Kai Greene picks his favorites at the 2025 Olympia and the challenges of making predictions
The latest episode of The Kai Greene Effect podcast dives into the upcoming 2025 Mr. Olympia weekend. Hosted by bodybuilding icon Kai Greene alongside Vlad, this episode captures the excitement, uncertainty, and respect surrounding the most prestigious event in bodybuilding.
With the 2025 Mr. Olympia just days away – Kai Greene shares his predictions… or at the very least, in the classic Kai style. Instead of hyping bold predictions, Kai focuses on the journey – the grit behind each physique and the mindset of the men stepping under the bright Olympia lights.
Here’s a brief rundown of the topics covered in this episode:
- Kai Greene highlights Nick Walker and Andrew Jacked as two bodybuilders he would love to see win the Mr. Olympia personally.
- Why Kai refuses to make specific Olympia predictions – and the challenges that come specifically in bodybuilding with predicting results.
- What would a matchup look like between Samson Dauda and Hadi Choopan if they both came guaranteed at their best? Who would win?
- What decade physiques does Kai admire most?
- The one advice that aspiring bodybuilders don’t often know.
You can watch the full episode of the Kai Greene Effect above. Keep reading for a full breakdown of our latest discussion with The Predator. Let’s dive in!
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Nick Walker and Andrew Jacked: Potential Meets Pressure
When asked who he’d like to see win, Kai Greene immediately mentions Nick Walker. He admires Walker’s journey — from early promise to setbacks and comebacks — calling him one of the sport’s most determined athletes.
Kai also praises Andrew Jacked, noting his remarkable structure and raw potential. But he adds that Jacked still needs to “get it together” to truly reach the level his physique promises.
Why Kai Refuses to Make a Bet
When Vlad asks Kai Greene to name one athlete he’d bet on to win, Kai doesn’t take the bait.
“I don’t know,” he says. “But I wouldn’t bet. I’d have to think long and hard before I put any money down.”
To Kai, bodybuilding predictions are uncertain by nature. Unlike other sports, bodybuilding is subjective — judged on aesthetics, balance, and presentation. There are no scores or goals, just human eyes evaluating art in motion.
The Challenge of Making Predictions
Vlad expands on that thought, explaining how misleading predictions can be. Many fans form opinions based on social media photos or last year’s performances, but those snapshots don’t tell the full story.
“You can’t know how someone will look unless you see them daily during prep,” Vlad says. “Even the best athlete can have a rough prep that changes everything.”
It’s a reminder: bodybuilding is a game of variables. Lighting, timing, hydration — they all matter. One off day can make or break a season.
Vlad’s Top Five for 2025 Mr. Olympia
With that in mind, Vlad shares who he believes will crack the top five, in no particular order, rather than make specific predictions:
- Samson Dauda — The reigning Olympia champion with unbeatable size and balance.
- Derek Lunsford — Former champion and current momentum leader.
- Nick Walker — A wild card who could shock everyone if he nails his prep.
- Hadi Choopan — A master of conditioning and consistency.
- Behrouz Tabani — The dark horse who could surprise the world.
Vlad labels both Nick Walker and Behrouz Tabani as wild cards, pointing out their unpredictable competition records.
Samson Dauda vs. Hadi Choopan — Size Meets Sharpness
Kai Greene jumps back in with an intriguing question: If Hadi Choopan and Samson Dauda both show up at their very best, who wins?
Vlad hesitates — because the truth is, it’s close. Hadi has unmatched sharpness, but Samson brings a level of size and proportion that’s rare in modern bodybuilding.
“If both are perfect,” Vlad says, “it’s neck and neck.”
Kai agrees. He even admits that Samson’s structure makes him wish he were taller, something he’s only ever felt once before — when he saw Tony Freeman compete. To Kai, Samson is that impressive.
Derek Lunsford’s Redemption Arc
The hosts then discuss Derek Lunsford, a name that keeps reshaping the conversation in 2025.
After winning Mr. Olympia, Derek dropped to third the following year, behind Samson and Hadi. But instead of fading, he came back swinging — winning the 2025 Arnold Classic (beating Samson Dauda) and later the Pittsburgh Pro (beating Nick Walker).
Now, the question lingers: can he sustain that energy heading into the Olympia? Kai reminds listeners that every contest is a fresh start. Reiterating that this is the reason he chooses not to make specific predictions.
Lightning Round: Lessons and Reflections from Kai Greene
The podcast’s lightning round offers some of the most memorable moments.
From Self-Funded Athlete to Sponsored Icon
Kai Greene explains that going from training with his own funds to being sponsored wasn’t just a financial shift — it was about accountability. Sponsorship brought responsibility to represent brands and uphold professionalism.
The Physiques Kai Admires Most
When asked which physique from a past era he’d choose — 70s, 80s, 90s, or 2000s — Kai Greene doesn’t hesitate. “The 90s,” he says. He praises that era for producing physiques that were big, symmetrical, and aesthetic — the perfect balance.
The Overlooked Truth for Aspiring Bodybuilders
Kai Greene offers advice for up-and-comers: bodybuilding is seasonal. Progress isn’t always linear. Some phases feel like breakthroughs; others feel stagnant. “There will always be ups and downs,” he says. “But your desire must remain constant.”
His message: stay consistent, stay patient, and trust the process.
Beyond Competition: Training as Therapy
Vlad then poses a deeper question: If bodybuilding and hypertrophy disappeared, would Kai still train?
Kai’s answer is yes — absolutely. Training isn’t just about muscle; it’s about mental and spiritual clarity.
“There’s a therapeutic benefit that goes beyond hypertrophy,” he explains. “Training teaches lessons about life, patience, and self-discovery.”
For Kai, the gym is a sacred space — a place to build not just the body, but the mind.
Wrap Up
By the end of the episode, Kai Greene reminds listeners why he’s one of the sport’s most respected voices. His approach to bodybuilding goes deeper than trophies or titles. It’s about purpose, perseverance, and personal evolution.
He refuses to crown a winner before the show — not because he can’t, but because he respects the process too much. The 2025 Mr. Olympia, like every year, will be a test of who can deliver their absolute best on one single night.
As Kai says, “It will never be perfect. But if your vision stays constant, the lows will pass.”
That philosophy sums up not just bodybuilding — but life itself.
