Overview:
The 2025 Mr. Olympia returned to Las Vegas with a weekend of strength, style, and legacy. At center stage stood Derek Lunsford — who captured his second Mr. Olympia title and reaffirmed his dominance in the sport. His journey from Indiana athlete to two-division champion highlights how bodybuilding excellence continues to shape culture, fitness, and fame.
Derek Lunsford Wins 2025 Mr. Olympia
The 61st Mr. Olympia, held October 9–12 at Resorts World Las Vegas, showcased the world’s best physiques — but it was Derek Lunsford who rose above all to reclaim the Sandow Trophy.
Lunsford’s win marks his second Open Mr. Olympia title (after 2023) and caps a comeback season after finishing third in 2024. He also took home $600,000 in prize money, edging out 2022 champion Hadi Choopan in a highly competitive lineup.
Top Placings — 2025 Mr. Olympia
- 🥇 Derek Lunsford (USA)
- 🥈 Hadi Choopan (Iran)
- 🥉 Andrew Jacked (Nigeria)
- 4️⃣ Samson Dauda (UK)
“The goal isn’t just to win — it’s to inspire,” Lunsford told reporters backstage. “Every rep, every set, every year — it all leads to moments like this.”
From Indiana to International Icon
Born May 14, 1993, in Petersburg, Indiana, Derek Lunsford grew up an all-around athlete — playing soccer, wrestling, and running track before discovering weight training in college. He competed in his first bodybuilding event, the 2015 NPC Indianapolis Championships, and quickly earned recognition for his symmetry and disciplined approach.
Lunsford turned professional in 2017 after winning the NPC USA Championships, and his rise through the ranks was meteoric. By 2021, he captured the 212 Mr. Olympia title before moving up to the Open division in 2022.
In 2023, he made history as the first athlete to win Olympia titles in two different divisions, claiming both the Open Mr. Olympia and the People’s Champion Award. His blend of size, balance, and personality has made him a favorite among fans — both on stage and online.
Training Philosophy and Approach
Standing 5′6″ and competing at around 225 lb, Lunsford’s success is built on precision. He trains six days a week, focusing on progressive overload, high-intensity volume, and meticulous form.
His training typically includes:
- Legs twice per week for proportional balance
- High-rep warmups to prime muscle density
- Drop sets and supersets to maintain conditioning and fullness
Lunsford’s nutrition follows a tight schedule — eating every two to three hours with 50–60 grams of protein per meal, measured carbohydrates, and strategic refeeds during prep.
“Bodybuilding isn’t about size alone,” Lunsford shared in an interview with Generation Iron. “It’s about balance — mind, muscle, and message.”
The Olympia Legacy: From Stage to Screen
While Derek Lunsford’s focus remains on competition, his stage presence places him in a lineage of bodybuilders who’ve transcended sport — from Arnold Schwarzenegger to Lou Ferrigno. The Mr. Olympia platform has long served as a springboard into broader cultural visibility, bridging athleticism with entertainment and inspiration.
Lunsford’s charisma and authenticity — showcased across social media and his motivational outreach — suggest that the next chapter of his career could expand beyond the bodybuilding’s stage.
2025 Mr. Olympia Division Winners
- Mr. Olympia: Derek Lunsford
- Men’s 212: Keone Pearson
- Classic Physique: Ramon Rocha Quieroz
- Men’s Physique: Ryan Terry
- Ms. Olympia: Andrea Shaw
- Fitness: Michelle Fredua-Mensah
- Figure: Rhea Gayle
- Women’s Physique: Natalia Abraham Coelho
- Wellness: Eduarda Bezerra
- Bikini: Maureen Blanquisco
- Pro Wheelchair: James Berger
The Future of Bodybuilding
The 2025 Olympia proved that bodybuilding remains as dynamic and evolving as ever. With athletes like Derek Lunsford leading the charge, the sport continues to push boundaries of performance, presentation, and professionalism.
Whether future champions follow the paths of Schwarzenegger or Ferrigno into Hollywood, or redefine success in their own way, one thing is clear — Mr. Olympia is still where legends are made.
Sources
- Mr. Olympia 2025 Official Results
- Derek Lunsford Wikipedia Profile
- Fitness Volt: Derek Lunsford Profile & Stats
- Bleacher Report: 2025 Mr. Olympia Final Standings
- Generation Iron: Derek Lunsford’s Rise to the Top
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