Triple Crown Achieved: Derek Lunsford's Triumphant Return at the 2025 Mr. Olympia

Triple Crown Achieved: Derek Lunsford's Triumphant Return at the 2025 Mr. Olympia

LAS VEGAS—The 2025 Mr. Olympia competition concluded with a monumental victory for Derek Lunsford, who dramatically reclaimed the bodybuilding world's most prestigious title and completed an unparalleled "Triple Crown" season. The finals, held at the Joe Weider’s Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend, delivered an electrifying contest that came down to the smallest of margins.

Lunsford, having previously won the Arnold Classic and the Pittsburgh Pro earlier in the year, brought a package of dense muscle and peak conditioning that secured his second career Sandow trophy and the $600,000 grand prize. His victory cemented his place as a modern-day legend, joining an exclusive group of athletes who have successfully returned to the throne.

The Closest Callouts in Years

The Men's Open division was a clash of champions, with the top spots hotly contested in a razor-thin judging decision:

  • Derek Lunsford’s superior back detail and overall conditioning in the final poses were enough to secure the win.

  • Hadi Choopan, the perennial favorite, finished a commendable second place. Despite his incredible muscle maturity and hardness, he was unable to overcome Lunsford's symmetrical improvements. Choopan was, however, recognized by the fans, winning the People's Champion Award.

  • Andrew Jacked impressed judges with his mass and aesthetic lines, finishing in third place, signaling his ascension as a major threat in the sport.

  • Samson Dauda, the defending champion, was unable to match his winning form from the previous year and was pushed to fourth place in the final standings.

New Rulers Emerge in Other Divisions

The Olympia weekend also celebrated new champions and consistent dominance across the 11 professional divisions:

  • In Classic Physique, the division welcomed a new champion in Ramon Rocha Queiroz of Brazil, who took over the top spot in the category.

  • Ryan Terry secured his third consecutive title in the Men's Physique division, continuing his remarkable consistency.

  • Keone Pearson remained firmly in control of the 212 Olympia division, successfully defending his title.

The 2025 Mr. Olympia served as a reminder of the sport’s unpredictable nature, setting up a thrilling series of rematches for the 2026 season.