Overcoming a Loaded Field
Walker secured the $600,000 first-place prize by defeating a stacked lineup of elite competitors. He edged out runner-up Samson Dauda, who collected $200,000, and two-time Mr. Olympia champion Derek Lunsford, who finished in third place to claim $100,000. Andrew Jacked followed in fourth, taking home $40,000, while Tonio Burton rounded out the top five with a $30,000 payout.
Speaking after Thursday’s press conference, Walker noted that he had learned to shut out online negativity and critics following his road back to the stage. Saturday night’s victory silenced those doubts, cementing his status at the top of the professional bodybuilding hierarchy.
Division Highlights Across Olympia Weekend
The four-day Olympia weekend featured fierce competition across 12 professional divisions at the Las Vegas Convention Center and Orleans Arena. In the Classic Physique division, Niall Darwen delivered one of the weekend’s biggest surprises, claiming his first-ever Olympia title and the $100,000 top prize by overcoming defending champion Ramon Dino and runner-up Mike Sommerfeld.
Meanwhile, Keone Pearson continued his dominance in the Men’s 212 division, securing his fourth consecutive title and a $50,000 prize after displaying exceptional symmetry and conditioning. Lucas Garcia took second place, and former champion Shaun Clarida finished third.
In the Men’s Physique division, Ryan Terry made history by capturing his fourth straight championship, topping Ali Bilal and Kyron Holden. Andrea Shaw extended her legendary run in the Ms. Olympia division, securing her seventh consecutive title and moving past Cory Everson into third place on the all-time wins list behind only Iris Kyle and Lenda Murray.
What Comes Next for the Open Division
With Walker claiming the 2026 crown, the professional bodybuilding landscape shifts dramatically heading into the 2027 season. Competitors like Dauda and Lunsford will face pressure to adjust their physiques to challenge Walker’s reigning dominance, while the wider Open division prepares for a new competitive cycle.
As the dust settles in Las Vegas, judges, athletes, and promoters will review the official scorecards to map out qualifying paths and event schedules for the upcoming year.