The 2024 Arnold Classic, set for March 1-2, 2024, in Columbus, OH, will have one less competitor in the lineup. IFBB Pro League Men’s Open bodybuilder Rubiel “Neckzilla” Mosquera announced he is unable to compete in the 36th edition of the contest due to visa issues. He shared the news in an Instagram post on Jan. 30, 2024, which can be seen below:
“Important Update: Due to unexpected visa challenges and my readiness, I’m stepping back from competing at @arnoldsports in Ohio, USA, this year,” wrote Mosquera in the post’s caption. “My sincerest apologies to Arnold Sports Festival and all my supporters.”
At the time of this article’s publication, there has not yet been an official announcement about whether Mosquera’s vacancy in the roster will be filled or not. Mosquera is the second of the original 13 invited athletes to withdraw. Andrew Jacked had previously removed himself from the show due to personal reasons that required an extended off-season.
2024 Arnold Classic Roster
The remaining 11 athletes scheduled to step onstage at the Battelle Grand Ballroom of the Greater Columbus Convention Center are below:
- Remeco Bose*
- Rafael Brandao
- Hadi Choopan
- Samson Dauda
- Horse Marcello De Angelis
- Jon Delarosa
- Mohamed Shaaban Elimbabi
- James Hollingshead
- Justin Rodriguez
- Antoine Vaillant
- Akim Williams
*2023 Arnold Amateur winner
Mosquera had previously competed in the IFBB Elite Pro organization before entering an IFBB Pro League qualifying show in Prague, Czech Republic, in November 2023.
After winning that show, thereby earning his new pro status, Mosquera entered the 2023 Prague Pro to a bronze-medal finish behind champion and runner-up Michal Krizanek. Mosquera defeated 19 other competitors, though, including Nathan De Asha (fourth) and Roman Fritz (seventh).
“Neckzilla” shared in his post that he intends to compete onstage again, but did not share when. Mosquera is one of the athletes listed to compete in the 2024 Arnold Classic UK contest in Birmingham, England, on March 15-17, 2024.
To qualify to compete in the 2024 Olympia Weekend in Las Vegas, NV, on Oct. 10-13, 2024, Mosquera must win a pro show before Sept. 15, 2024. BarBend will provide updates on Mosquera’s intentions to compete if he makes any further statements.
Featured image: @rubiel_mosquera on Instagram
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