Derek Lunsford won the the 2025 Olympia. He was able to do it with bad biceps and a lackluster chest. In 2024, Samson won the title only to immediately see his reign undermined by losing in Columbus, Ohio, to Derek Lunsford. Before Samson, Hadi lost the title to Derek. And before that, Hadi defeated a Big Ramy, who should never have retained the title in 2021 and only defeated Brandon Curry by the skin of his teeth in 2020. Oh yeah, and Ramy only made it to the Olympia stage in 2020 by special invite. He wasn’t good enough to qualify like everybody else, so they gave him a free lunch. In 2019, Brandon won a nail-biter Olympia against William “The Conqueror” Bonac. Before than Shawn “Flexatron” Rhoden defeated a very poor version of 7x Mr. Olympia Phil “The Gift” Heath. It’s been a bumpy Olympia road since around 2017. Martin Fitzwater, in my humble opinion, will be the next great Mr. Olympia champion.
Joe Pietaro of MuscleSport Media raised a great point while interviewing Heath at the recent Apollon Gym event in NJ. He asked The Gift what his thoughts were about having so many single-year Olympia champions. He adeptly drew a parallel between where bodybuilding is today and with the period between Zane’s reign and the beginning of Haney’s. Joe assessed both as transitionary periods with regard to the winners of the sport’s most important title. I think Pietaro hit the nail on the head. That’s a fantastic way to describe what’s happening and the only way to get past that would be to crown a champion who can realistically hold the title for the long haul. This is not to say that such a champion would simply show up. Whomsoever that champion is will most definitely have their work cut out for them, but they’ll definitely rise to the occasion.
Despite any misgivings we may have, guys like Coleman, Cutler, and Heath had the work ethic. And before them, guys like Yates and Haney did too. It’s rare to see a reigning Mr. Olympia just not care, just assume they can win by virtue of being the reigning guy or by virtue of his name, sponsors, or homecourt advantage. The top guy must work just as hard as the guys chomping at the bit. Sadly, defending Mr. O’s usually lose their title not by slacking on the work, but due to injuries, age, and/or a combination of such factors. Sometimes, however, you have a situation like with Big Ramy’s 2021 Olympia title defense. He regressed in terms of his 2020 physique, he was bloated, and his chief competition totally turned things around. Nonetheless, Ramy still got the win. That’s rare, though it happens. Great Mr. O’s, however, must be the absolute most-committed workhorses. It’s my hunch that The Martian would fit this mold nicely.
The sport needs a champion that will win the title and get better the longer he holds it. Most champions subscribe to the notion that as long as they stay true to their winning physique that that is enough. Fitzwater has that 90’s work ethic that’s been lost on so many of the newer guys. I think his overall friendly demeanor all but guarantees that he sees the bigger picture. There’s no point to be a rude to fellow competitors. Once the work is done, it’s up to the athletes to pose hard, and let the judges score the contest. Being loud and belligerent during the process serves no purpose. A guy like Martin on top could grow the sport, as well as lend a hand to up-and-coming competitors. Imagine that, a Mr. O that helps competitors get better and who truly wants to grow the sport. That’s what’s needed moving forward.
Now that Martin has successfully defeated two big names in Nick “The Mutant” Walker and Samson Dauda, the next chapter will be even more important. Perhaps Martin will best guys like Hadi, Andrew, and/or Derek at the upcoming 2026 Arnold Classic. Perhaps the showdown will have to wait till the 2026 Olympia Weekend. Whenever and wherever the showdown(s) take place, I have a strong feeling that Martin will get one step closer to taking his first (of many) Sandows. It’s not a question of if, rather, it’s only a question of when.
