The 2026 Arnold Classic is around the corner, prompting Derek Lunsford to assess the lineup. On Jan. 1, 2026, via YouTube, the reigning Mr. Olympia predicted the top two finishers at the Arnold Classic and discussed Nick Walker’s chances. Additionally, he laid out his plan to win a third Mr. Olympia title.
The 2025 Mr. Olympia told us a lot. When the chips were down, Lunsford proved he could respond to adversity. He didn’t just beat his opposition onstage; he overcame a pec tear and a panic attack en route to cementing his legacy.
Lunsford will not be competing at the Arnold Classic. Heading into the competition, all eyes are on Walker. After falling to sixth place at the Olympia, “The Mutant” is training himself, hoping to get back in the winning column when he storms Columbus, Ohio. With the event just under nine weeks out, Lunsford previewed what lies ahead for him and some of the sport’s top stars.
Derek Lunsford Talks 2026 Arnold Classic and His Mr. Olympia Title Defense Plan
In the latest Menace Podcast, hosted by Dennis James, Lunsford predicted that Hadi Choopan and Chinedu Andrew “Jacked” Obiekea would finish in the top two.
“I see Nick and Martin right there battling it out. If Nick comes back, I think he can beat Martin. I think Martin looked incredible in Prague.
There’s that right there, but I’m looking at probably Hadi because I see him being the most complete of them all. But then you have Andrew, who has been a fav favorite since the Olympia. Those are the two I see in the top two.”
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He argued that if the other contenders were off, and Walker brought his Pittsburgh Pro look, he could win the event.
“If the other guys are off, yeah, he could win,” said Lunsford. “Nick has to bring his Pittsburgh look, and those other guys have to be a little bit off.
I don’t think Hadi is going to be that far off though. We’ve seen slightly off Hadi, but Hadi is pretty consistent, man.”
Looking ahead, Lunsford said he could see himself competing at another Arnold Classic or bodybuilding contest in the future, outside of the Olympia.
“I’ll probably guest pose at the Pittsburgh Pro and then compete in the Olympia. However, I really enjoyed doing the Arnold Classic this past year, and I could foresee myself doing that show again in the future. Who knows? I don’t know what 2027 is going to bring, but I can see myself doing more than just the Olympia in the future.”
To ensure he secures a third Mr. Olympia title, Lunsford plans to improve his arms and chest.
“Definitely focusing on the areas like Milos mentioned. People have been talking about arms, chest for the last couple of years. I’ve been improving them year to year. So I think focusing on those areas is going to help. Getting that muscle maturity, that density, and getting better mind-muscle connection,” he said.
The 2026 Arnold Classic is set to be a historic event. With the roster packed with big-name threats, whoever emerges victorious will have momentum going into the Olympia. What makes the contest even more exciting is the fact that Arnold Schwarzenegger will award a record $750,000 to the Open champion.
Lunsford currently sees the contest as a two-man race between Choopan and Jacked. However, should they hit the stage not at their best, Walker could slide in and steal the crown.
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