The Men’s Open landscape is heating up in the IFBB Pro League following Jim Manion’s annual 2024 Pittsburgh Pro guest posing event. In a recent Old School Labs podcast, Samir Bannout took a closer look at Derek Lunsford’s guest posing physique and revealed his top three picks for the 2024 New York Pro this weekend.
Serving as a teaser for the biggest show of the year, a handful of athletes made statements guest posing in Pittsburgh, including reigning Mr. Olympia Derek Lunsford. Even though he was in the middle of his off-season, he presented arguably one of the most conditioned physiques on stage. Nick Walker‘s size and fullness also left fans in awe, just one week before his highly anticipated competitive return.
However, some notable figures in the sport like athlete rep Bob Cicherillo, were ‘underwhelmed’ by Walker’s look in Pittsburgh. He has predicted Quinton Eriya to upset ‘The Mutant’ in New York on May 18. With discussions raging as the event draws closer, Bannout gave his thoughts on some of the biggest players in the Men’s Open.
Samir Bannout Opens Up on Derek Lunsford Guest Posing In Pittsburgh, Gives Top 3 Predictions for 2024 New York Pro
Former Mr. Olympia Samir Bannout was impressed with Lunsford’s physique and midsection 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!
“Very impressive, honestly, he looks really freaky big and his middle is not bad at all. Not bad, look at that,” said Samir Bannout.
Despite Lunsford’s strong appearance in Pittsburgh, Bannout stressed that Hadi Choopan has presented better quality to his physique as of late.
“Let me explain to you why Hadi is so far ahead of quality overall. You could see Hadi is always etched in the chest in the middle, Hadi did bodybuilding for a long time. Hadi has developed the foundation for years. You could say Derek is new to the game compared to Hadi. Okay? But then, that’s why I’m thinking, Derek, you don’t need to fight fire with gasoline right now. Derek, all I would do if I was in Derek’s shoes right now, I would work on being the more ripped guy in the show.”
If Lunsford is ‘ripped to the bone,’ Bannout believes he will be the man to beat at Olympia, but refuses to underestimate Choopan’s abilities.
“When Derek is ripped to the bone, it’s safe to say he’s the man to beat,” adds Bannout. “Nobody is beating right now Hadi Choopan with quality. Hadi’s middle and chest is super tight.”
As for Nick Walker, Bannout mentioned that he was likely bloated during his guest posing obligation.
“Nick Walker changed his body from looking okay, big, to more quality. That’s why now, Nick Walker is getting more respect because he made the necessary adjustment.”
“Knowing that his coach is Matt, I think Nick can make the proper adjustments [for the New York Pro] and I think some people say it’s visceral fat, I think it’s really more bloat.”
Although he has the muscle, Bannout believes Walker has to tighten up his midsection if he hopes to win the title in New York.
“That fullness in his tummy was probably maybe he had a stressful weekend or whatever it was. Yeah, I’m not happy with his middle right now, I’m not. I like Nick and I’m telling you the truth. I don’t kiss ass. He has the muscle but his middle needs to be tighter come the show in New York.”
He adds that Walker’s bloated stomach in Pittsburgh could have been caused by water retention or stress.
“I think his muscle looks really good overall but the bloat in his tummy could cause — we were talking before the podcast, I would say stress hormones which is released by the adrenal cortex where the body kind of gets bloated in the middle. So, I don’t know if he had a bad week. I don’t like the way he didn’t tan his face.”
As long as Nick Walker corrects his midsection, Bannout believes he is the obvious favorite.
“I don’t know every contestant on stage but knowing what’s happening, you know, I think Nick and Martin and Quinton and then Tonio, those are the top four.”
“Nick would win if he corrects the middle like we know he was a year ago. If he brings back that quality of his midsection, yeah, he’s probably the favorite. But again, Quinton’s body is like a gazelle, huge, tiny waist, it’s pretty to look at,” shares Samir Bannout.
Bannout’s Offical Top 3 Predictions for the 2024 New York Pro
- Winner — Nick Walker
- Second Place — Quinton Eriya
- Third Place — Martin Fitzwater
Former Olympia winner Samir Bannout hasn’t been the only bodybuilding veteran to offer his picks for the 2024 New York Pro. Retired Open talent Iain Valliere joined Fouad Abiad to reveal his predictions for the nearing contest and backed Walker to win.
With a prestigious New York Pro ring, a $30,000 cash prize, and an Olympia qualification on the line, the competition promises to be intense and unforgettable. Don’t miss full coverage of the 2024 New York Pro at Fitness Volt this weekend!
Watch the full video from the Old School Labs YouTube channel below:
You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and
YouTube for even more content.
