Victor Martinez breaks down the neck and neck battle between Derek Lunsford and Nick Walker at the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro
The latest episode of the Generation Iron Podcast, hosted by bodybuilding legend Victor Martinez delivers a well-balanced mix of nutrition insights, fan Q&A, and sharp analysis of recent and upcoming bodybuilding competitions. From classic meal plans to the Pittsburgh Pro showdown between Derek Lunsford and Nick Walker, the episode captures the pulse of pro bodybuilding right now.
Here’s a brief breakdown of the topics discussed in this week’s episode:
- Victor Martinez’s favorite first and last meal of the day.
- Victor breaks down solid foods vs meal replacement shakes.
- Victor analyzes and explains Derek Lunsford and Nick Walker’s tie at the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro – and why Nick ultimately lost.
- A detailed preview of the upcoming 2025 New York Pro
You can watch the full episode of the Generation Iron Podcast above. Keep reading for a detailed recap of the episode. Let’s dive in!
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Victor Martinez’s Favorite Meals: “Breakfast of Champions” & Nighttime Fuel
Victor Martinez received a new fan question asking what his favorite first and last meal of the day is for his bodybuilding diet. Victor Martinez didn’t hesitate. For over two decades, his breakfast has remained consistent—a clean, protein-packed start that he calls his “breakfast of champions.”
Here’s what Victor eats every morning:
- 1 cup of oatmeal
- 4 oz of fruit (was 2 oz when competing): strawberries, blueberries, blackberries
- Light brown sugar on the fruit
- 8 eggs total: 5 egg whites and 3 whole eggs (used to be 14 eggs during competition prep)
- Optional protein waffle to mix things up
This meal totals 500–550 calories and clocks in at around 40–50 grams of protein, setting the tone for muscle maintenance and satiety. It’s a testament to Victor’s disciplined yet sustainable approach to bodybuilding nutrition.
For his final meal of the day, Victor prefers something hearty and balanced. He rotates between:
- Steak (8 oz) – now only 1–2 times per week (he’s cutting back on red meat for health reasons)
- Chicken or fish (8 oz) when not eating red meat
- Korean rice – he often prepares a full pot to accompany his protein
The key takeaway: Victor is still consuming roughly 200 grams of protein per day to maintain his 235-pound physique. It’s a clear example of how elite bodybuilders adapt their diets with age while staying true to their goals.
Solid Meals vs. Shakes: Victor’s Nutritional Philosophy
The second fan question of the day asked – does Victor Martinez prefer solid food or meal replacement shakes? Victor emphasizes the importance of solid meals for optimal health and muscle growth. While he acknowledges the convenience of shakes, especially during travel or packed schedules, he’s firm on this point:
“Shakes are a tool, not a replacement. They’re better than missing a meal or hitting a drive-thru, but nothing beats whole food.”
That advice holds weight for anyone serious about bodybuilding or fitness. Consistency with real, whole food—high in nutrients and digestibility—remains the gold standard.
Pittsburgh Pro 2025: Nick Walker vs. Derek Lunsford Ends in a Tie
One of the hottest topics on this episode was the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro—an electric competition in the Men’s Open division that shocked fans and judges alike. In an extremely rare outcome, Nick Walker and Derek Lunsford tied in scoring. This forced an additional comparison round to break the deadlock.
In the end, Derek Lunsford was declared the winner. But the story doesn’t end there. The implications of this battle go much deeper:
Why This Was a Big Statement for Nick Walker
As Ed Mejia pointed out, this was a major moment for Walker. Derek Lunsford is not just any competitor—he’s a former Mr. Olympia champion and the 2025 Arnold Classic winner, where he also defeated current Mr. Olympia Samson Dauda.
So what does it mean that Nick tied him?
It means that despite missing the last two Mr. Olympia contests, Nick Walker is still in the mix. He didn’t just return—he returned on par with one of the top competitors in the world. If he’s capable of nearly beating Derek, he might be capable of beating both Derek and Samson at Mr. Olympia 2025 in October.
Victor adds more insight: when competitors tie in score, the judges must compare weaknesses to determine a winner. According to the scorecards:
- Nick won the pre-judging
- Derek won the finals
Victor was unable to attend in person but noted that Walker looked “insane” on the video stream, suggesting his conditioning was top-notch. He could totally understand how Walker won pre-judging.
Still, Victor leaned toward Derek’s overall balance while acknowledging Walker’s “monster look” was hard to overlook.
The Fallout: What It Means for Mr. Olympia 2025
This competition stirred more than just excitement—it shifted the momentum heading into the rest of the season.
Derek Lunsford
- Reinforces that he is still a top contender
- Proved his 2025 Arnold Classic win over Samson wasn’t a fluke
- Reasserts his capability to reclaim the Mr. Olympia title this year
Nick Walker
- Sent a loud message to the bodybuilding world: he’s back
- Nearly defeated a former Mr. Olympia on his return
- Gains massive confidence going into the New York Pro and Olympia
Victor Martinez believes Nick’s close second place should be motivating, not discouraging. The buzz following the event has largely been about Nick’s rise, not Derek’s win—a sentiment that speaks volumes.
New York Pro 2025: Nick Walker’s Redemption Shot
Looking ahead, the hosts previewed the New York Pro, set for the upcoming weekend. It’s a pivotal competition for Nick Walker—another chance to qualify for the 2025 Mr. Olympia.
His primary challengers:
- Regan Grimes
- Michal Krizo
But considering how Nick matched up against Derek Lunsford, the podcast consensus is clear: it’s Nick’s competition to lose—as long as he brings the same or better package to the stage.
Can Nick Mentally Capitalize?
Vlad Yudin asked if this near-win gives Nick a mental edge. Victor was unequivocal:
“Yes—he should feel dangerous. The conversation is about how close he came, not about how he lost. That’s a huge mental edge.”
In bodybuilding, momentum matters. Confidence, discipline, and peak conditioning must align to create a winning performance. According to the hosts, Nick Walker is now in the perfect position to do just that.
Final Thoughts: The State of Pro Bodybuilding
This episode of the Generation Iron Podcast showcases what makes it one of the most trusted voices in the bodybuilding world. Between Victor Martinez’s diet wisdom, the panel’s sharp insights on competition politics, and real-time reactions to evolving rivalries, listeners get more than just commentary—they get context, strategy, and clarity.
The Pittsburgh Pro wasn’t just another show—it was a turning point. It confirmed that the Men’s Open division is stacked with real contenders. And it proved that Nick Walker’s story in 2025 is just beginning.
If the New York Pro plays out as expected, we’ll be seeing Nick on the Olympia stage again. And from what we’ve seen so far, he won’t just be there to compete—he’ll be there to win.
You can watch the full episode of the podcast at the top of this article. And don’t forget to check back every week for new episodes on the Generation Iron Fitness Network or wherever podcasts are downloaded!
