Well, he did it! I have to give “The Mutant” is flowers because he proved a lot of naysayers wrong. I was one of them. I didn’t think we’d see this day come. I especially didn’t think it would happen in 2026. I was certain it was going to be a battle between Samson and Andrew. I figured politics might play a role in keeping Derek in the top seat. I figured Martin might upset the apple cart and win the Sandow. In fact, I wrote about that very scenario in an article for IronMag just late week!! Another theory I had was that Hadi would swoop in at the last minute, kind of like Behrouz did at the China Pro. Nick Walker winning the title was the farthest thing from any of my predictions. Him winning wasn’t even something for my imagination to consider. But when he took the stage at the prejudging, my jaw dropped. Yes, it did! He was ON!!
Walker just brought it. I’m by no means a bandwagon fan. I may not like his look and I may not think it’s the best direction for bodybuilding, but like a Jay Cutler or a Branch Warren, The Mutant did the best he could with the tools at his disposal. His midsection was tight, his waist was small, and he just brought the SIZE AND THE CONDITION. In fact, Nick and Derek were probably THE MOST CONDITIONED guys on stage.
I’d like to send my sincerest congratulations to 2026 Mr. Olympia Nick “The Mutant” Walker!! I even made a video in Spanish!! I can’t tell you the last time I did that. I’m sure my Latin American viewers were like “WTPF” (What The Proverbial Fuck)!! That’s how shocked I was, but pleasantly shocked, to see what transpired this weekend.
Nick Walker said he was going to win – and he did!! You have to respect that. I know I do. And I appreciate the fact that the [new] champ plans to grow bodybuilding and take his ambassadorial duties seriously. I feel that Lunsford was burning more bridges that building them. His attitude these last few months rubbed a lot of people the wrong way. Let’s see what Nick Walker can do with the title. Something tells me, he’ll hold onto it for a while, but only time will tell.
Congratulations, Nick!!
