Discussions around who will leave the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro with the crown are gaining traction. On April 10, 2025, Dennis James and Milos Sarcev shared why they believe Nick Walker could end up defeating Derek Lunsford in his return to the stage.
It’s been a tumultuous bodybuilding journey for Walker. He had to pull out of the 2023 Mr. Olympia due to a hamstring and calf injury. While he was able to mount a successful comeback at the 2024 New York Pro, where he beat Martin Fitzwater, he didn’t make it to the Mr. Olympia stage. His body wasn’t responding to preparations, nudging him to pull out of the event again.
It’s almost time to see ‘The Mutant’ back onstage. He’s committed to the Pittsburgh Pro coming on May 10-11. Lunsford’s surprise entry shook up the community, leaving many unsure who would walk away with gold. In addition to those two heavy hitters, Fitzwater, Ugolnikov ‘Goodvito’ Vitalii, and Michal Krizanek are also after big wins.
Milos Sarcev Tells Dennis James He Thinks Nick Walker Can Beat Derek Lunsford & Martin Fitzwater at 2025 Pittsburgh Pro
In a recent YouTube video, James and Sarcev discussed Walker’s chances at the Pittsburgh Pro.
Level Up Your Fitness: Join our 💪 strong community in Fitness Volt Newsletter. Get daily inspiration, expert-backed workouts, nutrition tips, the latest in strength sports, and the support you need to reach your goals. Subscribe for free!
“Nick doesn’t impress me as much anymore in the pictures that he posts, but he always impresses me when he stepped onstage. This guy is the exact opposite from what I always complain. I always tell people that post pictures on the Instagram and then they come onstage looking less than stellar. I mean, not even close to what they look like on Instagram.”
“Nick, even though his pictures are impressive on Instagram, he looks better onstage,” adds Dennis James.
If Walker brings his best, Sarcev sees him possibly overtaking Lunsford and Fitzwater at the contest.
“I expect Nick to deliver big time and give Derek hell and possibly even beat him,” shares Sarcev.
You think Nick Walker can beat both of them, Derek and Martin?” asks James.
“Yeah,” remarked Sarcev.
James believes a win for Walker would turn the Olympia title picture up on its head.
“He’s proven us wrong too many times,” adds James. “Imagine if he would beat Derek in Pittsburgh. That would mix the whole damn thing again.”
“If that was me, and I would have been Derek, and I know I’m not 100%, I would fake a heart attack the night before the show,” said James.
Given that Lunsford already beat Samson Dauda at the 2025 Arnold Classic, he argued that he doesn’t have much to gain competing in Pittsburgh.
“Why do it? You have the greatest momentum ever beating a Mr. Olympia at the Arnold Classic, right? What do you have to prove with Pittsburgh now? I don’t get it, but I commend him for it,” shares Sarcev.
James offered a tip to Walker on the front double biceps pose, suggesting he switch up his stance to accentuate his leg size.
“He brought his legs up, and if he gets the condition that he had at the Arnold the year he won, then I think he’s going to be also very very dangerous in the front double,” explains James. “Maybe he has to switch up his stance a little bit to make them [his legs] look a little bigger, like Derek.”
Lastly, Sarcev explained that Andrew Jacked should pick up an easy win at the FIBO Championships.
“Andrew should win easily. Andrew is Andrew. Andrew can be Mr. Olympia if everything falls perfectly, right? His legs stays, he doesn’t flatten them out,” shared Sarcev.
“He might come to FIBO and be exactly what we’re looking for, and that would create enough hype for all the way to October.”
A $100,000 prize awaits the Pittsburgh Pro winner. James and Sarcev both agree that if Walker is at 100%, he’ll be incredibly hard to overcome.
Watch the full video from the Muscle and Fitness YouTube channel below:
You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and
YouTube for even more content.
