Lee Priest dropped Derek Lunsford down the scorecard during his re-ranking of the show.
Bodybuilding great Lee Priest went back and took a look at the 2025 Olympia. When he went back to re-rank the show, Priest was not impressed with Derek Lunsford and dropped him down the scorecard. The veteran stated that Lunsford was not in Olympia shape.
“Guest posing shape. Come on, it’s Mr. Olympia. You’re meant to be the best of the best. You’re meant to be at your best at the Mr. Olympia. Get it right on the day, you’re a professional.”
Lunsford set a goal to complete bodybuilding’s trifecta after his victories at the Arnold Classic and Pittsburgh Pro. He accomplished this goal by winning his second Olympia title. Hadi Choopan finished as the runner-up once again. It was a big-time performance by Andrew Jacked, who was one of the most improved bodybuilders over the course of the year, finishing in third place.
Priest went onto re-rank the show and believes that competitors behind Lunsford should have finished in front.
| Full Name: Derek Lunsford | ||
| Weight | Height | Date Of Birth |
| 205-215 lbs. | 5’6’’ | 1993 |
| Profession | Era | Nationality |
| Bodybuilder, Fitness Coach | 2010 | American |
Lee Priest Re-Ranks 2025 Olympia, Breaks Down Derek Lunsford
During his appearance with IFBB AMA, Lee Priest picked a new winner of the show and it was Hadi Choopan. He placed Andrew Jacked and Martin Fitzwater next, followed by Samson Dauda. Priest did not believe that Lunsford should have finished in the top four.
“I don’t think he was in greater shape all over. To me, looking at him is one of the least impressive up there. I don’t get the wow factor from looking at him.”
There were certain poses that did not suit Lunsford during the competition. Tyler Manion broke down eight poses compared to Lunsford previously. While he still handed the victory to Lunsford, it was not a runaway. Lee Priest believes that the front lat spread put Lunsford behind.
“His front lat spread, there’s a video of him and Andrew doing a front lat spread together. Andrew has got all the lines through his chest. He just looks like a waterlogged beached whale.”
Priest labeled Lunsford as being in “guest posing shape” during the most important competition of the year.
“Maybe if you put more time into training and dieting than you do praying. What’s going to work better? Sit there, praying for getting in condition or getting on the treadmill and getting on the stepper, and dieting. What’s going to work?”
Derek Lunsford has enjoyed a long and successful career to this point. He first stepped on the bodybuilding stage way back in 2015, but it wasn’t until 2017 that he earned his pro card. And right out of the gate he got a big win at the Tampa Pro which allowed him the opportunity to compete at Mr. Olympia in the Men’s 212 division. Fast forward to now, and he has a 212 Mr. Olympia title, as well as the 2023 Mr. Olympia title and 2025 Mr. Olympia title. At this point, there is no signs of slowing down coming from Derek Lunsford but Priest believes there are improvements to make.
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