It’s crunch time for bodybuilders from around the world as the sport’s biggest contest sets its sights on the luxurious entertainment capital of Las Vegas, Nevada. Ahead of the event, Nick Walker took to his Instagram stories on August 12, 2024, to offer his top five predictions for the 2024 Mr. Olympia. He also discussed his impending battle with champion Derek Lunsford.
The road to this year’s Mr. Olympia hasn’t been easy for ‘The Mutant.’ He was forced to pull out of last year’s celebration after sustaining injuries during training just days before the event was set to kick off. A hamstring and calf tear left the Open star immobilized, affecting his ability to train and walk without assistance. Despite the setback, Walker made a full recovery and won the 2024 New York Pro, demonstrating his knack for handling adversity.
Walker has dealt with criticisms all season long. Whether it’s talks of having a wide waist or issues with leg volume, fans, and bodybuilding veterans are curious if he could shore up these discrepancies in time for the October showdown. He has never dropped in Mr. Olympia placings. His first event saw him take fifth place and in 2022, he leaped to third, leading many to wonder if this season will end with him becoming the 19th man to hold the historic Sandow trophy.
In less than two months, the Men’s Open Mr. Olympia title will be fought for, and there are leading candidates who have set themselves apart from the rest of the lineup. To taste gold for the first time, Walker has to get through 2024 Texas Pro winner Andrew Jacked, former Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan, Samson Dauda, and reigning titleholder Derek Lunsford.
Bodybuilder Nick Walker Shares His Top 5 Men’s Open Picks in No Order for the 2024 Mr. Olympia
Walker provided his top five picks for the 2024 Mr. Olympia in no particular order, though admits “I’ll probably be number one though.”
“My top five ranking in no order. It’ll be me, Hadi, Derek, Samson, and Andrew. That’s what I believe will be the top five. And we’ll see which order, but of course, I’ll probably be number one though,” said Nick Walker.
- Nick Walker
- Hadi Choopan
- Derek Lunsford
- Samson Dauda
- Andrew Jacked
When asked directly about his rematch with Lunsford, Walker said there’s ‘zero doubt’ that he will overwhelm the sitting champion.
“I have zero doubt that I will beat Derek,” he adds.
What would an Olympia-winning package from Walker look like? He’ll be met with a tall task on stage as he needs enough fullness to stand against Derek Lunsford’s powerful back double biceps pose. However, Walker will also need to balance that with dry conditioning to contend with the detail and definition that Hadi Choopan is known for.
Part of what makes the annual Mr. Olympia contest so exhilarating is its unpredictability. Don’t miss Nick Walker’s attempt to become the new champion later this year from October 10-13.
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