Tension and sharp words! The best moments from the Mr. Olympia 2026 press conference!

The press conference for Mr. Olympia 2026, held at the Pearl Theater at the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas, officially kicked off the most anticipated bodybuilding weekend of the year. Despite the unfortunate absence of Hadi Choopan, the stage was electric from the very start. Nick Walker, Samson Dauda, Andrew Jacked, and reigning champion Derek Lunsford put on a show full of immense confidence, trash talk, and even some early showdowns.

Confident Defending Champion Derek Lunsford

Lunsford is aiming to win his third Sandow Trophy this year, which would make him the first three-time winner since the Phil Heath era. His words radiated immense determination:

“My confidence comes from the fact that I want this more than anyone else. I focus on myself, my family, and what I’m trying to build,” Lunsford said .

He then confidently took a jab at his rivals:

“Ask these guys which one of them wants to finish second.”

Samson Dauda in a heated exchange with Bob Cicherill

One of the most tense moments of the conference came from Samson Dauda, who lashed out at host Bob Cicherill. In his predictions, Cicherillo had stated that if Dauda weighed over 300 pounds (approx. 136 kg) on stage, he wouldn’t even make the top five.

“You said that if I weigh around 300 pounds, I won’t make the top 5?” Dauda fired back at the host, adding: “You’re getting more and more out of line. When I step onto the stage at the Olympia on Saturday, I’ll stand right in front of you and ask you what that was all about. And damn right, I’ll weigh 300 pounds or more.” Dauda also complained that these days people talk a lot more than they actually work, and he plans to be the last man standing on the stage.

Nick Walker, Reborn: “No One Can Beat Me”

Nick “The Mutant” Walker has made it clear that he’s going for the win this year. He revealed that he’s completely cut himself off from negative influences on the internet ahead of the competition.

“I’ve stopped worrying about what people say about me. I’ve blocked those a**holes on social media. I feel like my old self again, and I know this is my Olympia, and I’m going to win it,” Walker said with calm confidence.

When Cicherillo reminded him that he was predicting a fourth-place finish at best this year, Nick immediately responded by saying that people still underestimate him.

“I don’t think anyone will have more muscle, anyone will be better prepared, or anyone will beat me in posing. I’ve slimmed down my waist, and I’m going to absolutely dominate the stage,” Walker added .

Andrew Jacked: “Now It’s My Turn”

Andrew Jacked wasn’t far behind, confidently declaring that his time to reign has come.

“My constant improvement speaks for itself. This is my moment. No matter who comes after me next year, it’s my turn now,” he sent a clear message to his rivals.

An Unexpected Posedown at the End

The atmosphere at the press conference grew so intense that, even before it ended, Dauda, Jacked, and Walker got carried away, took off their shirts, and treated the frenzied fans to a thrilling, early “posedown.”

In addition to the Open category, the conference also offered a glimpse into Classic Physique, where an equally fierce battle is expected. Defending champion Ramon “Dino” Queiroz will have to face top-form competitors such as Mike Sommerfeld, Terrence Ruffin, and Wesley Vissers this year. Mr. Olympia 2026 weekend, taking place September 24–27 in Las Vegas, promises to be a historic spectacle and an incredible battle of the titans. Who do you think will ultimately hoist the prestigious Sandow trophy above their head? Let us know your pick in the comments!

Dress Like Champions: The Mindset of Winners and the Official Mr. Olympia Collection

The press conference clearly showed us one thing—professionals are under enormous pressure, and their self-confidence and mindset must be absolutely unshakable. For the best of the best to fine-tune their form to perfection and withstand the brutal daily grind, they must be 100% mentally and physically prepared. What you wear during your workouts affects your mindset more than you might think. Clothing from the official limited-edition NEBBIA x Olympia collection isn’t just a piece of fabric. It’s your training armor that won’t let you slack off.

For days when you need to keep your leg muscles warm before crushing sets of squats, or when you’re simply looking for absolute comfort and hardcore style on your way to the gym, slip on the NEBBIA x Olympia sweatpants. The durable fabric and thoughtful cut can handle even the toughest workout routine without restricting your movement in any way.

When the temperature in the gym stays low but you need to give 110% on heavy bench presses, count on the NEBBIA x Olympia long-sleeve T-shirt. Its flexible fabric ensures your shoulders and elbows stay at the right temperature from the first rep to the last and protects you from getting chilled.

And for uncompromising old-school enthusiasts who want to really go all out with the heavy weights, there’s the NEBBIA x Olympia Heavyweight Cotton T-shirt. The premium heavyweight cotton can withstand even the roughest treatment, won’t pill, retains its shape, and will remind you that true fitness is built through honest hard work—no excuses.

This exclusive Olympia collection is strictly limited and is selling out at an incredible pace. Gear up like a champion and show everyone that you take your training deadly seriously before this exclusive drop slips away for good!