One glaring hole in the Men’s Open Mr. Olympia roster has been filled. Nick Walker dominated the 2026 Tampa Pro to stamp his ticket to the prestigious event. In an August 2 YouTube video, he reflected on the victory and predicted that with improvements, he will win the 2026 Mr. Olympia.
“It was [an easy victory], that’s exactly what it was. I said when I set out to do Tampa, I said I’d create distance and demolish this show, and I did that with flying colors.”
Walker faced an uphill journey entering the bodybuilding season. At the 2025 Mr. Olympia, he mistimed his peak and fell to sixth place. This outcome prompted significant changes to his training and preparations. Eventually, “The Mutant” parted ways with his coach Kyle Wilkes and claimed a runner-up finish at the 2026 Arnold Classic.
He considered taking a break, but pushed all-in at the 2026 Tampa Pro with Prabh Dhaliwal as his new coach. Ultimately, Walker presented another stellar look, building massive momentum for this year’s Olympia contest.
Nick Walker Says He Will Win 2026 Mr. Olympia If He Improves Tampa Look
In the post-victory catch-up video, Walker explained that his new coach helped restore the confidence he lost:
“I feel like I found somebody that I can fully trust in and take the reins, and that is invested into bodybuilding just as much as I am invested in it. He wants to see me win just as bad as I want to see me win.”
“The confidence that I feel like I lost, I feel like I’m starting to regain that again,” said Nick Walker. “There was nothing to have anxiety over; just be relaxed, do your job, get the win, and get out.”
Overall, Walker thought his Tampa physique edged out what he brought to the Arnold Classic.
“Yes, I did. I thought the Arnold was an incredible look, but I thought we brought in the waist a whole lot tighter. I thought we were a little fuller, we were a little rounder, a little drier, and overall, it just created a better package.”
With improvements, Walker believes he will finally lay claim to the Mr. Olympia title this September:
“I don’t want to hear no more fucking wide waist anymore,” shared Walker. “If I feel we improved upon this look for the Olympia, I will be the winner at the Mr. Olympia.”
While Walker’s wider midsection has been his main criticism in the sport, some believe he’s gradually resolving the issue. Former 1983 Mr. Olympia Samir Bannout recently praised Walker’s symmetry, noting that his waist has become more streamlined.
Walker looks to have found a near-perfect peaking formula and gained valuable experience in Tampa. The 2026 Mr. Olympia is scheduled for September 24-27 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fitness Volt will have live coverage.
