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 a number of hype surrounding Nick Walker. Actually, many had him as the favourite going into the 2025 Mr. Olympia.
There was a number of beef backwards and forwards 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?
Truthfully, 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 assume Derek or Hadi appeared their finest. Samson (who gained final yr) moved all the way in which again to 4th, and if something, I assumed Andrew Jacked of all folks may very well 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 modifications 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 move, symmetry, and an aesthetic that tells a cohesive story. Nick Walker has unbelievable measurement. However many say his physique is just too blocky. He seems to be like a fridge on stage and lacks swish, 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 bother almost 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 as a consequence of a major harm.
He missed important years the place he might’ve gained momentum, discovered the stage, and tailored. In bodybuilding, you not often “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 modifications. Prep strategies change. One yr, the main target is all mass, the subsequent 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 neglect, the largest 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 on the lookout for. Nick solely appears to nail the scale class.
At Olympia 2025, Derek Lunsford gained the title. Nick Walker got here in nicely behind.
Even when Nick brings his finest look, his opponents typically carry finesse, steadiness, and a extra pleasing bundle. It’s not sufficient to point out up enormous. You must have the complete 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 successful the Olympia.
1. Over-Reliance on Mass
Nick Walker typically 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 move.
In case you can’t steadiness the majority, you’ll get flagged in symmetry rounds.
2. Aesthetic Deficits and Circulation Issues
One of many largest critiques: his physique doesn’t “transfer” nicely. It seems to be 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 typically reads “assortment of elements” slightly than “one sculpted machine.”
3. Psychological & Aggressive Gaps
Dropping out, pushing schedules, altering recreation plans… these replicate a psychological volatility. To win an Olympia, you want an inside fortress.
Nick is comfortable. He lets the opinion of others reside in his head rent-free. Have 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 reside inside his personal head with out worrying in regards to the opinions of others, he’s going to proceed combating battles he doesn’t even must be part of. Give attention to bringing a greater bundle, 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 until he:
- Locks in a steady, trusted coach
- Rebuilds his traces, enhances move, softens his transitions
- Prioritizes harm prevention and constant contest attendance
- Performs chess, not checkers, towards the judging standards
He’ll at all times be chasing (not successful) the Olympia crown.
In bodybuilding, it’s not sufficient to be “nice.” You must 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… until he reinvents his complete strategy.