Generation Iron Podcast Host Victor Martinez Has Warning For Derek Lunsford Ahead Of Olympia 2026
The fallout from the Pittsburgh Pro guest posing showdown continues to dominate bodybuilding conversations. Now bodybuilding legend Victor Martinez is warning Derek Lunsford “could be in trouble” come Olympia season.
In a new episode of the Generation Iron Podcast, Martinez and the panel discussed the state of the Men’s Open division following Pittsburgh, where some of the sport’s biggest names shared the stage and reignited debate over who truly sits atop the bodybuilding world heading into Olympia season. Victor specifically pointed to Andrew Jacked as a competitor who appears to be closing the gap on the very best in the division.
For months, most Olympia discussions have centered around reigning champion Samson Dauda, former champion Derek Lunsford, and rising superstar Andrew Jacked. Pittsburgh gave fans a rare opportunity to compare elite physiques side-by-side outside of competition and the reactions were immediate.
Many fans left the event believing Andrew Jacked looked better than ever. But that group did not include… Derek Lunsford.
Pittsburgh Continues To Fuel Olympia Debate
The Pittsburgh guest posing event quickly became one of the most talked-about bodybuilding moments of the year.
Not only did fans get to see several top Olympia contenders share the stage, but the event also produced a memorable exchange between Derek Lunsford and Andrew Jacked that spread rapidly throughout the bodybuilding community. Lunsford’s comments toward Jacked helped transform what would normally be a routine guest posing appearance into a major storyline heading toward Olympia weekend.
Since then, fans have continued to debate who actually looked best under the lights.
While guest posing appearances are far from official contests, they often provide clues about who is making improvements during the offseason. In the case of Andrew Jacked, many observers believe the physique that appeared in Pittsburgh looked noticeably improved from previous outings.
Victor Martinez Sees Andrew Jacked As A Legitimate Threat
According to Martinez, Andrew Jacked’s combination of size, shape, structure, and continued development makes him one of the most dangerous athletes in the Men’s Open division today. During the podcast discussion, the panel suggested that Pittsburgh may have revealed just how close the gap has become between Jacked and former Olympia champion Derek Lunsford. He also noted last year, Hadi Choopan was right on his heels, too:
“Derek is in trouble… last year it was debatable that he won the Olympia. Hadi was right there. Most people felt Hadi should have won… Samson is just so much superior muscle wise… you look at Andrew Jacked, he just has nicer and rounder muscle bellies… Derek basically has trouble lurking right behind him.”
The guys did acknowledge that Jacked was still in “competition mode” during the Pittsburgh showdown, which may have given him an edge during this event.
Jacked has long been viewed as one of bodybuilding’s most gifted physiques. However, critics have often questioned whether he could bring the level of conditioning necessary to defeat the sport’s elite on the Olympia stage.
The continued improvements shown by Jacked have many fans wondering whether 2026 could finally be the year he makes a serious run at the Sandow trophy.
The Road To Olympia Is Becoming More Crowded
None of this means Derek Lunsford should suddenly be counted out.
Lunsford remains one of the most complete bodybuilders in the world and already has both an Olympia title and Arnold Classic victory on his resume. But as Victor Martinez pointed out during the latest Generation Iron Podcast, the margin separating the division’s elite competitors appears slimmer than ever.
With Samson Dauda looking to take the Olympia crown back, and exploding in size, Derek Lunsford looking to retain the title, and Andrew Jacked continuing to improve, the Men’s Open division is shaping up to be one of the most competitive Olympia battles in recent memory.
Featured image via Instagram @aj.kellyrobert
