Pittsburgh Pro 2025: The War Before the Olympia

Bodybuilding in 2025 is moving at full speed. After the thrilling conclusion of the Arnold Classic, the Pittsburgh Pro is here—a competition set to become the epicenter of rivalries, long-awaited comebacks, and battles that could shape the path to the Mr. Olympia in October.

From the start, the biggest attraction is the return of Nick "The Mutant" Walker. After two years away from the Mr. Olympia, Walker is finally stepping onto the Pittsburgh stage, determined to prove that he remains one of the sport's biggest rising stars. But he won’t be alone.

One of his most dangerous challengers is Martin "The Martian" Fitzwater, whose otherworldly physique has earned praise from legends like Jay Cutler, who claimed Fitzwater should have won the New York Pro last year. That victory went to Walker, but Fitzwater got his revenge in November by defeating Chris Bumstead in Prague. Bumstead, after dominating Mr. Olympia Classic Physique and announcing his retirement, shocked the world by testing himself in the Open category against monsters like Fitzwater.

For Fitzwater, the Pittsburgh Pro is his chance to settle the score with Walker and gain momentum for the Mr. Olympia. For Walker, it’s the first step in his climb back to the top. Both need the win, but their challenge goes beyond personal rivalry.

Derek Lunsford, the reigning Mr. Olympia 2023, will also be in the mix. Lunsford suffered a tough defeat to Samson Dauda, but he bounced back at the Arnold Classic, reclaiming his place as a top contender by beating Dauda. While Dauda won’t be competing in Pittsburgh, the clash between Lunsford, Walker, and Fitzwater is enough to excite any bodybuilding fan.

And the lineup doesn’t stop there. Other massive names will also take the stage, including James Hollingshead, Michal Krizo, and Vitaliy Ugolnikov—a new generation of bodybuilders looking to establish their dominance and make a statement for future Mr. Olympia competitions.

Lunsford’s presence alone is reason enough to be excited. His goal is crystal clear: win everything in 2025 and arrive at the Mr. Olympia as Dauda’s biggest threat. However, by spreading his focus across multiple competitions, he’s taking risks. His Arnold Classic victory gave him a psychological edge and put pressure on Dauda, but a win in Pittsburgh would solidify him as the top contender to reclaim his Mr. Olympia title.

Meanwhile, Walker seems unfazed. If anything, Lunsford’s presence fuels him even more than his rivalry with Fitzwater. Fitzwater, on the other hand, is eager to face both men. This showdown isn’t just an early-season spectacle—it’s a preview of the war awaiting us in October at the Mr. Olympia.