The 2026 Mr. Olympia press conference began at 12:00 pm (PDT) inside the Palms Casino Resort’s Pearl Theater in Las Vegas. During the annual ceremony on September 24, Nick Walker stole the show, sharing that no one will outmuscle, outcondition, or outpose him onstage. Before it could end, Walker, Andrew Jacked, and Samson Dauda gave fans a posedown tease before the action kicks off tomorrow.
Heading into this year’s Mr. Olympia, Lunsford appears more confident than ever. He went undefeated in the Men’s Open last season en route to picking up his second Sandow trophy. Lunsford is on the verge of making history again. If he leaves Sin City with the win, he’ll be the first Olympia champion since Phil Heath to reach three titles.
The lineup is absolutely stacked despite Hadi Choopan’s unfortunate withdrawal. Andrew Jacked (Chinedu Andrew Obiekea) stands tall as one of the favorites. Tensions have flared between him and Lunsford. Meanwhile, Samson Dauda plans to rise from the ashes after dropping to fourth place last year.
Beyond those frontrunners, Tampa Pro titleholder Nick Walker believes he’ll win the event even if his rivals are 100% on. Martin Fitzwater is another unpredictable threat. Having beaten Dauda at last year’s Prague Pro, he could pull off big upsets, especially when he nails his peak.
In Classic Physique, Ramon ‘Dino’ Queiroz aims to retain gold. Fans expect another intense showdown between him and 2026 Arnold Classic UK winner Mike Sommerfeld. Additionally, Terrence Ruffin and Wesley Vissers could easily shake up the contest. Athletes were able to get an early look at each other during the presser, with just hours remaining before they hit the stage.
2026 Mr. Olympia Press Conference Highlights
The press conference was open to the public as the world’s best Olympia competitors reach the end of peak week. Lunsford kicked things off, emphasizing that he wants to win more than any other competitor:
“My confidence comes because I want it the most. I’m focused on myself, my family, and what I’m trying to build and improve in my life,” Lunsford said. “Ask these guys who wants to be second.”
Dauda got heated with Bob Cicherillo, who thought he’d be outside the top five if he stood onstage over 300 pounds.
“You said if I’m anywhere near 300 pounds I won’t be top five?” Dauda told Cicherillo. “I wasn’t watching your show. People sent it to me. Bob, your mouth is getting bigger each time.”
“Come Olympia Saturday, I’m going to stand right in your face and say what was that? Damn right [I’m 300 lbs or over],” Dauda added. “These days people seem to do a lot more talking than actual working.”
“I want to be the last man standing, that’s for sure.”
Walker explained that he drowned out the social media noise ahead of the show.
“First thing is first, I had to go back to the drawing board. Putting my head down and working hard, and not caring about anything anymore. I stopped caring what people say about me. I went as far as blocking the social media bullshit.”
“Who cares what people have to say? That resonated very hard with me through the past years. I feel like I’m back to my old self, and I feel like this is my Mr. Olympia to win,” said Walker.
He also called out Cicherillo for predicting his placement:
“We thought you could do a high as fourth,” said Cicherillo.
“You’re still low-balling me,” Walker replied. “I want that title more than anything in the world right now.”
According to “The Mutant,” no one will outmuscle, outcondition, or outpose him onstage:
“Don’t forget, I tightened up my waist too. I think it will be [my best]. I don’t think anyone will outmuscle me, outcondition me, outpose me, now that I fixed my waist, I’m going to truly dominate the stage, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do.”
“No, it’s not [Andrew’s turn],” he said. “I will be the last one standing on that stage.”
Jacked made it clear that it’s his turn to reign atop the Mr. Olympia mountain.
“Listen, I’m just taking it one step at a time and climbing the ladder; that’s it. When I reach the top is when I reach it.”
“Consistent improvements, of course, speak for themselves,” he said. “It’s my turn. Bob, it’s my turn. After me, whoever comes next year.”
Pictures:
Before the presser could wrap, Dauda, Jacked, and Walker ripped off their shirts for a tense posedown.
The 2026 Mr. Olympia Weekend promises to be historic and takes place from September 24-27 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Keep it locked on Fitness Volt for the latest updates, stories, predictions, and results.
You can follow along and watch the action on the Olympia Productions website here.
