Branch Warren Reveals His Top 4 Men’s Open Predictions for 2026 Mr. Olympia

Who is leaving Las Vegas with the Sandow trophy? In a September 9 video, bodybuilding veteran Branch Warren answered that question and shared his top four Men’s Open predictions ahead of the 2026 Mr. Olympia. 

This year’s Olympia could see new blood enter the picture with Hadi Choopan’s withdrawal. Derek Lunsford will headline the Men’s Open class, aiming to earn his third Mr. Olympia title. He’s maintained strong momentum since 2025, thanks to three consecutive wins at the Arnold Classic, Pittsburgh Pro, and Mr. Olympia. 

Meanwhile, bronze Olympia finisher Andrew Jacked (Chinedu Andrew Obiekea) has come into his own. He also nailed down three straight contest wins, including the 2025 Romania Pro, the 2026 Arnold Classic, and AC UK. His rivalry with Lunsford remains one of the biggest storylines heading into the event. 

Samson Dauda is another frontrunner out to topple Lunsford. He won the Olympia back in 2024, but a year later, lost his title after presenting a downsized look. Forging ahead, Dauda has emphasized that he’s bringing the ‘monster back’ to the stage. 

And then there’s Nick Walker, a true wild card who clawed his way back into contention with a runner-up finish at the Arnold Classic. He qualified for the Olympia with a statement victory at the Tampa Pro. No one has forgotten about Martin Fitzwater either. He placed fifth at last year’s Olympia and beat Dauda at the Prague Pro. The lineup is deep, yet Warren has a clear idea of who will leave with their hand raised. 

Branch Warren’s Top 4 Men’s Open Predictions for the 2026 Mr. Olympia 

• Winner — Andrew Jacked 
• Second Place — Derek Lunsford 
• Third Place — Martin Fitzwater 
• Fourth Place — Nick Walker 

Warren isn’t the only top-tier bodybuilding veteran getting behind Andrew Jacked. 1990s standout Lee Priest predicted that the Nigerian native will secure his first Olympia title. When asked about the probability, Priest said Jacked had a 21% chance of winning the event. 

Bodybuilding great Lee Haney offered taller competitors advice in the lead-up to the Olympia. He stressed that Jacked and Dauda have to ‘stand tall and pose big’ if they hope to take out the stockier athletes like Lunsford and Walker. 

It appears to be an incredibly tight race between these Men’s Open stars. Don’t miss the 2026 Mr. Olympia’s free live stream. Fitness Volt will keep you covered from September 24-27  with live results throughout the historic weekend. 

RELATED: Lee Haney Says Samson Dauda ‘Overtaxing’ Himself With Size, Doubts He’ll Be at His Best at 2026 Mr. Olympia

Watch the full video from the GASP & Better Bodies: The IRON WORLD YouTube channel below: