Tensions Boil Over at 2025 Mr. Olympia Presser: Dauda Fires Shots at Lunsford, Walker Promises Victory

Check out the press conference highlights for the 2025 Mr. Olympia, taking place Oct 9–12 in Las Vegas, NV.

Doug Murray
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Doug Murray
Doug Murray is a News Editor for Fitness Volt with a focus on strength sports, including bodybuilding and powerlifting. His experience covering diverse sports, including MMA,...
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2025 Mr Olympia Presser
2025 Mr Olympia Presser (Photo Credit: Instagram: @wingsofstrength)

The 2025 Mr. Olympia press conference kicked off on Oct. 9 inside the Resorts World Theatre in Las Vegas, NV. During the special ceremony, Samson Duda, Derek Lunsford, and Nick Walker stole the show. 

This Mr Olympia Weekend is packed with storylines. Samson Dauda aims to pull off a successful title defense, but faces one of the most decorated lineups in years. Derek Lunsford, who beat Dauda in Ohio at the 2025 Arnold Classic, is pursuing the coveted ‘Triple Crown, ‘ which would mean winning the AC, Pittsburgh Pro, and Olympia in the same season. 

Hadi Choopan is always in the mix, bringing his signature conditioning to the stage. Perhaps the biggest wildcard on deck is mass monster Nick Walker. He missed the last two Mr. Olympias, so fans expect him to bring unprecedented freak factor. 

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In Classic Physique, it’s a battle for a vacant title after Chris Bumstead retired from the sport. Frontrunners Mike Sommerfeld, Ramon Queiroz, Terrence Ruffin, Matt Greggo, and Logan Franklin got an early look at each other throughout the presser. 

2025 Mr. Olympia Presser Highlights: 

Like in 2024, Dauda brought the energy throughout the presser, telling Lunsford, ‘it’s done,’ and there’s nothing he can do about it. 

“To the contrary, it lit that fire harder for me. Ain’t nothing like being kicked down to get hungry. I want that shit back,” said Dauda. “Right now, there’s nothing he [Lunsford] can do. It’s done.” 

Lunsford and Choopan touched on their expectations ahead of the event. 

“We can go back and forth, we can talk, but at the end of the day, I’m going to show up and shock the world. Tomorrow at prejudging, I’m going to bring my best, I promise,” said Lunsford. 

“This year, I brought my best version, and I think I’ll be the last one to leave this stage,” Hadi Choopan said. 

Then, Walker was candid about his chances against Martin Fitzwater, Behrooz Tabani, and Andrew Jacked

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“I’ve already beat all these guys and I expect to do it again on Saturday night,” said Walker. “Nick Walker will be Mr. Olympia Saturday night.”

Despite “The Mutant’s” confidence, Andrew Jacked said he was more than capable of taking him out at the Olympia. 

“No one has got my name in the mix. I’m so relaxed in my zone and I’ll say more than 24 hours time from now, then we’ll see what’s happening. It’s called an Open Bodybuilding show. It’s man versus man, blood versus blood, so yeah [I can beat Nick Walker],” shared Andrew Jacked. 

Don’t miss Fitness Volt’s full coverage of the Mr. Olympia, taking over Las Vegas, NV from Oct. 9–12!

Get Prepared for 2025 Mr. Olympia 

Previews

How to Watch 

Relive every moment from the 2025 Mr. Olympia, including prejudging, highlights, expert analysis, and full results. Explore our Olympia hub: FitnessVolt.com/olympia. For minute-by-minute coverage, follow our Live Blog.

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Doug Murray is a News Editor for Fitness Volt with a focus on strength sports, including bodybuilding and powerlifting. His experience covering diverse sports, including MMA, for publications like Sportskeeda and CagesidePress informs his in-depth reporting.
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