Who will leave Columbus as the new champion?

Last updated on February 19th, 2025

The 2025 Fitness International competition will be one of seven IFBB Professional League competitions held at the Arnold Classic in Columbus, OH, from Feb. 28 to March 1, 2025. 

Ariel Khadr Out

Eleven athletes will compete, and a first-time champion is guaranteed. Reigning three-time winner Ariel Khadr initially entered the competition after sitting out the 2024 Fitness Olympia with a neck injury. Her name has since been removed from the lineup on the Arnold Sports website. No reason was given for her exit at the time of this article’s publication. No athlete listed on the current roster has won the Arnold before.

In addition to winning a major title within the Fitness category, the champion qualifies for the 2025 Fitness Olympia, which will be held on Oct. 9-12, 2025, in Las Vegas, NV, as part of the Olympia weekend. 

2025 Fitness International Roster 

• Jaclyn Baker
• Rene Brosch
• Tiffany Chandler
• Michelle Fredua-Mensah
• Michelle Gales
• Andrea Glass
• Minna Pajulahti
• Michaela Pavleova
• Kristin Pope
• Amber Steffen
• Tamara Vahn

[Related: How Michal “Križo” Križánek Develops a Freaky-Massive Back]

Schedule

The Physique round, which counts for one-third of the overall score, will occur at the Arnold Expo at the Greater Columbus Convention Center on Friday, Feb. 28, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. EST. 

The finals, which is the Routine round, will take place later that day at the Friday night finals in the Battelle Grand Ballroom. The start time for that show is 7 p.m. EST. This round counts for the other two-thirds of the overall score and will determine who leaves Columbus as champion.

Top Contenders

This contest is an invite-only event. Based on the résumés of these athletes, the top three contenders going into the show are below:

Jaclyn Baker

Baker was the runner-up to Missy Truscott at the 2024 Fitness Olympia. Baker is locked in for the 2025 Fitness Olympia, thanks to that placing. Baker became the early favorite for the Fitness International title since Truscott is focused on her shift to the Figure division, and Khadr is apparently out of the competition. Baker was the winner of the 2024 Fitness International UK contest.

Tamara Vahn

Vahn of Canada ranked fifth at the 2024 Olympia and sixth at the 2024 Arnold. She and Baker will likely be paired in Physique round callouts, and fans highly anticipate what they will do in the evening finals. Vahn is already qualified for the 2025 Olympia, thanks to winning the 2024 Chattanooga Night of Champions Pro.

Michelle Fredua-Mensah

Fredua-Mensah ranked fourth at the 2024 Fitness International and sixth at the 2024 Olympia. She has the most to gain from this contest as she has not yet qualified for the 2025 Olympia. Winning in Columbus would make her a top contender for the vacant throne in Las Vegas.

Dark Horses

Several other contenders will make their presence known. Tiffany Chandler is no stranger to big stages and is expected to be at her best in Columbus. Michaela Pavleova and Amber Steffen finished in the top 10 at the Olympia and can move up the placings if a rival does not perform up to expectations.

How to Watch

Tickets for the Expo and Friday night finals can be secured on the Arnold Sports website. Fans who will not be in Columbus can still catch all the action live via the free Arnold Sports livestream. Registration for that stream is also on the Arnold Sports website. 

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Featured Image: @jaclynbaker_ on Instagram