{"id":21133,"date":"2026-05-27T22:54:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-27T22:54:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=21133"},"modified":"2026-05-27T22:54:00","modified_gmt":"2026-05-27T22:54:00","slug":"steve-weinberger-talks-derek-lunsford-andrew-jacked-beef-says-8-guys-can-win-2026-mr-olympia-fitness-volt","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=21133","title":{"rendered":"Steve Weinberger Talks Derek Lunsford & Andrew Jacked Beef, Says ‘8 Guys’ Can Win 2026 Mr. Olympia \u2013 Fitness Volt"},"content":{"rendered":"


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In under four months, the world\u2019s best Open Bodybuilders will compete for the sport\u2019s ultimate title. Taking to Instagram on May 26, 2026, head judge Steve Weinberger discussed the Derek Lunsford and Chinedu Andrew \u2018Jacked\u2019 Obiekea rivalry ahead of the Mr. Olympia.<\/strong> He also highlighted that eight contenders can walk away with gold when the event returns.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In 2025, Derek Lunsford<\/a> accomplished a rare feat; he managed to claim the Arnold Classic<\/a>, Pittsburgh Pro<\/a>, and Mr. Olympia<\/a> titles consecutively. While he opted for an off-season, Jacked carried on and won three shows in a row, including the Romania Pro<\/a>, Arnold Classic Ohio<\/a>, and UK contests.\u00a0<\/p>\n

However, tensions didn\u2019t flare until they met face-to-face for the annual Mr. Olympia battle workout. Lunsford took a more outspoken tone this year, telling Jacked that he\u2019d never win the Sandow trophy<\/a> as long as he\u2019s around.<\/p>\n

Lunsford went on to explain that Jacked disrespected him on multiple occasions<\/a> before their heated interaction. With \u2018The Super Bowl of Bodybuilding\u2019 around the corner, \u2018Big Steve\u2019 opened up on their dispute and his Men\u2019s Open expectations.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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Steve Weinberger Talks 2026 Mr. Olympia & Lunsford\u2019s Rivalry With Andrew Jacked\u00a0<\/h2>\n

In the Instagram reel, Weinberger emphasized that eight contenders could win the 2026 Mr. Olympia.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\u201cThere\u2019s about eight guys that can take that title on that day, and honestly, until you have the show and until we go through it, you never know. Whatever happens on that day.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

He believes the back-and-forth between Lunsford and Jacked has made the build-up for the event more exciting. Weinberger stated that this is the most competitive Mr. Olympia in the last four years.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\u201cI like that [Derek Lunsford\u2019s Andrew Jacked comments], I like when guys are confident in what they are bringing. You believe in yourself, and you\u2019re confident; there\u2019s nothing wrong with saying that. It gives fire to the show. It makes the show not boring, and it\u2019s exciting. If you don\u2019t stand up for yourself, no one else will.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI just think this year is more competitive than it has been in the last four years.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Weinberger compared the Lunsford\u2013Jacked beef to one of boxing\u2019s greatest rivalries:\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\u201cI like that Derek is talking, and honestly, Andrew is not shy, and neither is Samson, so I\u2019m sure they are going to have their answers soon. It\u2019s like a Muhammad Ali\u2013Joe Frazier deal. They both spoke, they both believed in themselves, and they are both great.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

According to Weinberger, bodybuilding today is better and more unpredictable than in past eras.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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\u201cI definitely think it\u2019s better now. It was great when Lee Haney dominated eight years, and Dorian six, and Ronnie had eight, Jay had four, but I think now it\u2019s hard to hold two in a row. It makes it exciting for the athletes and exciting for the fans,\u201d explained<\/a> Steve Weinberger.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Suffice it to say, this has only pumped up anticipation for the 2026 Mr. Olympia. It won\u2019t just be Lunsford and Jacked battling it out. Former 2024 Mr. Olympia Samson Dauda<\/a> will be back in action, aiming to become a two-time champ.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Steve Weinberger expects the 2026 Mr. Olympia<\/a> to deliver across all bodybuilding divisions, but especially the Men\u2019s Open. The show is set to take place from September 24-27 in Las Vegas, Nevada.<\/p>\n

RELATED:<\/strong>\u00a0Bob Cicherillo Fires Back at \u2018Conspiracy\u2019 That Judge Steve Weinberger Rips Up Score Sheets at Contests\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n\n