James Hollingshead Says Nick Walker Is “Top 3 in the World” as They Prepare to Battle at the 2026 Tampa Pro.
The countdown to the 2026 Tampa Pro continues, and one of Nick Walker’s biggest rivals is making it clear he expects the former Arnold Classic champion to be at his very best. In a recent Instagram video, James Hollingshead praised Walker’s latest physique update, calling Nick Walker “top three in the world” while previewing their highly anticipated showdown in Tampa. Despite preparing to compete against him, Hollingshead didn’t hesitate to rank Walker among the very best bodybuilders in the world when he’s at his peak.
It’s another vote of confidence for Walker, whose return to the stage has become one of the biggest storylines heading into the second half of the 2026 bodybuilding season.
James Hollingshead Believes Nick Walker Is Back at His Best
After seeing Walker’s latest update, Hollingshead was quick to compliment the package the New Jersey native is bringing into Tampa.
“Mr. Walker, you look bloody awesome, mate.”
He then doubled down on a statement he has made before regarding Walker’s standing in the Open division.
“I’ve said it before, Nick Walker is top three in the world when he’s on the money. And he’s on the money.”
Hollingshead also encouraged fans to attend the Tampa Pro, predicting Walker will put on an impressive performance.
“He’s gonna be putting on a fantastic show for everybody in Tampa, so make sure you come along. Support Nick. Support us. As far as I’m concerned, Nick’s a legend.”
The comments stand out because they come from someone who will be standing beside Walker onstage. While bodybuilding often features plenty of confidence and trash talk leading into contests, moments of genuine respect between competitors still resonate with fans.
Tampa Pro Could Be One of the Year’s Biggest Open Battles
Walker enters Tampa carrying significant momentum.
Over the past several weeks, he has regularly shared physique updates that have generated widespread discussion throughout the bodybuilding community. Many fans believe he appears leaner and more complete than he did during previous contest preps, while Walker himself has repeatedly expressed confidence that this version could be one of his best.
A victory in Tampa would further reinforce Walker’s momentum heading toward the 2026 Mr. Olympia, but it won’t come easily.
Hollingshead has steadily established himself as one of the strongest Open competitors in the sport and is looking to make his own statement. His combination of size, density, and conditioning makes him a legitimate threat to anyone in the lineup.
With both athletes expected to arrive in top condition, the Tampa Pro is shaping up as one of the most anticipated Open contests outside of the Olympia this season.
Nick Walker Continues Receiving Praise Ahead of Tampa
Hollingshead isn’t the first respected voice to publicly praise Walker during this prep.
As Walker has released more progress updates, fellow competitors, coaches, and bodybuilding personalities have increasingly suggested he could contend with anyone if he arrives at his absolute best. Hollingshead’s assessment echoes that growing sentiment, arguing that a fully dialed-in Walker belongs among the sport’s elite.
Whether that prediction proves accurate will soon be decided under the lights in Tampa, where two of the division’s biggest names are set to go head-to-head in what could serve as an important measuring stick before the 2026 Mr. Olympia.
Image embed via Instagram @nick_walker39
