2022 Arnold Classic Prejudging Review

[@Tomn8er]

Minor correction at the end: Brandon Curry is a ONE-time AC champ (2019). Not sure why I was thinking 2x... Also shout out to notifbbpro for linking me those pics on IG. Much appreciated!

[@kievbound9146]

you're forgiven!

[@manduheavyvazquez5268]

Bonac won. Greatness

[@usamnmusclenut]

Very good coverage…exceptional really. My boys Steve and Brett sadly won’t make the cut.

[@dragonboy141]

Brandon is now a two time champ.

[@vaskodimoski5690]

Bonac hands down should have been 1

[@andrewnyman4128]

Samson is incredible. He makes those wide, blocky wastes look horrible.

[@francescoporcari8597]

IMHO he should be battling for the 2nd place

[@julianrodriguez5321]

thank you, I just dont get all the Bonac 5' 5" fanbois out here. They have a hard-on for a square manlet

[@1881Gordon]

100% agree with you guys. The only things which let him down were conditioning, cuts , separation, but his lines are are a thing of beauty.

[@francescoporcari8597]

@@julianrodriguez5321 I'm not a fan of Bonac but he has better muscle quality than both Brandon and Samson. He has the worst structure but has great muscle bellies, great separation. He's a beauty but from a BB standpoint he's good. IMHO Bonac should be first for what we've seen so far, and this clarify the current (low) level of Bodybuilding. Samson has to work on thickness, conditioning, and a little more size: he'll be a top contender soon, and I'm looking forward to it.

[@andrewnyman4128]

@@julianrodriguez5321 I like Bonac, but he is getting dwarfed...and Samson looks like a Greek god for sure

[@mangilitking4572]

Tom's perspective always tops the others in my humble opinion, his critique and commentary is top notch!!!

[@julianrodriguez5321]

he fetishes Bonac too much , Brandon and Samson are obviously much better

[@joshclarkefitness]

Not wrong there, 100% agree👏🏽

[@1045310453]

Well , he's no NSP

[@franciscoeukalyptus6537]

@@1045310453 What's NSP ? Please ?

[@JamesBichard8]

@@1045310453 nsps perspective would be a 15 minute video about an Instagram post

[@JerryRiceBall]

They were quick to move Samson away from Curry. He made the ifbb’s golden boy look like a 212 competitor.

[@5dollarshake263]

So much for Brett Wilkin "shocking" the world. This is just another reminder that pictures by yourself aren't a great indicator of what goes down on the day of the show. Bret is completely outclassed on this stage. The top 5 guys all look incredible, my eyes keep looking at Samson and I can't help but notice Rodriguez's improvements(whoever did his tan also nailed it).

[@max-ql3br]

Agreed, Brett had too much hype

[@goatfitness]

Honestly Arnold was quite mannerable. There was a guy there commentating (Not Fouad or Dennis) that honestly seemed like an Arnold fanboy. Repeatedly asking him questions during comparisons and calling him governor + letting him know how great it was to be in his presence. Arnold was mostly just responding to him.

[@quantumpotential7639]

Skrew Your Fweedom guy hates American ideals. He's no governor. He was merely a tyrant in disguise. A control freak who thirty for power to feed his steroid driven ego. Thanks

[@marcoechavarria7274]

Yea that dude got annoying quick lol

[@nelsoncruz184]

I thought the same thing Goat , as I was thinking he might go sit in Arnie ‘s lap soon .

[@ces4156]

Thats why i always watch AC without sound... i just put some other live comments or a podcast

[@goatfitness]

@@nelsoncruz184 😂😂 he is continuing the Arnold praise today

[@erclsr]

Rumors of Bonac's decline have been greatly exaggerated

[@supremeenlightenedtramp1080]

Samson for me looks nuclear, he has everything.

[@hsblw_6]

I can't get the "fill his frame". For me the guy isn't losing to anyone in size except for Kuclo and Justin who are monsters and will always be a reference in this sense just like Ramy. I can't see the reasons that Samson is placing so low with such an incredible physique.

[@leonardomoore1868]

Supreme Samson front dB bicep just blew every1 away. Samson has to put more size on to separate himself from the other contenders. Samson has that it factor.

[@JeffSmith-eq3kc]

@@hsblw_6 Samson just got 6th at the Olympia which is impressive. He does need to continue to fill out his frame though. Particularly his legs but he also needs to thicken up his back and his arms aren't proportional to his upper body. The guy is a specimen and with another year to add mass, which his body has plenty of open room for, he could be the best in the world.

[@hsblw_6]

@@JeffSmith-eq3kc idk man, I don't see him losing to anyone but Andrew Jacked in the volume department. Dude just hit a 150kg off season, I think it's just a matter of getting used to this stage weight and also keeping up the hard work to bring those muscles solid as a rock and to nail conditioning to Samson be in the top 3 conversation.

[@imtrent_9584]

I never clicked so quickly on a notification😭 So glad to see ur vids men keep up !

[@michaelsophia7360]

I think you're not giving Samson enough credit - he stands out and looks amazing! Should definitely be top 4.

[@guygraham8016]

Your correct about them moving Brandon back to the centre and how the lighting and backdrop made him look better as opposed to being outside. I think that was for everyone .

[@WildAsDaTaliban]

How much muscle bonac packs on his frame is insane.

[@TheRemulosEpsolonProgramme]

The lead up to this show with Brandon via his socials, was “exciting” but, unless it really is just the stream. Brandon is looking small”ish” and not dialled in. Bonac surely takes this.

[@victorrosario4109]

See I'm not the only one noticing that. foreal

[@kabistroskeptica6258]

Bonac has terrible structure. No matter how dialed in he is, he will have a hard time beating Brandon.

[@TheRemulosEpsolonProgramme]

@@kabistroskeptica6258 Bonac in know way has a “terrible” structure. That’s a bit steep. Weak points yes. Brandon’s legs for example, still weak.

[@_Proxx]

The Tomn8er is back with his top tier commentary and judging that I can back!

[@Heluctis]

The freaking Goat of Bodybuilding reviews, great to have you back.

[@harveee390]

if judges are gonna knock hadi for his over injected delts then they definitely need to do that with justin's aswell

[@supercombatmedic]

Welcome back Tom! Thanks for the detailed coverage. Looking forward to other new videos.

[@danasaeed9018]

Welcome Back, We Missed You!

[@AscendedBeyond]

Bonac seriously brought his legs back. He looks amazing I've got him winning but lord knows what happens until the night show.

[@miguelroman4294]

Aaand the Tomn8er is back!!! My go to for bodybuilding analysis.

[@joshuajodrian7364]

Watching Tom definitely improves my vocabulary.. great video as always

[@rozed]

Glad to see you back man! There really isnt content out there quite like yours!!!

[@morecharacterswithamix9067]

I have Bonac winning the show. People wrote him off and he has come back with a vengence.

[@kaleandoscope]

As usual, great commentary Tom! I did see it (and so did everyone else, at least from the stream and I guess others watching the show live) the same way as you. After pre-judging I had: 1st William Bonac 2nd Brandon Curry 3rd Justin Rodriguez 4th Steve Kuclo 5th Samson Dauda 6th Brett Wilkin

[@juanaguirre6153]

Looking forward to your review on the classic division as well!!

[@iambodybuildingyt221]

Samson looks fantastic he looks so much like a wider bigger modern version of Flex Wheeler this is how I would call it so far 1 Bonac 2 Samson 3 Justin 4 Brandon 5 Kuclo 6 Brett But I highly doubt the judges will call it this way which is a shame. With all fo respect Brandon looks horrible he reverted back to how he looked back in 2017

[@eikeborner1724]

The best analysis, as always. Keep it up man.

[@BatmanBoss]

Thanks Tom! Pretty solid showing for these top guys!

[@bryansoto6355]

My weekend was just made so much better. I thought the highlight would be seeing The Batman, but a new Tomn8er takes the cake!!!

[@TheRedLoop]

When are these organizers going to to realize that LESS IS MORE when it comes to videography. What's with all these weird, side angles. There was even times during the rear Lat spread where the camera angle was showing there fronts?!? We want one still stage-facing camera - no movement, no contrasting backdrops, no panning, no zooming, and certainly no interfering distractions like Arnold's face!!

[@mattaddison4794]

Whoever decided to do a side shot when they were doing back lat spreads missed a memo

[@nealkelly9757]

They haven't learned in 40 years to only show a fixed front view.

[@SoulDelSol]

They don't know, they're electronic media and art nerds not bb fans. Tmrw they'll be filming a wedding and day after they're be filming corporate training videos, etc, etc

[@Hematoph]

Would love for Samson to get in the top 4

[@francescoporcari8597]

He deserves third place, he's better than "no muscle separation" Kuclo, and "bloated gut - synthoil delts legs - no tricep" Rodriguez.

[@Hematoph]

@@francescoporcari8597 WOOHOO! He got fourth in front of Rodriguez.

[@samuelrodrigues2939]

Long time no see.. good that u r back.. hopefully more often!

[@khalidamajoud4114]

Been waiting on your impressions with trepidation. Excellent video, as always. 👍👍

[@sharpywilliam4513]

Can't wait to see your take on the results on Classic physique! Also I'm glad Bonac out performed every other competitor in his lineup, he really worked hard for this one!

[@ozzy9708]

The rear lat spread at 7:05 is decisively Samson. Look at outer tricep sweep, lat width and traps. His wheels are thick and proportionate

[@torus9016]

I dont agree on everything but amaizing video. Always good to see a notification from your channel every once in a while

[@mikthe2004]

I can't believe Tomn8er mentioned Steve Kuclo a few times as looking good!! Steve's a big guy, but has a really wide waist. His back has no V taper in the front double biceps and his arms suck!! He should go into Pro Wrestling!! He's never going to improve those problem areas, although he does look more separated than usual.

[@franciscoeukalyptus6537]

Well Steve sure wins in the over-all eye-catching department (i.e. his endowment!)

[@mikthe2004]

@@franciscoeukalyptus6537 I don't see anything exceptional there either? Do you know something we don't? There was this guy a couple of years ago, in Classic I think, who was hung like a horse, and in his side poses his manhood protruded and appeared to be about 8" flaccid!! Steve certainly doesn't project like that. Or maybe it's a comparative thing?

[@dizzle_p1338]

The review we've all been waiting for!

[@carlossubero1687]

William Bonac takes this one, he is the fullest and leanest guy on stage, on a side note look at his calves 10:29

[@nicolasklug2311]

Always appreciate your reviews Tom, def the best on YT ! As for the prejudging and as a massive Brandon Curry fan, I was highly disappointed and agree 100% with you. I believe this is his worst physique since about 2018 ! Out of respect I dont see him beeing lower than 2nd but I honestly have Justin above him. My top 4 would be as follows : William - Justin - Brandon - Steve though they will prob have William - Brandon - Justin - Steve. William and Justin impressed me the most by far !

[@Tomn8er]

I think they'll have Kuclo 3rd here. Because Justin looked like 2nd when he first came out but got worse as they went through the rounds, and his stomach will probably hurt him.

[@nicolasklug2311]

@@Tomn8er good point we will see tonight !

[@earthwormjim3269]

The biggest robbery of this show was Steve Kuclo placing ahead of Samson Dauda. It's as clear as day that Samson is destroying him in every pose and he's right there with Bonac and Brandon in some poses.

[@matheusrotava6903]

Hi tom, make a review of the classic physique please!

[@theflint7692]

Tomn8r the GOAT

[@kinggeorge90]

I have Bonac winning the show. He definitely beat Brandon Curry, who looked very soft. I think Samson Dauda could have placed as high as 3rd. Kuclo is just big as hell. He lacks separation and nothing on his physique makes you go "wow". Not the biggest fan of Justin Rodriguez's physique either. His physique doesn't flow well at all, his midsection is awful and the synthol in his shoulders is distracting.

[@nf1]

Kuclo's Triceps definitely have wow factor. Extremely underrated

[@julianrodriguez5321]

get off of 5' 5" Bonac's D**k. Brandon and Samson are clearly much better

[@francescoporcari8597]

I agree with you, Samson isn't giving up so much size in comparison with Kuclo, who thick, but has no muscle separation at all, showing no real wow factor. Samson has good mass overall, great details in the back, great legs (the only one on par with Bonac), good pecs, his wow factor being the beautiful flow of his physique.

[@francescoporcari8597]

@@nf1 well, yes, those are some good tricep, but not "wow triceps" as could have been for Roelly, Phil Heath. Last year AC he was more massive and yet he lost ST to Nick.

[@tanghim8244]

I like how Samson is referred as slim or small when he’s the biggest and weighs the most 😂

[@hsblw_6]

0:24 OMG THANK YOU! I couldn't care less about his face 😂

[@Joshthetruthseeker]

Man Sampson looked amazing i don't know why he was overlooked.

[@samhunter7619]

When Bonac is in an Arnold Classic lineup he is always a pretty good bet

[@executor1002]

Nice to have you back.

[@joemajor2553]

Woooh a tomn8er vid is always a treat.

[@triedproven9908]

Tough stuff! Great competition. Good anslysis Tom. Im inclined to agree.

[@iExTiiNcT]

Been looking forward to this, keep it up Tom!

[@KevinKaneCanada]

Like riding a bike, Tom hops back on KZbin in top form!

[@theiscarface]

Nice to have you back Tom

[@Bodybuilding_Freak]

Hello Tom, we are always expecting more videos from you!

[@tonywagner2990]

Since the inception of bodybuilding contests, the absolute best view is dead on from the front. That was ridiculous. I agree with you about your placements. But Justin looks pretty good.

[@osamamghazal]

welcome back :D ... kinda outta topic but would be great if you can add more 90's videos. been binge watching it

[@derchecker8701]

Tomn8er is back!

[@areichental]

The way the light beams were shining out on the ends of the stage really hurt the competitors that weren't in the center. I am fine saying it might look better aesthetically if you're there but it makes it really hard to see the competitors. Great analysis as always though dude

[@franciscoeukalyptus6537]

For me as a glutes fan it's Justin Rodriguez (altho' he is weak in the wheels seciton) Eye-popping wise its Steveö Kuclo + Justin R All competitors should wear the ame daring tiny-s-can-be posers After all fella we want to see as much of these spectacular physiques as possible, right?

[@bychen5011]

Bonac looks like a smaller Kai Greene

[@imtrent_9584]

In the MM we can notice that Samson have à pretty big assymetry in his left delt maybe bc of the livestream

[@mathers9675]

Awesome video Tom!!

[@jaivl1106]

Was hoping for this, welcome back :)

[@dylanmaklev]

Return of the king

[@jamesdavey8675]

Curry was more seperated in the legs but flat through the upper body, especially the chest.

[@Tomn8er]

He was flat everywhere by his standards. Nothing was popping properly.

[@voo7210]

@@Tomn8er rude

[@jamesdavey8675]

@@voo7210 how is that rude??

[@voo7210]

@@jamesdavey8675 yes

[@jamesdavey8675]

@@voo7210 ...

[@bilbob7624]

if Chad Nichols is coaching Big Ramy and Bonac how will that work at the olympia?

[@Benjamin-w41]

He coached Ronnie, Flex, Nasser and I also think Chris Cormier at the same time back in the day. 🤷‍♂️ As a coach you simply have to try to support everyone of your athletes the same and help him/her reach his/her goals.

[@njmwape1]

Ramy wins 😁😅

[@coyrex1250]

Currys hams and glutes dont really look more conditioned than Justins to me. He had more lines but definitely doesn't look as dry so its kinda win/lose for both of em

[@franciscoeukalyptus6537]

I'm a fool for glutes + hams !!!

[@alemarioluiginator]

Great video as always tom!!!

[@nightman8612]

Steve takes the best posing slip with his emerald theme choice...

[@manduheavyvazquez5268]

Bonac all day. Greatness

[@ivanobregonvalencia7018]

Great commentary !!! Thanks for this

[@rogerjara6715]

Nice to hear from you again bro

[@jaymz18]

good to hear from you again big man, hope all's well with you

[@padraigdoyle9262]

"mr screw your freedom"😂😂

[@Stefan-od3us]

The only videos I wait for

[@HardbrasH1]

I like that you admit side enhancements in Justin's delts that through off his physique in certain poses

[@SoulDelSol]

I noticed that too. Two competitors had that really noticeable

[@SoulDelSol]

I just don't know the other guy's name

[@Ganbarizer]

looks like someone went a little too heavy with the synthol delt injections. and bonac might be the shortest guy there, but he's packed the most muscle on his frame than anyone there. 11:19 is a good example.

[@sukrajsaini5457]

samson was shafted!!

[@samuelrodrigues2939]

Man, i think Dauda doesnt actually lack muscularity.. to me he is there hanging in the top, plus the aesthetics.. i think people are overlooking his miscles just because he is so aesthetic lol

[@doubletapthatdotty4597]

Its because of his height. He's 280 ish he ain't light but he's over 6 ft. He needs 5 lbs on the back 1/2 on the legs and abit more chest n triceps then he's gonna be a monster

[@samuelrodrigues2939]

@@doubletapthatdotty4597 true.. that would certainly help

[@davidphillips2286]

They need to have at least one call out where the camera stays central and doesn’t move to the side

[@MatthewHixson]

Samson caught my attention automatically. What a physique.

[@lopsangforcongress3051]

If the current Arnold Classic Champion and the Top Tier Olympia:-NICK WALKER was here at this Arnold, He would have Won again,and now he will Win the Olympia 22!!!🔥💪🥇

[@nealkelly9757]

How could you give Bonac the front lat spread? Clavicle with kills him

[@executor1002]

Will you cover classic physique also ? Great Video btw.

[@Tomn8er]

Yes will get around to it but not sure if I'll have time this weekend.

[@crod7028]

Bonac!

[@JoeMama-uk5ct]

Steve Kuclo and Justin really surprised me ngl

[@DD-gu9zd]

Is it just me or was the lighting from the 90’s and early 20’s so much better. It actually does my head in, we wait so long to watch the show and I’m constant underwhelmed due to poor lighting.

[@SoulDelSol]

Maybe back then it was incandescent rather than LEDs, prob change in lighting tech itself. Only way to explain ongoing differences

[@Ahmad-ff7tb]

Was waiting for the notification tom 🤩🤩

[@0ptimal]

If Samson ever comes in super shredded and popping like bonac was, he could wreck. Dude looks awesome

[@leoayala6078]

Where’s the critique on the classic physique division broski?

[@stansmith8158]

I feel bonac should win

[@NavidDragon]

The canadian comment8or is BACK

[@paddy2natty496]

Been waiting for this!

[@pepeknapp4956]

The vido we have all been waiting for xD

[@devinoggeri7711]

Glad I'm not the only one pissed off by the Arnold cam

[@radioactivedragonite2420]

TOM IS BACK

[@1881Gordon]

Great review, as always. I have to concede thought that Brandon looked out gunned in this show. In some shots he looks like a boy compared to those beasts.

[@javadlift5054]

Tom Lets do the classic physiuqe too

[@BloodCover]

After watching this, Nick Walker would have beat this lineup