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 whole lot of hype surrounding Nick Walker. The truth is, many had him as the favourite going into the 2025 Mr. Olympia.
There was a whole lot of beef backwards and forwards between Bob Chick and Nick Walker, the place Bob mentioned he wasn’t even going to be within the high 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 believed this Olympia was fairly weak. I didn’t assume Derek or Hadi appeared their greatest. Samson (who gained final yr) moved all the best way again to 4th, and if something, I believed 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’s endorsed that you simply communicate 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 believed 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 circulation, symmetry, and an aesthetic that tells a cohesive story. Nick Walker has unbelievable measurement. However many say his physique is simply too blocky. He seems like a fridge on stage and lacks swish, natural strains.
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 big damage.
He missed vital years the place he might’ve gained momentum, discovered the stage, and tailored. In bodybuilding, you hardly ever “catch up” after skipping prime home windows.
In 2024, one other damage took him out.
Yearly off dilutes relevance. It additionally offers 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 workforce 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 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 packing containers that the judges are in search of. Nick solely appears to nail the dimensions class.
At Olympia 2025, Derek Lunsford gained the title. Nick Walker got here in effectively behind.
Even when Nick brings his greatest look, his opponents usually carry finesse, steadiness, and a extra pleasing package deal. It’s not sufficient to indicate up enormous. You’ll want to have the complete presentation to essentially wow the judges.
The Flaws of Nick Walker That Kill a Title Run
I really feel that Nick Walker has some flaws that would 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 latest contests, comparisons present that Nick is simply too blocky. His physique doesn’t circulation.
In the event you can’t steadiness the majority, you’ll get flagged in symmetry rounds.
2. Aesthetic Deficits and Circulation Issues
One of many greatest critiques: his physique doesn’t “transfer” effectively. It seems aggressive, static, and industrial. The transition from pose to pose can really feel jarring.
When judges stack 5–6 athletes aspect by aspect, they need cohesion. Walker’s physique usually reads “assortment of components” quite 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 inner 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 offers 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 have to be part of. Give attention to 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 secure, trusted coach
- Rebuilds his strains, enhances circulation, softens his transitions
- Prioritizes damage prevention and constant contest attendance
- Performs chess, not checkers, towards 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 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… except he reinvents his whole method.
