. It’s additionally to not say that he can’t win the entire thing, but it surely’s going to be harder to do. And right here’s why.
You guys know I’m an enormous Martin Fitzwater fan. I don’t suppose anybody isn’t conscious of that. Martin positioned High 5 on the Olympia, he beat Samson in Prague, and he’s coming into the Arnold as the person to win all of it. I, personally, suppose he can finest Hadi and if he can try this, there’s nobody else who I feel is a serious concern. I additionally occur to suppose that Martin may have positioned larger than Andrew on the Olympia, if that tells you something. However Rafael might be that wildcard issue. He’s received a lovely physique, improved wheels and again, and he’s grown through the years. Normally guys attain a degree, a milestone like putting High 3 in Columbus after which they change into complacent. That’s not the case with Rafael. He’s constantly made good points and retains shifting up the rankings. He’s additionally not a man who has competed endlessly which implies his physique isn’t on the verge of burning out. There additionally aren’t obtrusive accidents to fret about.
I’d say Martin might be a possible impediment to Rafael successful, however not Hadi. Hadi has truly been on the receiving finish of some lowkey criticism from the preferred bodybuilding retailers. At a time when web site enhancing oils and PMMA are sizzling button points, persons are beginning to look to The Persian Wolf and he’s being included an increasing number of in these conversations. That stated, I’m not making any accusations. I imply who can overlook when Hadi hinted at presumably suing Dave Palumbo of RX Muscle for suggesting he was blasting bodyparts. It’s not that I’m strolling on eggshells as a result of truth of doubtless being sued, however I don’t know a technique or one other if Choopan warrants having a flammable warning signal on his particular person. The very fact is, in America, you need to use a ham sandwich. The purpose is, Hadi isn’t getting numerous love from the media. And in all seriousness, I’ve by no means been a fan of his physique. He’s a midget with far more muscle than even a juiced to the gills bodybuilder ought to have. It’s not a great look. Rafael on the hand has what I’d name a very inventive physique, like Martin, Andrew, and Brandon Curry.
One man who’s adored by the press, however who’s mainly an excellent bodybuilder on paper and advert campaigns is Nick Walker. Whereas there’s no love misplaced between us, I don’t want him something dangerous, I simply don’t suppose he warrants all of the hype. I’ve little doubt Rafael can beat Nick, identical to Martin can, Brandon ought to and Hadi will.
The massive query is the place will Rafael place? Can he win the entire present? I positively suppose so. One YouTuber – the preferred of all – Nick’s Energy And Energy has even chimed in with tremendous vocal assist for Brandao going into the Arnold. That’s very vital as effectively. The place do you suppose Rafael will place? I’m going to go along with 4th – which is a tremendous putting, however given this lineup, that’s the place I see him.
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Writer Bio:
Christian I. Duque is the proprietor StrengthAddicts.com, a physique and energy web site based in 2008. He has labored for a variety of bodybuilding web sites, together with RX Muscle and Muscular Growth. Christian has written almost 1,000 revealed articles for Iron Journal, in addition to articles for StrengthAddicts, RX Muscle, and others. By day, he’s additionally a licensed lawyer training within the areas of household legislation, immigration, and prison protection.
