Anticipation around Nick Walker’s upcoming show is ramping up quickly. In a YouTube video from July 8, 2026, Shawn Ray and Bob Cicherillo discussed his chances at the Tampa Pro, highlighting that the contest shouldn’t be close.
The elusive Sandow trophy has become the final boss for Nick Walker. In 2025, he fell short of expectations, missed the mark, and settled for sixth place. This was the lowest Olympia finish of his career, which left many unsure of his future. However, Walker redeemed himself at the 2026 Arnold Classic.
He pushed Chinedu Andrew “Jacked” Obiekea and secured second place. Walker considered the performance a win in itself since it was the first time he defeated Hadi Choopan. For a moment, it looked like Walker might take time off, but he announced his Tampa Pro entry, as he aims to once again grace the Olympia stage this September.
“It Shouldn’t Be Close” — Shawn Ray, Bob Cicherillo on Nick Walker at the 2026 Tampa Pro
In the latest Voice of Bodybuilding episode, Cicherillo gave credit to Walker for maintaining his conditioning year-round. He believes this is the single-best thing Walker can do because it keeps his waist tighter, which has been one of his biggest criticisms.
“I got to give credit where it’s due because he’s taken a lot of flak this year, but you know he’s done probably the smartest thing he could possibly do. He’s been lean all year, since the beginning.
He never got out of shape. It looks like he’s been maintaining pretty damn good conditioning, and that’s the best thing a guy like Nick can do because it will keep that waist as small as he can possibly keep it. The smaller his waist looks, bro, the better a bodybuilder he’s going to look,” said Bob Cicherillo.
According to Shawn Ray, the Tampa Pro shouldn’t be close given Walker’s credentials in the Men’s Open class.
“He’s had the time to make the corrections. He’s going to be in a lineup that he should win. On paper, these guys shouldn’t be able to stand next to him. It shouldn’t be close. He should win this running away, and he shouldn’t take it lightly,” adds Ray.
Though he favors Walker’s chances in Tampa, Cicherillo pointed out that his blockiness and lack of quad sweeps are weaknesses that need addressing:
“Kudos to Nick, like I said, I think he’s got the right path in terms of keeping lean. Is that going to result in a better physique? We’re going to see.
He does have an issue with blockiness, the way he’s structured, but he doesn’t have a whole lot of sweep to his legs either. He’s not old by any stretch in terms of bodybuilding, but his front shots, there’s no sweeps on his legs. From the back, he looks like a whole different person.”
Ray and Cicherillo aren’t the only bodybuilders suggesting that the Tampa Pro shouldn’t be close. “The Real Deal,” Chris Cormier recently broke down the event. He argued that Walker’s muscle density and hardness put him ‘lightyears’ ahead of the Tampa lineup.
Walker isn’t short on confidence as he aims to qualify for the Mr. Olympia. The 2026 Tampa Pro takes place from July 30 to August 1 in Tampa, Florida.
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