The rivalry between Derek Lunsford and Nick Walker is heating up less than 10 weeks from the 2025 Mr. Olympia. In a recent YouTube video on August 2, 2025, Lunsford shared that Walker should thank him for competing at the Pittsburgh Pro and expressed interest in entering a future New York Pro contest.
In 2023, Lunsford burst into a new stratosphere within the IFBB Pro League. He succeeded in winning the Mr. Olympia title, becoming the first athlete in the sport’s history to nail down the Men’s 212 Bodybuilding and Open Mr. Olympia titles.
Heavy is the head that wears the crown — a realization Lunsford made onstage at the 2024 Mr. Olympia. His lower body lacked detail and fullness, which judges took notice of. In the end, he left Sin City without his title in third place, while Samson Dauda emerged victorious. Lunsford patiently waited for his revenge and got it when they rematched at the 2025 Arnold Classic. Triumphant, the former 212 champ wants his Sandow trophy back.
Derek Lunsford ‘Off’ and Still Beat Nick Walker in Pittsburgh, Discusses ‘Hype’ Behind Their 2025 Mr. Olympia Rematch
In the video, Lunsford expressed interest in competing at a future New York Pro contest.
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“The New York Pro, the Night of Champions, has always been a legacy show. You’ve got to throw that in there as well,” shared Lunsford. “Absolutely, Steve’s show, the New York Pro, to be honest with you, having that ring, the New York Pro ring… that would be really nice.”
He explained that Walker should thank him for competing in Pittsburgh and stressed that he gave “The Mutant” an opportunity.
“He should be thanking me for doing that show, to be honest. He looked incredible, and for me, just to come off the Arnold win, being a two-division Olympia champion, all that, just to stand next to each other, is, hey that’s an opportunity I gave him.
He hasn’t been to the Olympia for how many years now? Two or three? Then, on top of that I didn’t show up at 100%, so that was like the door open right there.”
Lunsford argued that had he not competed against Walker in Pittsburgh, there would be less hype heading into the Mr. Olympia.
“Yeah, it was arguable. People were writing off Nick. Nobody should have been writing off Nick. Nobody should have been writing off Nick ever but they were, and if I hadn’t showed up, I don’t think there’d be the hype now going into the Olympia,” shared Lunsford.
“You’re welcome for the opportunity,” he added.
He added that he was off and Walker came to Pittsburgh at his best. He won’t underestimate him at the Mr. Olympia in October.
“Yes, it was because I was off and it was his all-time best and I was just maybe 90%. Look, Nick is an incredible bodybuilder, top five in the Olympia for sure. He’s going to give us all a challenge.
Even though I beat him and I was off and he was on, I’m still not shying away from thinking of I’m going to beat him again. No way! I have to freaking bring it man and he has to do that too.”
Lunsford refuses to count out Nick Walker as he sets his sights on regaining the Mr. Olympia title. However, he knows reigning champion Dauda is on track to bring another tremendous package. The 2025 Mr. Olympia event is set to return from October 9-12 in Las Vegas, Nevada, for its 61st event.
Watch the full video from The Voice of Bodybuilding YouTube channel below:
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