Derek Lunsford believes the Pittsburgh Pro will be the next high-stakes competition in bodybuilding.
The first-ever Men’s Open competition at the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro is quickly approaching. Bodybuilder Derek Lunsford is taking his prep for this show serious as he eyes what he has dubbed the Triple Crown of bodybuilding.
Lunsford won his first Arnold Classic title in March. He added his name to the Pittsburgh Pro, calling it a “legacy show.” His plan is to come away victorious in Pittsburgh before taking the stage for the biggest show of the year at the end of the season.
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“I want to be the first Pittsburgh Pro champion. And like I said, this is par of my 2025 season. I want to be the first triple crown winner.”
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’s Path To Bodybuilding Triple Crown
Derek Lunsford has spoken highly of the Pittsburgh Pro. This is a loaded lineup that features some of the top names in bodybuilding, such as Nick Walker and Martin Fitzwater. Lunsford views this as a legacy show and believes it puts him in position to do something incredibly rare.
“Winning the trifecta of the Arnold, Pittsburgh, and getting my Mr. Olympia title back, which only one other person has only done in the history of bodybuilding. I think we got a good chance of doing this. I believe it’s gonna happen.”
Bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler remains the only competitor to lose his Olympia title and win it back. This happened in 2008 when he lost to Dexter Jackson snapping a two-year reign at the top. Cutler would go onto win two more titles in 2009-10.
Lunsford is looking to become the fourth competitor to win the Arnold Classic and Olympia in the same year. There have just been three to do it before him — Ronnie Coleman, Dexter Jackson, and Brandon Curry. Lunsford has aspirations of joining this list but first, he wants to win in Pittsburgh.
“It’s not like I’m letting my foot off the gas. I’m for sure to bring my best to the Pittsburgh Pro. I do not take the competition lightly which is why this competition is so important and why it’s a legacy show, because of the competition.”
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