Derek, Dauda, Walker, and Choopan: The Most Brutal Olympia Is Coming

Derek Lunsford, winner of both the Arnold Classic and the Pittsburgh Pro, announced he would not be competing at the NY Pro. Everything was set for “The Mutant,” Nick Walker — who came close to defeating Lunsford in Pittsburgh — to claim his third victory in New York. Walker, seen by many as the natural heir to former Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler, had an incredible run in 2021 and 2022: he won the NY Pro (or the Night of the Champions, as it used to be called) for the first time, followed by the Arnold Classic, and then secured a solid third place at Mr. Olympia. But after that, he faced a storm of personal and health issues that led many to believe his career had come to an end.

His return to the stage this year was more than just another contest; it was a reckoning. Walker wanted to prove that his story had merely paused, not ended. In Pittsburgh, Derek Lunsford — Mr. Olympia 2023 — stopped him in his tracks. Lunsford’s win sparked controversy: many believed Walker had taken the first round, but Lunsford’s conditioning improved significantly by the finals, earning him a narrow victory. Still, Walker already had his sights set on New York. The NY Pro was his turf, his redemption arc, the place where he has reigned supreme. Perhaps that’s why Lunsford chose not to risk stepping into Walker’s territory.

Walker’s victory in New York now qualifies him for the 2025 Mr. Olympia. He’ll return to the most prestigious bodybuilding competition in the world — though the Arnold Classic, under the leadership of the legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger, is quickly closing the gap in terms of prestige and attention. This year, we’ll see Samson Dauda, Mr. Olympia 2024, defend his title against true mass monsters. Derek Lunsford and Nick Walker appear to be the top contenders… but we can’t forget the 2022 Mr. Olympia, Hadi Choopan. All signs point to a brutal four-way showdown in 2025. Beyond these four, it’s hard to imagine a surprise breakthrough. Could William Bonac, who went head-to-head with Walker in New York, return to his 2019 form when he placed second at the Olympia? Will Brandon Curry, the 2019 Mr. Olympia, make a comeback? Is the rumor about Mamdouh Elssbiay — aka Big Ramy — returning actually true?

I haven’t seen in Samson Dauda the kind of physical progress needed to become an unbeatable champion. His recent defeat at the Arnold Classic was a harsh blow to his title defense hopes. Lunsford has already shown that Dauda can be beaten, and that puts Dauda in a mentally tough spot. Choopan and Walker know it — they both have a real shot. Choopan was champion in 2022, and finished second last year. Walker took third place that same year, while Dauda dropped to sixth. October will be a brutal test for Dauda. Lunsford, Choopan, and Walker appear to be in the best shape of their careers, fully prepared to take the crown.

Bodybuilding legends like Dorian Yates, Jay Cutler, and Lee Priest have already expressed admiration for Walker, seeing him as a future Mr. Olympia. Lunsford, on the other hand, has shown admirable courage by coming back strong and winning the two most important shows after the Olympia. If he manages to reclaim the title this year, he’ll make history alongside Jay Cutler as the only two bodybuilders to regain the Mr. Olympia crown after losing it. Choopan came close to doing the same last year.

Dauda’s 2024 win was legitimate and compelling. But his physique still seems to be in development. I believe he needs another three to four years to reach his full potential. That lack of maturity puts him at a disadvantage compared to Lunsford, Choopan, and Walker — athletes who have already pushed their bodies to the limit and only need to arrive in peak condition come October. While Dauda is the reigning champion today, it’s becoming more likely that 2025 will crown someone new.