The 2026 Mr. Olympia is just two days away, and bodybuilding veterans are laying out how the event will likely unfold. In a September 17 video, Milos Sarcev and Dennis James explained how Nick Walker could beat Andrew Jacked and win the event.
After his sixth-place drop at last year’s Olympia, Walker aims to prove the doubters wrong. He ditched his coach and claimed runner-up behind Jacked (Chinedu Andrew Obiekea) at the 2026 Arnold Classic. Although Walker missed out on the $750,000 winner’s purse, he considered the night a success after beating Hadi Choopan for the first time of his career.
With a new coach guiding his preparations, Walker dominated the 2026 Tampa Pro. The performance qualified him for the Mr. Olympia, and while some have doubts about his chances, it appears Sarcev and James believe he does have a viable path to the Sandow trophy.
Dennis James & Milos Sarcev Break Down If Nick Walker Can Beat Andrew Jacked & Win 2026 Mr. Olympia
According to Sarcev, Walker could potentially win the 2026 Mr. Olympia based on the judging criteria:
“We’re at a point where Nick can really legitimately win the contest,” said Milos Sarcev. “He can legitimately win the contest based on judging criteria. It doesn’t consider the symmetry round, or shape, or the real body just standing there, let me see what you look like.”
James believes that if Walker wins, it will make for an interesting interview with Bob Cicherillo, one of his best-known critics.
“You know what I would like the most about Nick winning? For Bob to walk into the center of that stage and do that interview. I know Nick would say something. He would say something that would break the internet,” Dennis James said.
Given Walker’s progress photos, James is adamant he can beat Jacked when they battle it out in Vegas.
“I don’t know. I’d be scared to not put him in the top three because I think he can. I think he’s going to beat Andrew. Chris said that that’s the best Andrew ever. Yeah, maybe it is, but we’re going to have to see that onstage,” Dennis shared.
“Nick lost to him in his last show at the Arnold Classic, so I don’t see that happening. I’m excited to see what Andrew looks like. Andrew also has one of my favorite physiques. When you’re saying nobody is as monstrous as big as Samson, Andrew is.”
James and Sarcev aren’t the only bodybuilding stars backing Nick Walker’s chances at the ‘Super Bowl of Bodybuilding.’ Former four-time Mr. Olympia Jay Cutler believes “The Mutant” has the tools to win.
“Nick Walker is getting better. Let’s be real. I know they said years ago he couldn’t win this Mr. Olympia; I truly think he can be Mr. Olympia, and I think he probably will at some point.”
It’s a strong Olympia lineup, and getting past Jacked won’t be an easy out for Walker. Don’t miss the 2026 Mr. Olympia from September 24-27 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fitness Volt will have live coverage.
Get Ready for 2026 Mr. Olympia
- How to Watch the 2026 Mr. Olympia Free Livestream
- 2026 Mr. Olympia Men’s Open Preview
- 2026 Classic Physique Olympia Preview
