Dexter Jackson of Jacksonville, Florida won the Arnold Classic bodybuilding competition at the Arnold Sports Festival 2008. A check for $130,000 was presented by Steve Blechman of Muscular Development, a trophy was presented by Brian Cavanaugh of GNC, an Audemars Piquet watch by Robert Ronen, and a Tony Nowak jacket and congratulations from Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Melvin Anthony won the Most Entertaining Posing Award and a $10,000 check presented by Bill Windscheif of Gold's Gym International, Rich Gaspari of Gaspari Nutrition. Branch Warren was awarded the Most Muscular Man Award presented by Josef Kagerbauer of Joska Kristall.

Phil Heath of Denver, Colorado won 2nd place. He received $75,000 presented by Gerard Dente of MHP and an Arnold Classic medallion presented by Jill Tanowitz of NetJets.

Kai Green of New York, New York placed 3rd in this year's Arnold Classic and was awarded $50,000 presented by Paul Hemingway of EAS and a medallion by Bernardo Gonzaga of Amino Vital.

Other major prizes awarded in the Arnold Classic were:

• 4th place: Branch Warren from Keller, Texas received $30,000 presented by Flex Wheeler of All American EFX and a medallion presented by Dave Conlon of MuscleTech.
• 5th place: Silvio Samuel of Puerto Rico received $15,000 presented by Kevin Farley of Star Trac and a medallion presented by Shaun Eckhardt of Twinlab.
• 6th place: Gustavo Badel from California received $10,000, presented by Michael Carrubba of Vitamin Shoppe and a medallion by John Teng of Sunrider.