The 2026 Arnold Traditional was an thrilling present with a stacked lineup and a few huge names battling it out on stage. In the long run, Andrew Jacked took the win, adopted by Nick Walker in 2nd and Hadi Choopan in 3rd. Martin Fitzwater completed in 4th place, whereas Brandon Curry rounded out the highest 5.
However in the event you ask me, that is the place issues get questionable.
I consider Brandon Curry ought to have been forward of Martin Fitzwater in that lineup. For my part, Brandon Curry deserved 4th place, not 5th. Martin didn’t look nice. He knew it. The followers knew it. And Brandon got here in full and conditioned.
To be blunt and brutally sincere, this isn’t the primary time it looks like Brandon Curry has been missed. There have been different reveals over the previous few years that made me query whether or not they’re making an attempt to push him out to create space for the brand new guys, or what’s happening.
However let’s dive deeper into this commentary about Brandon Curry and see if there’s extra to the story.
Brandon Curry Has Been Constant for Years
One factor that can not be debated is Brandon Curry’s consistency.
For years, Brandon Curry has proven as much as competitions in form and able to battle. He has remained one of the dependable rivals within the IFBB. To not point out, he’s one of many oldest rivals on the market at 43.
He might compete on the Grasp’s Olympia and clear home of anybody on that stage.
Bodybuilding is a sport the place athletes come and go. Some guys mild the competitors scene up for a few years after which disappear. Others battle with consistency and by no means actually attain their full potential.
Brandon Curry hasn’t had that downside.
He has been a staple on the high of the game for years. Present after present, he brings a aggressive physique and stands toe-to-toe with the very best on this planet.
That sort of longevity deserves respect.
And but, it looks like Brandon Curry doesn’t at all times get the identical therapy on stage. Not being thrown into first callouts, not being in contrast with the highest guys in a specific present. It leaves me scratching my head. The man nonetheless seems nice at 43 and appears higher than lots of the new up-and-coming rivals.
So, why the shade?
Does Brandon Curry Get the Similar Appears to be like as Different Rivals?
One of many largest frustrations I’ve seen is how Brandon Curry is dealt with throughout comparisons. Should you watch bodybuilding reveals intently, the callouts inform you all the pieces.
Who the judges put within the heart issues. Who they transfer round issues. And who will get repeatedly in contrast towards the highest guys issues.
It usually looks like Brandon Curry doesn’t get the identical alternatives to face subsequent to the athletes he’s competing towards. If the judges don’t put you within the combine throughout these essential comparisons, it turns into very tough to maneuver up within the placings.
That is one thing many followers have seen over time. And it’s one thing that continues to lift questions.
Brandon Curry vs. Martin Fitzwater
On the 2026 Arnold Traditional, Martin Fitzwater was positioned 4th whereas Brandon Curry completed 5th. From my eyes, I’d have switched Martin and Brandon.
I’m not taking something away from Martin Fitzwater. He introduced a strong package deal to the stage and clearly impressed the judges. However when evaluating the 2 physiques, I personally consider Brandon Curry had the sting.
Brandon Curry has a refined look that judges have rewarded many instances prior to now. His general presentation, expertise, and stage presence all work in his favor.
Once I seemed on the lineup, I merely felt that Brandon Curry deserved that 4th place spot.
Bodybuilding judging is subjective. There’s no query about it. Everybody has their very own opinion. However I do know I’m not the one one who thought Brandon Curry ought to have completed forward of Martin Fitzwater.
Is Brandon Curry Being Quietly Pushed Apart?
That is the place issues begin to get uncomfortable.
When a competitor persistently reveals up in form however continues to slip down placings, individuals begin asking questions.
Is Brandon Curry merely being outmatched? Or is one thing else happening?
Some followers have speculated that the game could also be shifting its focus towards newer names and youthful athletes.
Look, I get it. Bodybuilding is at all times evolving. The game continuously seems for its subsequent stars. However that doesn’t imply veterans ought to be pushed apart earlier than their time is up.
Brandon Curry continues to be a harmful competitor on stage. And when he’s on level, he can completely hold with the very best on this planet.
The Sport Ought to Respect Its Veterans
One factor bodybuilding has at all times struggled with is the way it treats its veterans. Athletes dedicate a long time of their lives to the game. They construct fanbases. They encourage the subsequent technology. They assist develop the game of bodybuilding.
Brandon Curry is a kind of athletes.
He has represented the game professionally and persistently for years. That deserves respect from the judging panel.
If higher physiques are really beating Brandon Curry, that’s a part of the game. And we are able to all perceive and settle for that. However a number of the placings they put Brandon in are extremely suspect.
But when he isn’t even getting the prospect to be in contrast correctly on stage, that’s an issue.
Brandon Curry Nonetheless Belongs within the Combine
On the finish of the day, Brandon Curry continues to be one of many high bodybuilders on this planet. Ending within the high 5 at a significant present just like the Arnold Traditional is not any small accomplishment.
However whenever you have a look at the lineup and the comparisons, it’s exhausting to not surprise if Brandon Curry ought to have been positioned larger.
Brandon Curry ought to have completed forward of Martin Fitzwater. Interval. Finish of story. I didn’t suppose Martin seemed good in any respect.
And till the judges persistently give Brandon Curry the identical comparisons as the opposite high rivals, followers will proceed asking the identical query.
Why does Brandon Curry proceed to be missed?
Writer Bio:
Matt Weik, BS, CSCS, CPT, CSN, is a globally acknowledged well being, health, and complement trade knowledgeable with over 25 years of hands-on expertise. He’s the founding father of Weik Fitness and one of the prolific writers within the area, identified for translating complicated science into clear, actionable content material. Matt holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from Penn State College and a number of trade certifications, giving his work each educational credibility and real-world authority. His writing has been featured on 1000’s of internet sites and in 100+ magazines worldwide, together with FLEX, Muscular Improvement, Iron Man, and Muscle & Health UK, and he has authored 30+ revealed books. Trusted by main complement manufacturers and media shops alike, Matt is broadly considered one of the educated and dependable voices in well being, health, and sports activities vitamin.
