The 2026 Mr. Olympia is approaching fast, and Jay Cutler is previewing what lies ahead. In a YouTube video from June 18, 2026, he revealed whether taller bodybuilders have the edge at the prestigious event. In addition, he discussed Derek Lunsford’s mentality and why the Open class overlooks the standing relaxed pose.
In 2025, Derek Lunsford achieved the improbable. He reclaimed the Mr. Olympia title after losing the crown to Samson Dauda. He became the first Men’s Open athlete since Jay Cutler to recapture Olympia gold after losing it onstage.
Chinedu Andrew ‘Jacked’ Obiekea is arguably Lunsford’s greatest threat. The 6’2″ Nigerian native secured back-to-back victories at the 2026 Arnold Classic Ohio and UK shows. Looking ahead, Cutler questions how stature could affect the results when the biggest contest of the year returns.
Jay Cutler Discusses Whether Taller Bodybuilders Have the Advantage at 2026 Mr. Olympia
In the video, Cutler broke down whether taller athletes have the edge at the Mr. Olympia. He believes Lunsford would disagree with the idea and explained how winning the Sandow trophy changes your mentality.
“I think Derek would argue that. He’s very confident right now,” shared Jay Cutler. “You know, coming back to win the title after losing it… it changes your mentality because the world is against you, right? Oh, it can’t be done, Jay Cutler did it once.”
He emphasized that other shorter bodybuilders like Hadi Choopan could find success, especially after teaming up with Milos Sarcev.
“Listen, Hadi Choopan is not a slouch either. Milos is now working with him. We haven’t had Milos on much to talk about his abilities, but I’m looking at Behrooz right now. He may look his best of all time. We have the two Iranian guys that are hungry and getting the job done.”
Cutler also noted that the Men’s Open class doesn’t critique the standing relaxed pose:
“Now, today, you got the arms here, here, there are so many [differences]. The leg stance is totally different. The judges don’t necessarily critique that standing relaxed as much, as far as in the Open division.”
This hasn’t been Cutler’s first time discussing Lunsford’s chances at the Olympia. He recently urged the two-time champ to bring fuller legs, or risk losing the title. He also offered Lunsford ab training advice and mind-muscle connection tips.
Though he won’t be the tallest athlete onstage, Lunsford isn’t short on confidence. The 2026 Mr. Olympia is set for September 24-27 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
