COLUMBUS, Ohio — The world's best athletes in physique and strength sports return to Columbus for the Arnold Sports Festival on Feb. 29 to March 3.

What You Need To Know

  • The festival, held annually, will feature a three-day expo with hundreds of booths of the latest in sports equipment, apparel and nutrition

  • The 2024 Arnold Strongman Classic will headline the festival and take place on Friday, March 1 and Saturday, March 2

  • The event’s champion is known as the “Strongest Man in the World”

The festival, held annually, will feature a three-day expo with hundreds of booths of the latest in sports equipment, apparel and nutrition. The hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, March 1 and Saturday, March 2. Hours on Sunday, March 3 will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Click here to view the floor plan for the expo. 

The 2024 Arnold Strongman Classic will headline the festival and take place on Friday, March 1 and Saturday, March 2. The event’s champion is known as the “Strongest Man in the World." Mitchell Hooper is looking to defend his 2023 title.

Full Arnold Strongman competitor list:

  • Mitchell Hooper
  • Thor Björnsson
  • Martins Licis
  • Oleksii Novikov
  • Tom Stoltman
  • Mateusz Kieliszkowski
  • Evan Singleton
  • Bobby Thompson
  • Maxime Boudreault
  • Tom Evans
  • Oskar Ziólkowski

Founded in 1989 as a bodybuilding competition by Arnold Schwarzenegger, the annual festival has since grown into a giant affair that includes weightlifting, running races, martial arts, table tennis and jump roping, among many other sports. Each year, it draws tens of thousands of participants and spectators to Columbus with an economic impact of more than $50 million.

Tickets to the events, including VIP packages, are available online and at the door. 

Visit their website or e-mail tickets@arnoldsports.com with any questions.

The Associated Press contributed to this article.