2005 Arnold Classic results are in!

[Justlift]

1st, DEXTER JACKSON
2nd, Chris Cormier
3rd, Gustavo Badell
4th, Lee Priest
5th, Melvin Anthony
6th, Darrem Charles

Dexter deserved it, and like the Ironman, Priest just couldn't overtake the massive (I should say NOW massive) Gustavo Badell. I'm glad to see Melvin and Darrem in the top 10 too. I'm not sure who placed below 6 as the full results haven't been posted yet on the official site, but this is quite exciting for Dexter, and hopefully he'll get his rightful second place finish this year at the Olympia.

The OFFICIAL Arnold Classic 2005 Web Site

[Matt C]

I don't know...Dexter was the most shredded, but Cormier's shape and structure is a lot better. I'm not so sure about this decision. I'll know more when I check out more pictures.

[Justlift]

Gustavo Badell must have discovered an amazing stack because the difference in size from early 2004, to the Olympia, to the Arnold is nothing short of staggering. I'm suspecting GH, because the gut is popping out a bit, but that guy is looking quite freaky lately, and twice in a row he's beaten Lee Priest who continues to improve.

As for Dexter not looking 100% - I agree. The 2004 olympia was his best showing, and in comparison he's not as shredded as he normally is. Maybe the judges saw something we didn't see that was lacking in Cormier, rather than in Dexter. Who knows. He still looks amazing to me with his uniquely perfect symmetry.

[Matt C]

I also wonder what new stack Gustavo has found as well.

I think it's one of the two:

1. Drastic change to his nutrition program.

2. Drastic change to his gear program

This is sheer speculation of course. For all I know, Gustavo may be 100% natural.

I don't suspect changes in his training program since I think he is advanced enough in the game to know what works for him and what doesn't work for gaining muscle and losing fat, etc.

But who knows. Or maybe he's just at that point in his career where muscle maturity is starting to kick in. It's not something that happens overnight, after all.

His stomach is becoming an issue though...if he learns to control it better on stage it shouldn't be a problem.

I feel kind of sorry for Chris. He is a great guy this keeps getting overlooked. If he can get his conditioning spot on he can't be beat. Dexter is just starting to become the favorite in any contest that Cutler and Coleman don't compete in. I want to know what the hell happened to Victor Martinez? He has been rather off lately. If he dials it in like he did last year at the Night of Champions he could be the future. Right now he not living up to the hype. Must be the personal problems weighting down on him. Hope to see him in tip top shape soon. And Badell is losing it. That stomach is going to start dropping him placings. He was fine before. I just think he put on too much mass in a short time. If he can get his stomach the way it was before he will be hard to beat.

[Matt C]

Originally Posted by dawoud23

I feel kind of sorry for Chris. He is a great guy this keeps getting overlooked.

I agree. I felt he deserved to win the 2004 Arnold Classic, although I guess it was close enough for the judges to give Jay Cutler the nod.