Samson Dauda finishes runner-up as Nick Walker wins Mr Olympia
Nigerian-born bodybuilder Samson Dauda finished second in the Men’s Open division at the 2026 Mr Olympia in Las Vegas. Nick Walker won his first title after scoring 18 points, while Dauda finished on 20 and Derek Lunsford placed third with 24, according to the official scorecard.
Nigerian-born bodybuilder Samson Dauda finished second in the Men’s Open division at the 2026 Mr Olympia in Las Vegas, where Nick Walker claimed his first title. The competition was held from September 24 to 27, with the finals taking place at the Orleans Arena on Saturday, September 26. The published scorecard placed Walker first on 18 points and Dauda second on 20.
Derek Lunsford finished third with 24 points. In the final scoring system, the lower total determined the winner. Dauda had entered the event as the 2024 champion and returned to the podium after placing fourth in 2025.
Walker led Dauda after Friday’s prejudging, scoring eight points compared with Dauda’s 15. In the finals, Walker scored 10 points and Dauda five, leaving Walker ahead on the combined total. Dauda confirmed the result in an Instagram post on Sunday.
He wrote that he had come to win but was proud of the physique he brought to the stage, describing it as the best version of himself his team had created. Walker also won the 2026 People’s Champion award. The remaining athletes in the top five were Chinedu Andrew Obiekea, known as Andrew Jacked, and Tonio Burton.
Dauda entered the competition after winning the 2026 Europa Pro on September 13.
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