Attention is quickly turning to the 2026 Arnold Classic, where a $750,000 purse awaits the winner. On October 20, 2025, coach Chris Aceto discussed Nick Walker’s fan backlash and debated whether he would enter the Arnold Classic. He also confirmed Andrew Jacked will compete in Columbus, Ohio, before giving his thoughts on Samson Dauda’s latest physique update post-Olympia.
The 2025 Mr. Olympia reshaped the Men’s Open landscape. Lunsford secured his second Sandow trophy while former champion Samson Dauda missed the mark in fourth place. Although Nick Walker had hype and momentum in the lead-up to the event, he mistimed his peak and claimed sixth place.
Aside from Lunsford and Hadi Choopan, Jacked made a huge impression en route to bronze. He brought a new level of condition and detail, putting him in the driver’s seat for the 2026 season. With bodybuilders setting their sights on their next contests, Aceto broke down what’s next in the final quarter of 2025.
Chris Aceto Defends Walker Amid ‘Stupid’ Fan Rumors, Discusses Who Could Enter 2026 Arnold Classic
In the video, Aceto defends Nick Walker amid fan backlash after someone accused him of saying ‘Fu** off,’ during the Olympia Weekend.
Level Up Your Fitness: Join our 💪 strong community in Fitness Volt Newsletter. Get daily inspiration, expert-backed workouts, nutrition tips, the latest in strength sports, and the support you need to reach your goals. Subscribe for free!
“To defend Nick, they have the right to say whatever they want to fans, period. If you’re coming off a prejudging that you didn’t like, the idea that you have to be fake, which means cordial, or even nice to every single person who approaches you, it’s stupid.”
“In no other sport do you get access anyway to the athletes. In an NFL game, you can’t run up to the quarterback and get to interact with him two seconds after he fumbled, and say something to him and expect him to be nice to you.”
He believes Walker has the right to interact with his fans as he deems fit.
“Whether he said it or not, it’s his right to interact with fans with whatever demeanor he chooses. I would defend him,” he said. “Had he did say it, he’s in his own right to feel the way he wants to feel at any point in time of a weekend that is so important like this.”
When asked if Walker would enter the 2026 Arnold Classic, Aceto was unsure. He believes Walker will carefully select his next show because he wants to bring his ‘mind-blowing best.’
“Because Nick is analytical. He wants his mind-blowing best and to be better than the Olympia,” Aceto shared. “He was off at the prejudging and there was no way he was going to get a move up too much higher than where he moved up.”
However, he did confirm that Andrew Jacked, whom he coaches, will be competing at the AC.
“Andrew is doing the Arnold. He told me he was going to do it, running into the Olympia.”
Shifting to discussions about Dauda, Aceto called him the obvious favorite heading into the Prague Pro.
“He looks 300 pounds, it’s great. It’s a fuller version of what you see at the Olympia,” he explains. “These shows are so competitive, I would say yes, but there is no slam dunk whatsoever at all. I don’t know who is doing the show.”
“Everyone looks like the winner and one, two, three, and four by themselves. He’s obviously the strong favorite.”
The judging panel has been hurled into the limelight following the 2025 Mr. Olympia. According to bodybuilding veteran Lee Priest, the judging was good in Vegas, though he actually had Choopan or Jacked coming out on top against Lunsford in the finals.
The competitors list for the 2026 Arnold Classic should be coming soon. Aceto expects a major performance from Jacked but is unsure who is entering beyond him.
Watch the full video from the Rx Muscle – Truth In Bodybuilding YouTube Channel below:
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.
You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and
YouTube for even more content.
