Bodybuilding legend Branch Warren has weighed in on the aftermath of the 2025 Mr. Olympia, offering a detailed take on the judging and Nick Walker performance. In a recent interview, Warren analyzed the outcome and shared why he believes Walker faced challenges on the sport’s biggest stage.

After seeing the final callouts, Warren admitted the decision could have gone either way but said the judges made the right call.

“I agreed with actually how the scores came out because I thought Derek was the clear frontrunner after Friday’s prejudging. Finals, Hadi came in much better. I thought he won Saturday night, but it’s a two-day show. Derek pulled it off.”

 

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Even in retirement, Warren remains active in bodybuilding circles. The two-time Arnold Classic champion continues to train intensely and comment on the sport. During his competitive career, which stretched through the late 1990s and 2000s, he earned a reputation as one of the most hardworking athletes in the IFBB Pro League. Though he never won a Sandow Trophy, he’s widely respected as one of the greatest bodybuilders never to capture the Olympia crown.

Branch Warren Talks “The Problem With Nick Walker” at the 2025 Olympia

Nick Walker returned to the 2025 Olympia with huge expectations after two years away from the event. Many fans expected him to battle for the title, but he ultimately finished sixth on the scorecard.

Warren gave a candid assessment of Walker’s look and structure.

“Nick is a big, thick dude. Nick is my height, and I think he steps onstage probably 20–25 pounds heavier than I was,” Warren said. “The dude is huge, but the problem with Nick is he’s got a wide waist and a long torso, short legs, and his quads don’t match his upper body. He needs more quad sweep.”

Walker, known for his freakish muscle density and conditioning, has faced criticism for his proportions since his pro debut. Warren pointed out that while Walker’s mass is undeniable, his structure limits his overall flow compared to competitors like Derek Lunsford and Hadi Choopan.

Walker missed the 2023 Olympia due to a torn hamstring, which forced him out of competition for a full season. He made a comeback at the 2024 New York Pro, securing a dominant win and earning his qualification for the 2025 Olympia.

Still, despite an impressive return, Walker couldn’t crack the top five.

“I don’t think Nick was really that off,” Warren explained. “I think he just had five guys who are genetically and structurally superior to him. You’ve got several guys that are big, they get really hard, and they’ve got great structure and shape. That leaves Nick as the odd man out. It’s going to be hard for him.”

Despite the criticism, Walker hasn’t ruled out competing at the 2026 Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio. His debut year in 2021 was one of the most successful rookie campaigns in modern bodybuilding history, featuring wins at the New York Pro and Arnold Classic, followed by a top-five Olympia finish. Now, as he looks to 2026, Walker seems intent on proving he can refine his shape and climb back into title contention.

 

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Branch Warren Career Highlights

Nick Walker Career Highlights

Branch Warren remarks about Nick Walker at the 2025 Olympia underscored one of bodybuilding’s hardest truths — that muscle alone doesn’t win titles. Structure, proportions, and balance remain key to standing out among the world’s best physiques. While Warren believes Walker faces structural disadvantages, he also sees him as one of the hardest workers in the sport. With the 2026 season approaching, Walker has a chance to reshape his legacy and return stronger than ever, possibly starting with another run at the Arnold Classic.

Featured Image – Branch Warren Talks “The Problem With Nick Walker” at the 2025 Olympia – Credit: @mrolympiallc, @thebranchwarren (Instagram)