Derek Lunsford better not rest on his laurels.
Last updated on October 11th, 2024
Although 1983 Mr. Olympia Samir Bannout still 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 leave Las Vegas without a second straight Sandow trophy.
In fact, if it were up to the Bannout, Lunsford wouldn’t have become the first bodybuilder to capture crowns in multiple divisions — a historic feat accomplished on Nov. 5, 2023.
Bannout shared his top 10 predictions on the Oct. 7 edition of The Muscle Maturity Podcast, which can be seen below:
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Samir Bannout’s 2024 Mr. Olympia Top 10 Predictions
Bannout joined three-time Natural Mr. Universe John Hansen and co-host Marcus Guerrero to offer his best guess at how the 2024 Mr. Olympia will shake out. After forgetting to include Martin Fitzwater on his first go-around, his final top 10 featured plenty of familiar faces, along with some interesting commentary on those selections:
- 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 exactly receive glowing remarks from the “Lion of Lebanon.
If Derek shows up like last year, he won’t repeat. Last year, I wasn’t impressed.
Bannout acknowledged Lunsford belongs in the top spot when he’s on his game. Yet, the Men’s Open division has several worthy contenders who could topple the reigning champion from his throne.
There are two competitors with Olympia crowns on their resumes, and 2023 third-place finisher Samson Dauda is vying for the top spot.
Digging Deeper Into the Top 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 can change things, too.
Whether Jacked actually renders Choopan a bronze medalist remains to be seen. The former champion possesses an imposing physique, top-tier conditioning, and unmatched intensity.
That area from his upper thighs to his abs and chest are chiseled…will change the minds of some of the judges.
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Choopan seeks to avenge last year’s controversial second-place finish to Lunsford. He drew plenty of criticism for walking off the stage after losing the title to his fellow Evogen Nutrition athlete and Hany Rambod client.
Going from runner-up to third place, or worse, would certainly be a tough pill for Choopan to swallow.
Will “The Martian” Meet Expectations?
Despite leaving him off his initial top 10, Bannout corrected his mistake and delivered a bold statement about Martin Fitzwater.
He’s missing nothing.
Just 27 years old, Fitzwater won the inaugural Detroit Pro to secure his spot in the 2024 Olympia. He followed up with an impressive showing at the New York Pro by nearly beating Walker.
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Four-time champion Jay Cutler called Fitzwater his dark horse. It’ll be fascinating to see if the rising star makes good on those predictions despite being one of the youngest competitors in Mr. Olympia history.
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Featured image: @mrolympiallc / Instagram
