A Historic Showdown in Men’s Open Bodybuilding
The 2025 Pittsburgh Pro delivered one of the most dramatic and controversial finishes in recent bodybuilding history. In a battle that could define the future of the IFBB Pro League Men’s Open division, Nick Walker and Derek Lunsfordclashed in what many are calling the closest top-two finish ever. With the Olympia qualification season heating up, this showdown has fans and athletes alike buzzing with questions—and fire.
Scorecard Breakdown: A Tie That Sparked Debate
The official Pittsburgh Pro scorecards revealed something we rarely see in professional bodybuilding: a tie.
- Nick Walker won the prejudging round with a score of 7 to Derek’s 8.
- Derek Lunsford took the finals with an identical margin—7 to 8 over Nick.
- Both athletes ended with a total score of 15, resulting in an official tie.
But here’s where the confusion begins. Despite the tie, Derek Lunsford was declared the winner. According to reports, a last-minute “sudden death” pose-down was used as a tiebreaker, although this wasn’t explicitly reflected in the official scorecard. This omission led to a flurry of reactions from the bodybuilding community, questioning the transparency of the judging criteria.
Fan Reaction: Support for Nick Walker Surges
The fanbase has spoken—and loudly. Across YouTube, Instagram, and forums, the consensus is that Nick Walker deserved the win, especially after a dominant prejudging performance. Walker, who came into the show with massive expectations after months of anticipation, brought an improved and complete physique, silencing critics who had previously counted him out.
Key fan observations:
- Nick’s size and muscular density stood out.
- Derek had sharper conditioning in the finals, possibly giving him the edge.
- Some noted Nick’s midsection was slightly more distended under the lights, which may have influenced the final decision.
Regardless of the outcome, Walker’s stock has never been higher. Many now consider him a legitimate contender for the 2025 Mr. Olympia title.
What’s Next: Redemption at the New York Pro?
With the Pittsburgh Pro in the rearview, Nick Walker is expected to compete at the 2025 New York Pro in a bid to secure his Olympia qualification. A victory there would not only punch his ticket to bodybuilding’s biggest stage but also set the stage for a high-stakes rematch with Derek Lunsford in Las Vegas.
This potential Olympia storyline writes itself:
- A controversial loss
- A redemption arc
- Two of the most talked-about physiques in the world
- One title on the line: Mr. Olympia 2025
Honorable Mentions: Classic Physique and Men’s Physique
It wasn’t just the Men’s Open division that delivered fireworks.
- Classic Physique saw a razor-thin margin, with Terrence Ruffin narrowly beating Jose by just one point.
- In Men’s Physique, Aaron Banks took home the victory with a commanding presence and aesthetic physique, continuing his dominance in the division.
Final Thoughts: A Defining Moment in Modern Bodybuilding
The 2025 Pittsburgh Pro will go down in history not just for its competitive depth but for the intensity of its fan engagement. Whether you believe Nick Walker was robbed or Derek Lunsford earned it fair and square, one thing is certain: this rivalry has reignited passion in the sport and added incredible momentum to the 2025 bodybuilding season.
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