Samir Bannout expects a new and improved Nick Walker at the 2026 Tampa Pro. In a July 25 YouTube video, Bannout opened up about Walker’s better symmetry and smaller waist days before stepping onstage.
“He’s lightyears ahead of what he used to look. He’s way, way better. Look at the shoulder-to-waist ratio, I’m impressed. Definitely, he’s going to do great.”
Nick Walker is forcing himself back into the Mr. Olympia title picture after falling to sixth place at last year’s gathering. He redeemed himself at the 2026 Arnold Classic, where he battled Andrew Jacked (Chinedu Andrew Obiekea) en route to a second-place finish.
For a moment, Walker considered taking a break from competing, but had a change of heart. In addition to hiring a new coach, he announced his highly anticipated entry for the 2026 Tampa Pro. If he’s successful, he’ll be on track to compete at the Olympia for a fourth time. Previewing the contest, Bannout was blown away by Walker’s latest improvements.
Samir Bannout Says Nick Walker Looks More Symmetrical Ahead of 2026 Tampa Pro
In the latest Muscle Maturity Podcast, Bannout explained that Walker looks better and is displaying his body differently now.
“He is looking a lot better. He is adjusting his [posing] positions,” said Bannout. “He’s showing his body in a different way. In a way, he’s caught up with the art of bodybuilding a little bit more.”
While “The Mutant” has faced criticism for a blocky waist before, Bannout doesn’t see that being a concern anymore:
“Before he used to open his legs wide, now he looks more symmetrical, but I honestly think he’s going to be pretty damn dangerous. The waist looks so small. Abs look good. Hamstrings… I mean, he looks good. Looking at that body, usually you don’t expect that Nick Walker was massive and blocky at some point, now the waist has come way down.”
“It’s a different Nick Walker right now. I think that’s really going to help him a lot in the next whatever competition he’s going to do. I think he’s definitely the frontrunner.”
Walker has been honest about his Tampa Pro preparations. He scaled back drastic cardio, and said his goal was to burn fat and achieve a stage-ready physique with just hard training sessions and strict, clean dieting.
Bannout sees Walker making a major impact onstage. The 2026 Tampa Pro is set for July 31 to August 1 in Tampa, Florida.
