The 2024 Arnold Classic South America occurred from April 5-7 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. This event was a 2024 Mr. Olympia qualifier and featured competitors from the Men’s Open, Classic Physique, Men’s Wheelchair, and Wellness divisions.
With no point system in place this year, competitors must win a Pro contest by September 15, 2024, to ensure their presence on the sport’s greatest stage. The 2024 Mr. Olympia Weekend will return to Las Vegas, Nevada from October 10-13.
Heading into the 2024 Arnold Classic South America contest, all eyes were on former 2022 champion Rafael Brandao, who recently finished third at the 2024 Arnold Classic Ohio. In addition, fans and bodybuilding veterans labeled Tonio Burton a frontrunner as well. After prejudging and finals, Rafael Brandao stole the show with symmetry, balance, and aesthetics!
2024 Arnold Classic South America Winners
- Men’s Open: Rafael Brandao
- Classic Physique: Fabio Junio
- Men’s Wheelchair: Secundino Kevin
- Wellness: Rayane Fogal
2024 Arnold Classic South America Results
Men’s Open
Heading into prejudging and finals, it appeared to be a two-man race between 2022 Arnold Classic South America champion Rafael Brandao and Tonio Burton. Having recently secured third place at the 2024 Arnold Classic Ohio show, Brandao continues to improve his aesthetics at each contest. His tight waist and back double biceps shots stood out early.
Also fighting for center stage was Tonio Burton. Burton last competed at the 2023 Olympia in eighth place. Boasting Dexter Jackson-like fullness and bubbly muscle volume, Burton showcased one of his best looks to date.
Meanwhile, Ugolnikov Vitalii shined in his Pro debut thanks to his freaky quads and hamstrings. In the end, Rafael Brandao secured first place and a qualification for 2024 Mr. Olympia. Tonio Burton finished in second place and Ugolnikov ‘Good Vito’ Vitalii took third.
- Winner — Rafael Brandao
- Second Place — Tonio Burton
- Third Place — Ugolnikov Vitalii (Goodvito)
- Fourth Place — William Martins
- Fifth Place — Andre Carlao
- Sixth Place — Alan Ramiro Bonadiman
- Seventh Place — Jefferson Santos De Oliveira
- Eighth Place — Jonathan Emmanuel Padilla Gonzalez
- Ninth Place — Davi Flex Jr.
- Tenth Place — Deivison Teixeira
Classic Physique
In the Classic Physique category, fans were excited after comparisons heated up. The separation and back detail of Diego Galindo caught the attention of judges and the crowd during prejudging. He last competed in 2022 at the Musclecontest Ironberg ABC Pro, having narrowly taken second place.
Meanwhile, Fabio Junio became a frontrunner with one of his best packages to date. With no clear weaknesses and an impressive waist-to-lat ratio, he commanded center stage for much of the contest. Junio previously tested his mettle at the 2023 Xtreme Bodybuilding Pro Mexico and shined on his way to finishing first.
After having their endurance tested with several poses, Fabio Junio pulled off the victory and is 2024 Olympia-bound. Diego Galindo finished second and Livinho claimed third place.
- Winner — Fabio Junio
- Second Place — Diego Galindo
- Third Place — Livinho
- Fourth Place — Lucas Moraes
- Fifth Place — Andre Formiga
Men’s Wheelchair
Men’s Wheelchair put on a show in Brazil. The top names to watch out for were Secundino Kevin and Gorila Albino. Albino, equipped with a top-notch upper body, entered this event as the defending champion with something to prove. He won the 2023 Arnold Classic South America show and was eager to add a title defense to his trophy cabinet.
In addition, fans were blown away by the shredded physique of Secundino Kevin. Kevin’s last competition came in first place at the 2022 NPC Worldwide Ben Weider Classic Spain and he was eager to replicate the success. In the end, Secundino Kevin dethroned Albino to win the 2024 Arnold Classic South America title!
- Winner — Secundino Kevin
- Second Place — Gorila Albino
Wellness
In the Wellness division, all eyes were on Rayane Fogal, an established competitor in the IFBB Pro League and standout Valquiria Lopes, whose shape and symmetry were on another level this weekend. Given that Fogal last competed at the 2023 Olympia in fourth place, fans expected another stellar showing in South America.
However, Valquiria Lopes also brought a dangerous look to the stage. She continues to improve her aesthetics and shape at each contest. Ultimately, the stage presence and detail of Rayane Fogal secured her the big victory. Valquiria Lopes finished in second place and Andreia Gadelha took bronze.
- Winner — Rayane Fogal
- Second Place — Valquiria Lopes
- Third Place — Andreia Gadelha
- Fourth Place — Debora Boff
- Fifth Place — Renata Guaraciaba
- Sixth Place — Rayra Lima
- Seventh Place — Pamela Rodrigues
- Eighth Place — Debora Pereira De Oliveira
- Ninth Place — Claudia Gentil
- Tenth Place — Danielle Alves Balbino Da Silva
- Eleventh Place — Ruth Matos
- Twelfth Place — Fernanda Kivia Ramos
- Thirteenth Place — Andreia Santos
2024 Arnold Classic South America Scorecards
