Derek Lunsford hoisted the Sandow trophy above his head for the second time in his career at the 2025 Olympia in Las Vegas, NV. The 32-year-old had just accomplished what only Jay Cutler had done before – reclaim the Mr. Olympia title after surrendering it.
“Thank you guys so much. I know there are a lot of you that may doubt and say I shouldn’t do this or whatever,” Lunsford said during his victory speech. “But you know what, I just appreciate each and every one of you because it drove me to do something that everybody said was impossible.”
The victory completed what Lunsford dubbed his “Triple Crown” – an unprecedented sweep of the Arnold Classic, Pittsburgh Pro, and Mr. Olympia in a single calendar year. In doing so, he became the first bodybuilder in history to surpass $1 million in competition earnings within one year, though the champion insisted the titles meant more than the money.
Lunsford made a major change in his 2025 season by building a new team around him. After moving on from longtime coach Hany Rambod, he joined a new group of experts who helped him refine his workouts, meals, and recovery plan. The change paid off, showing a more polished and complete body on stage, fuller, tighter, and balanced.
From his final week prep to his posing sessions, everything was planned and done with care. In the end, he stepped on stage with a look that stood out as nearly unbeatable.
The Road Back
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Lunsford’s journey to reclaiming the Sandow began with criticism and doubt. After losing his title to Samson Dauda in 2024, many questioned his decision to compete at the Arnold Classic so early in 2025.
In fact, his body, by his own admission, wasn’t ready for the Arnold Classic prep. Yet something deeper drove him forward.
“My body was not in the right condition to do the Arnold prep, but my spirit was telling me to do it,” Lunsford explained. “Same as Pittsburgh Pro, and now the Olympia. So if He’s telling you to do it, you better go for it.”
However, Lunsford said that he has no plans to compete at the 2026 Arnold Classic or any other shows in the upcoming season, choosing instead to focus on his health and family.
Prejudging Drama
Friday’s prejudging at the Las Vegas Convention Center suggested the title might elude Lunsford once again. Samson Dauda appeared to hold a commanding lead after the evening comparisons, with his improved conditioning and confident presentation seeming to lock up a successful defense.
However, the tide would turn dramatically between prejudging and finals, as Lunsford brought a much-improved package with his unique aesthetic: those round, full muscle bellies that create his signature 3D look. This gave him the edge to knock out the champion.
Championship Under Duress
As the athletes prepared for the Saturday night finals, Lunsford faced an unexpected challenge that threatened to derail his championship aspirations entirely.
He wasn’t feeling well during the Finals individual posing routine, and the organizers had to alter the traditional posing order. Typically, the defending champion performs last during individual routines, but Samson Dauda was sent out before Lunsford – a strategic move to buy the challenger precious recovery time.
“I wasn’t feeling too good, but I had to stick it out. That’s another challenge you go through. We all go through challenges, you’ve got to keep going,” he said. “You think I’m just going to lie down at the end? Absolutely not.”
Despite his illness, Lunsford’s physique appeared fuller, rounder, and more three-dimensional under the bright lights of Resorts World Theatre.
His signature muscle bellies – particularly evident in his chest, arms, and delts – created the cartoon-like aesthetic that has become his calling card.
Becoming a Champion
Lunsford’s journey from 212 division champion to two-time Mr. Olympia represents one of bodybuilding’s most remarkable transformations. After dominating the 212 division, his transition to the Open class seemed audacious, but he has etched his name into the annals of bodybuilding with his achievements.
Related Reads:
- 2025 Mr. Olympia Results & Prize Money — All Divisions
- 2025 Mr. Olympia Bodybuilding Results & Prize Money — Derek Lunsford Reclaims Title
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