Reigning Mr. Olympia Derek Lunsford is speaking out about his next bodybuilding contest. On Dec. 1, 2025, he confirmed he will not defend his title at the 2026 Arnold Classic and will focus only on next year’s Mr. Olympia.

Lunsford clawed his way back up the Men’s Open ladder after a disappointing 2024 season. He fell to third place at the Mr. Olympia contest behind Samson Dauda and Hadi Choopan . Before their rematch in 2025, Lunsford defeated “The Nigerian Lion” at the Arnold Classic. Then, narrowly bested Nick Walker at the Pittsburgh Pro .

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To achieve the sport’s first-ever ‘Triple Crown,’ Lunsford managed to take out Choopan and Andrew Jacked at the 2025 Mr. Olympia . Not only did he establish himself as a two-time champ, but he became only

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