Derek Lunsford higher not relaxation on his laurels.
Final up to date on October eleventh, 2024
Though 1983 Mr. Olympia Samir Bannout nonetheless penciled Derek Lunsford into his number-one slot for the 2024 Mr. Olympia, on Oct. 11-12, he left the door open for the 2023 champion Derek Lunsford to depart Las Vegas and not using a second straight Sandow trophy.
The truth is, if it have been as much as the Bannout, Lunsford wouldn’t have turn into the primary bodybuilder to seize crowns in a number of divisions — a historic feat achieved on Nov. 5, 2023.
Bannout shared his high 10 predictions on the Oct. 7 version of The Muscle Maturity Podcast, which could be seen under:
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Samir Bannout’s 2024 Mr. Olympia Prime 10 Predictions
Bannout joined three-time Pure Mr. Universe John Hansen and co-host Marcus Guerrero to supply his greatest guess at how the 2024 Mr. Olympia will shake out. After forgetting to incorporate Martin Fitzwater on his first go-around, his ultimate high 10 featured loads of acquainted faces, together with some attention-grabbing commentary on these picks:
- Derek Lunsford
- Andrew Jacked
- Hadi Choopan
- Samson Dauda
- Nick Walker
- Brandon Curry
- Martin Fitzwater
- Hunter Labrada
- Rafael Brandao
- Mohamed Foda
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Lunsford didn’t precisely obtain glowing remarks from the “Lion of Lebanon.
If Derek exhibits up like final 12 months, he gained’t repeat. Final 12 months, I wasn’t impressed.
Bannout acknowledged Lunsford belongs within the high spot when he’s on his sport. But, the Males’s Open division has a number of worthy contenders who may topple the reigning champion from his throne.
There are two rivals with Olympia crowns on their resumes, and 2023 third-place finisher Samson Dauda is vying for the highest spot.
Digging Deeper Into the Prime Mr. Olympia Contenders
Bannout didn’t put Choopan, the 2022 Mr. Olympia, in his runner-up slot. He gave that nod to Nigerian bodybuilder Andrew Jacked, winner of the 2024 Texas Pro.
If Andrew is 100%, that may change issues, too.
Whether or not Jacked truly renders Choopan a bronze medalist stays to be seen. The previous champion possesses an imposing physique, top-tier conditioning, and unmatched depth.
That space from his higher thighs to his abs and chest are chiseled…will change the minds of a number of the judges.
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Choopan seeks to avenge final 12 months’s controversial second-place end to Lunsford. He drew loads of criticism for strolling off the stage after shedding the title to his fellow Evogen Vitamin athlete and Hany Rambod shopper.
Going from runner-up to 3rd place, or worse, would definitely be a troublesome tablet for Choopan to swallow.
Will “The Martian” Meet Expectations?
Regardless of leaving him off his preliminary high 10, Bannout corrected his mistake and delivered a daring assertion about Martin Fitzwater.
He’s lacking nothing.
Simply 27 years outdated, Fitzwater gained the inaugural Detroit Pro to safe his spot within the 2024 Olympia. He adopted up with a formidable exhibiting on the New York Pro by practically beating Walker.
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4-time champion Jay Cutler referred to as Fitzwater his dark horse. It’ll be fascinating to see if the rising star makes good on these predictions regardless of being one of many youngest rivals in Mr. Olympia historical past.
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Featured picture: @mrolympiallc / Instagram