Derek Lunsford wants to continue to build his legacy at the Pittsburgh Pro.
Men’s Open star Derek Lunsford is coming off a victory at the 2025 Arnold Classic. Now, he will set his sights on his next competition.
Recently, Lunsford shared a mysterious message on social media teasing an appearance at the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro in May. On Monday, he confirmed that he will be taking the stage in Pittsburgh as he looks to continue to build his legacy in bodybuilding.
“That’s the announcement. I will be doing the Pittsburgh Pro.”
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Lunsford’s journey to the apex of bodybuilding is both remarkable and inspiring. He first captured the Olympia 212 title, then transitioned to the Men’s Open category, clinching the title on his second attempt. Significantly, he became the first athlete to secure titles in two different divisions, marking a historic moment in the competition’s legacy.
Derek Lunsford Confirms Appearance In Pittsburgh
Derek Lunsford explained his reason on why he has decided to compete in the Pittsburgh Pro’s first Men’s Open competition.
“I feel the Pittsburgh Pro is going to be, what I would call, a legacy show. Meaning, if you have that Pittsburgh Pro title, that is a real notch in your belt. That is a real title that you can carry with pride.”
Lunsford continued to explain how his goal is to complete the three-peat in Pittsburgh and follow it up at the Olympia.
“With that being said, the position that I’m in right now, having just come off the Arnold Classic win. To do the Arnold Classic, to do the Pittsburgh Pro, and to do the Olympia all the same year and be victorious in all three would be another monumental, historical moment in bodybuilding history.”
The Pittsburgh Pro has always featured some of the top Men’s Open competitors in the world. This event has become known as the biggest guest-posing event ahead of the summer. It was announced in October that the show would now have a Men’s Open competition.
This is not the first time that Derek Lunsford will appear on stage in Pittsburgh. He was a guest poser in 2022 where he showed off his insane size after winning the 212 Olympia title. It was clear that Lunsford would not be able to cut down to return to 212 but he had his sights set on bigger things. He wold receive a special invitation to the Olympia, where he placed in the top three.
Lunsford is back on top of bodybuilding following his victory in Columbus. He defeated reigning Olympia champion Samson Dauda at the Arnold, setting up another major battle come the Olympia.
2025 Pittsburgh Pro Men’s Open Lineup
The full lineup will now feature nine competitors is a stacked one that will bring plenty of intrigue to the event:
- William Bonac
- Martin Fitzwater
- James Hollingshead
- Michal Krizo
- Derek Lunsford
- Leandro Peres
- Vitaliy Ugolnikov
- Nick Walker
- Eric Wood
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