Predictions for the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro are rolling in. Retired bodybuilding Pros Iain Valliere and Guy Cisternino recently sat down to offer their official picks for the event, with both picking a different winner.
The table is set for an epic showdown as the Men’s Open roster is stacked with big-name bodybuilders. Among the favorites is Derek Lunsford, a former two-division Mr. Olympia champ. He won the 2025 Arnold Classic against Samson Dauda, giving him huge momentum ahead of the contest. However, to earn gold, he’ll have to nail his peak perfectly to prevent the other contenders from pulling off a big upset.
Nick Walker will also return after he was forced to pull out of the 2024 Mr. Olympia. He shared that his body wasn’t responding to preparations. Other Pros will storm the stage like fourth-place Olympia finisher Martin Fitzwater, as well as standouts Michal Krizanek, Ugolnikov “Good Vito” Vitalii, and William Bonac.
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It’s essentially a mini Olympia lineup. Bodybuilding coach Chris Aceto, who oversees Lunsford’s training, has already deemed it the show of the year. As one of the tougher competitions to call a winner ahead of time, Valliere and Cisternino did their best below.
Official 2025 Pittsburgh Pro Top 7 Picks
Valliere and Cisternino dropped their official picks below, courtesy of the latest Bro Chat podcast aired on YouTube.
Iain Valliere
- Winner — Derek Lunsford
- Second Place — Nick Walker
- Third Place — Martin Fitzwater
- Fourth Place — William Bonac
- Fifth Place — Kennedy Anyanwu
- Sixth Place — Michal Krizo
- Seventh Place — Leandro Peres
Guy Cisternino
- Winner — Nick Walker
- Second Place — Derek Lunsford
- Third Place — Martin Fitzwater
- Fourth Place — William Bonac
- Fifth Place — Leandro Peres
- Sixth Place — Good Vito
- Seventh Place — Michal Krizo
Valliere backed Lunsford to emerge victorious in a close battle against ‘The Mutant.’ Though Guy Cisternino, who co-hosts the Mutant and the Mouth podcast, made it clear that Walker has more than enough tools to leave Pittsburgh with the hard-fought victory and his golden ticket to the Mr. Olympia.
These athletes aren’t short on confidence. Walker said he truly believes he can beat everyone. Lunsford, meanwhile, suggested that a win would be historic for the sport and argued he can expose Walker onstage. The Pittsburgh Pro won’t be one to miss. It will take place from May 10-11, and the team here at Fitness Volt will have live coverage to keep fans up to date on the action.
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