According to experts, the upcoming Tampa Pro 2026 bodybuilding competition has a clear favorite. Legends Shawn Ray and Bob Cicherillo explained on a popular podcast why Nick Walker\u2019s victory will likely be a walk in the park, with no real competition. Check out where \u201cThe Mutant\u201d has made the biggest strides this year.<\/p>\n
Expectations surrounding Nick Walker\u2019s next competition are rapidly soaring to astronomical heights. In a recent episode of the popular podcast *Voice of Bodybuilding*<\/i>, bodybuilding legends Shawn Ray and Bob Cicherillo focused on his chances at the upcoming Tampa Pro 2026. Their clear verdict? The competition shouldn\u2019t even be close.<\/p>\nThe Arduous Journey Toward the Dream Sandow<\/h2>\n
The elusive Sandow statuette for the Mr. Olympia champion has become a figurative \u201cfinal boss\u201d for Nick Walker. In 2025, he fell short of sky-high expectations, was out of form, and had to settle for sixth place\u2014his worst-ever finish at Mr. Olympia. This result left many fans and experts doubting his future among the absolute elite.<\/p>\n
However, Walker made a spectacular comeback at the 2026 Arnold Classic. In top form, he was hot on the heels of Chinedu Andrew \u201cJacked\u201d Obieke and secured second place. “The Mutant” himself considered this performance a personal victory, as he managed to defeat former champion Hadi Choopan for the first time in his career. Although it looked for a while as though he might take a break to gain more muscle mass, he ultimately announced his participation in the Tampa Pro. His goal is clear: to qualify with ease and shake things up again on the Mr. Olympia stage in September 2026.<\/p>\n
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Bob Cicherillo Praises His Year-Round Form<\/h2>\n
In his assessment, Bob Cicherillo highlighted Walker\u2019s new approach to maintaining his form during the off-season. According to him, this is the best thing Walker could have done, as it helps him keep his waistline slimmer\u2014which was one of his most frequently criticized weaknesses in the past.<\/p>\n
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\u201cI have to give him credit, because he took a lot of criticism this year, but he probably did the smartest thing he could have done. He\u2019s stayed lean all year, right from the start. He never went out of shape. He seems to be in damn good shape, and that\u2019s the best thing for a guy like Nick, because it keeps his waist as small as possible. The slimmer his waist, the better he\u2019ll look on stage,\u201d<\/i> said <\/strong>Bob Cicherillo.<\/small><\/p>\n
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Despite his words of praise, however, Cicherillo remains objective and points out structural flaws that still persist. He mentioned Walker\u2019s occasional \u201cangularity\u201d and the lack of external quad arch from the front poses.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom the front, that leg arch just isn\u2019t there. From the back, though, he looks like a completely different person,\u201d<\/i> explains <\/strong>Cicherillo.<\/cite><\/small><\/p>\n
The question, then, remains: to what extent does his overall lean physique mask these inherent proportional limitations?<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
\nShawn Ray: \u201cIt shouldn\u2019t even be close\u201d<\/h2>\n
According to Shawn Ray, considering Walker\u2019s track record and achievements in the Men\u2019s Open category, the outcome in Tampa should be a foregone conclusion.<\/p>\n
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\u201cHe\u2019s had time to make the necessary adjustments. He\u2019ll be facing a field he should easily defeat. On paper, these guys shouldn\u2019t even be in the same bracket as him. It shouldn\u2019t even be close. He should win by a huge margin, though of course he shouldn\u2019t underestimate anything,\u201d<\/i><\/strong> Shawn Ray adds unequivocally.<\/small><\/p>\n
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Other legends agree<\/h2>\n
Ray and Cicherillo aren\u2019t the only ones who see Walker as the competition\u2019s unbeatable favorite. Recently, the iconic Chris \u201cThe Real Deal\u201d Cormier also weighed in on the event, arguing that Walker\u2019s unique muscle density, vascularity, and hardness put him \u201clight-years\u201d<\/b> ahead of the rest of the field in Tampa.<\/p>\n
Walker himself is brimming with confidence. For this year\u2019s Tampa Pro, which takes place from July 30 to August 1, he has even scaled back his usually \u201cdrastic cardio\u201d and claims to feel better than ever during his preparation. Will Nick Walker live up to the enormous expectations of legendary commentators and secure his ticket to September\u2019s Olympia with a commanding victory? Given his determination and current form, it seems he\u2019s in for a dominant exhibition in Florida rather than a close contest.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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