Will we see bodybuilder Nick Walker compete at the 2026 Mr. Olympia? In a YouTube video from May 26, 2026, Derek Lunsford answered that question and urged him to jump into the Tampa or Texas Pro.
After dropping out of the 2023 and 2024 Mr. Olympias, public doubt around Walker’s potential crept in. However, he redeemed himself in 2025 with a runner-up finish against Lunsford at the Pittsburgh Pro. While he was considered a favorite to win the Olympia last year, Walker mistimed his peak and fell to sixth place, a career-low finish.
He parted ways with his coach, Kyle Wilkes, and prepared for the 2026 Arnold Classic Ohio alone. The decision paid off; Walker pushed Chinedu Andrew ‘Jacked’ Obiekea on the scorecards, but narrowly took second place.
According to ‘The Mutant,’ it was still a milestone moment because it was the first time he beat Hadi Choopan. The 2026 Mr. Olympia wouldn’t be the same without Walker, but the Men’s Open star has yet to stamp his ticket.
Derek Lunsford Says Walker Needs to Compete at Texas or Tampa Pro to Secure Mr. Olympia Qualification
In the video, Lunsford shared that Nick Walker might have brought his best look ever to last year’s Pittsburgh Pro. For that reason, he thinks it would be a mistake for him to miss out on another Mr. Olympia contest.
“Well, a lot of people said the best Nick Walker was last year’s Pittsburgh Pro. I can’t disagree with that. He was big, he was shredded, he was on.
So, if last year, he presented his best physique, why wouldn’t we want to see him on the Olympia stage? I mean, come on… I think he’s done the Olympia once in the past three or four years.”
The reigning two-time Mr. Olympia champ urged Walker to enter the 2026 Tampa or Texas Pro.
“We need to get him back up on the Olympia stage this year. One way or another, this dude needs to show up at Tampa or Texas, or something can get him back on the Olympia stage,” said Derek Lunsford.
Derek Lunsford hasn’t been the only bodybuilder to assess Walker’s next move. Fouad Abiad, who used to sponsor Nick Walker, recently hinted that he plans to enter the 2026 Texas Pro to ensure his presence on the Olympia stage.
Athletes in the IFBB Pro League have until August 30, 2026, to secure their qualifications. The Tampa Pro is scheduled for July 30 to August 1, and the Texas Pro will take place August 14-15.
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