Nick Walker didn’t secure the $750,000 prize at the 2026 Arnold Classic, but left Columbus, Ohio, with his head held high. On March 12, 2026, he discussed beating Hadi Choopan for the first time and revealed his new Dorian Yates-style four-day training split.
After taking a career-low sixth place at the 2025 Mr. Olympia, Walker was out to prove himself at the Arnold Classic. Despite his shorter stature and longer torso, he overcame those disadvantages to claim second place. He defeated Choopan but lost by five points to Chinedu Andrew ‘Jacked’ Obiekea in a close contest.
The runner-up showing proved that Walker is still one of the best bodybuilders in the world. However, since he didn’t claim gold, he still has to qualify for the 2026 Mr. Olympia. From training splits to midsection control, he broke down what lies ahead for his career.
Nick Walker Talks Beating Choopan at 2026 Arnold Classic, Midsection Control, and New Training Split
In the video, Walker said defeating Choopan onstage for the first time was a career milestone.
“I finally beat Hadi, who is a great, great champion. That was always a milestone for me since he was one of the ones I haven’t beaten. I did exactly what I said I was going to do.”
He shared that his midsection control and posing have improved, even though his shape sometimes works against him.
“Condition, posing, controlling the midsection, I thought it was the best I could have ever done. So, I think I just executed that 100 percent. It is what it is. I don’t have the best shape, but I did everything I could, and I worked my ass off for that,” he said.
Walker decided to change to a Dorian Yates-style training split.
“I’m going to be changing the split a little bit here. We’re going to go to a nice four-day Dorian Yates-style approach. We’re going to do chest and biceps, which was yesterday. We’re going to do a whole back day, which is today. Take off shoulders and tris, and then legs. Then, two days off.”
- Day 1: Chest and Biceps
- Day 2: Back
- Day 3: Off
- Day 4: Legs
As for contest plans, he’s keeping his options open and doesn’t want to rush:
“What’s next competing wise… I don’t know. We’ll see. I’m in no rush right now. I’ve been in prep since last January, so I’m in no rush to overthink anything. We’re just going to train and have fun. Give the body a little bit of a break, then we’ll see what happens next.”
After the Arnold Classic, bodybuilding veteran Shawn Ray offered Walker advice. He argued that Walker should compete at the Detroit Pro for his Olympia qualification. If he chose to compete, Ray believes he’d be a strong favorite to win.
Walker’s stock has risen once again, thanks to his latest silver medal performance at the Arnold Classic. Fans look forward to hearing about his next bodybuilding contest on the horizon.
Watch the full video from the Nick Walker YouTube channel below:
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