by Matt Weik, BS, CSCS, CPT, CSN
Some will name this harsh. Others will nod in settlement. However after watching the trajectory of Nick Walker, it’s time to say it: he won’t ever win the Mr. Olympia title.
After lacking the Olympia the previous two years, there was quite a lot of hype surrounding Nick Walker. The truth is, many had him as the favourite going into the 2025 Mr. Olympia.
There was quite a lot of beef forwards and backwards between Bob Chick and Nick Walker, the place Bob mentioned he wasn’t even going to be within the prime 5 (and he was proper). When the names had been all referred to as, Nick Walked positioned 6th.
Is that the place he deserved to be?
Actually, it’s fascinating that Martin Fitzwater positioned forward of Nick in 5th and that Brandon Curry got here in proper behind Nick.
To be sincere, I assumed this Olympia was fairly weak. I didn’t suppose Derek or Hadi appeared their greatest. Samson (who received final yr) moved all the way in which again to 4th, and if something, I assumed Andrew Jacked of all individuals could possibly be a contender for the O within the coming years.
However let’s dive deeper into why Nick Walker won’t ever win the Mr. Olympia.
Disclaimer: This text is for informational functions solely and shouldn’t be used to deal with or diagnose any situation. It is suggested that you just converse together with your physician earlier than beginning any train program, making adjustments to your diet plan, or including any new dietary supplements into your present routine.
Why Nick Walker Already Begins Behind
When Nick first got here on the scene, I assumed he had Mr. Olympia written throughout him. However over the previous a number of years, I really feel like that spark we as soon as noticed has fizzled out.
1. Judges Don’t Favor His Look
The Mr. Olympia stage isn’t nearly mass and conditioning. Judges now reward stream, symmetry, and an aesthetic that tells a cohesive story. Nick Walker has unimaginable measurement. However many say his physique is just too blocky. He seems like a fridge on stage and lacks sleek, natural traces.
Followers and critics alike level out his veins and the way harsh particulars distract from the entire. I’ll say it like it’s… his legs are a catastrophe. The place everybody had good separation and element, all you see on Nick Walker’s legs are veins. It’s not serving to his look on stage.
On the 2025 Mr. Olympia prejudging, Walker was already pushed again within the callouts. Clearly, that spelled hassle practically proper from the beginning. And I’m certain Bob Chick was laughing the entire time (and belief me, I’m not a fan of Bob Chick).
2. Accidents & Missed Alternatives
In 2023, Nick Walker needed to keep out of the Olympia competitors attributable to a major harm.
He missed essential years the place he may’ve gained momentum, discovered the stage, and tailored. In bodybuilding, you hardly ever “catch up” after skipping prime home windows.
In 2024, one other harm took him out.
Yearly off dilutes relevance. It additionally provides others time to shine, evolve, and tighten weak factors. And after ready two years to see him on the Olympia stage, he didn’t impress anybody.
3. Teaching Instability & Technique Swings
Walker hasn’t proven consistency behind the scenes. Teaching adjustments. Prep strategies change. One yr, the main focus is all mass, the following it’s “shock the world.” That erratic technique weakens long-term progress.
To win the Olympia, you want a plan that matures over 3–5 years. You want a crew that is aware of your physique inside out. Nick Walker hasn’t managed that.
4. Competitors Is Stronger Than Ever
He doesn’t simply face one or two legends. He faces a flood of elite athletes who beat him in aesthetics. Don’t overlook, the most important man on stage doesn’t essentially imply they’re going to win.
Hadi Choopan, Derek Lunsford, Samson Dauda… these guys hit all of the bins that the judges are in search of. Nick solely appears to nail the scale class.
At Olympia 2025, Derek Lunsford received the title. Nick Walker got here in nicely behind.
Even when Nick brings his greatest look, his opponents usually convey finesse, steadiness, and a extra pleasing package deal. It’s not sufficient to indicate up big. It’s essential to have the total presentation to actually wow the judges.
The Flaws of Nick Walker That Kill a Title Run
I really feel that Nick Walker has some flaws that might maintain him again from ever profitable the Olympia.
1. Over-Reliance on Mass
Nick Walker usually banks on sheer muscle quantity. However mass with out proportion turns into a legal responsibility. In current contests, comparisons present that Nick is simply too blocky. His physique doesn’t stream.
If you happen to can’t steadiness the majority, you’ll get flagged in symmetry rounds.
2. Aesthetic Deficits and Move Issues
One of many largest critiques: his physique doesn’t “transfer” nicely. It seems aggressive, static, and industrial. The transition from pose to pose can really feel jarring.
When judges stack 5–6 athletes facet by facet, they need cohesion. Walker’s physique usually reads “assortment of elements” somewhat than “one sculpted machine.”
3. Psychological & Aggressive Gaps
Dropping out, pushing schedules, altering sport plans… these mirror a psychological volatility. To win an Olympia, you want an inside fortress.
Nick is mushy. He lets the opinion of others dwell in his head rent-free. Take a look at the meat between him and Bob Chick. For starters, Bob actually by no means did something worthwhile as a professional, so the truth that Nick even provides him a voice or the time of day is odd.
If Nick Walker can’t simply dwell inside his personal head with out worrying concerning the opinions of others, he’s going to proceed preventing battles he doesn’t even should be part of. Concentrate on bringing a greater package deal, not specializing in a greater comeback.
Can Nick Walker Flip It Round?
Let’s be clear: I’m not saying Nick Walker is talentless. Removed from it. He has freakish attributes, potential, and a fan base.
However except he:
- Locks in a steady, trusted coach
- Rebuilds his traces, enhances stream, softens his transitions
- Prioritizes harm prevention and constant contest attendance
- Performs chess, not checkers, in opposition to the judging standards
He’ll at all times be chasing (not profitable) the Olympia crown.
In bodybuilding, it’s not sufficient to be “nice.” You need to be higher than everybody else, in each dimension.
Nick Walker has the instruments. However instruments with out refinement don’t construct a champion.
So, mark it down: Nick Walker won’t ever be Mr. Olympia… except he reinvents his total method.
