Derek Lunsford believes the Pittsburgh Pro created a lot of hype for the Olympia.
There is a new rivalry on stage between two of the biggest names in bodybuilding today.
Former Olympia champion Derek Lunsford defeated Nick Walker during the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro, setting the stage for the Olympia at the end of the year. Both athletes know what they are up against and remain confident. Walker has spoken out about this battle and Lunsford recently did as well, claiming that Pittsburgh added a lot of hype to the matchup.
“People were writing Nick off. Nobody should have been writing Nick off but they were and if I hadn’t showed up, I don’t think there’d be the hype now going into the Olympia.”
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Lunsford won his first Arnold Classic title in March. He added his name to the Pittsburgh Pro late, calling it a “legacy show,” and was able to come away with a victory. Now, he is fighting to regain the Olympia title, which he won in 2023.
Derek Lunsford Talks Battle with Nick Walker
Derek Lunsford’s victory over Walker in Pittsburgh is one that was argued following the show. Lunsford himself even referred to it as “arguable” but believes the event was taken up a notch with him taking the stage.
“He should be thanking me for doing that show, to be honest. He looked incredible, and for me, just to come off the Arnold win, being a two-time division Olympia champion, all that, just to stand next to each other, is hey that’s an opportunity I gave him.”
Walker missed the 2023 Olympia as he dealt with a torn hamstring that impacted his preparation for the show. He ended up making his return during the New York Pro and was crowned champion, despite controversy surrounding the final results. He later announced that he would miss the 2024 Olympia as well. Now, his sights are set on the 2025 Olympia after winning his third New York Pro.
After Pittsburgh, both competitors know what the other can bring to the stage. Lunsford will look to peak at the right time, which he does not think he did in May.
“I was off and it was his all-time best and I was just maybe 90%. Even though I beat him and I was off and he was on, I’m still not shying away from thinking of I’m going to beat him again.
Nick is an incredible bodybuilder, top five in the Olympia for sure. He’s going to five us all a challenge.”
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