The world famous Arnold Classic was held over the weekend in Columbus Ohio from March fifth through the eighth. This year the Arnold attracted 150,000 plus visitors, including more than 20,000 athletes from over 80 countries.

Founded in 1989 in Columbus by the legendary bodybuilder, actor, and politician Arnold Schwarzenegger, the Arnold Classic is a bodybuilding expo known worldwide for its athletic competitions and celebrity appearances. The event began as a simple one-day bodybuilding competition, but over time branched out into the massive “Arnold Sports Festival” that it is today.

In recent years, the expo has had a particular growth in popularity among a younger audience. This growth can be directly correlated to the simultaneous rise in the gym social media scene; with an increase in younger gym goers having begun following social media influencers like the Tren Twins, the Arnold Classic has become an opportunity in which anyone can actually meet some of their gym inspirations in real life.

At this year’s expo, the event that ended up gaining the most media attraction was popular social media personality Sam Sulek’s professional debut in bodybuilding, competing in the Classic Physique division.

According to Worthington Kilbourne senior Bowen Rick, not only was he able to have conversations with some of his favorite celebrities such as “Lexx Little”, but the expo was also a “great place to meet tons of new people with similar interests in the gym.” Rick added that “there are so many different events happening at the expo. . .it’s not just bodybuilding and there’s really different niches for everyone who’s interested in fitness.”

This kind of variety to go check out whatever pertains to your individual interests is what makes the Arnold such a special event and unique from other bodybuilding shows. Also, it’s worth noting that for those who haven’t quite found their niche in the fitness space yet, the Arnold is a great place to make those initial connections and find a group.