Bodybuilding fans, get ready—the stage is set, the lights are primed, and the hype is real. The 2025 Pittsburgh Pro is not just another stop on the IFBB calendar—this year, it’s a historic milestone. For the first time in its long and prestigious history, the Pittsburgh Pro will host a full-fledged Men’s Open Bodybuilding competition instead of the traditional guest-posing format. And let’s be real—this changes everything.
From Mr. Olympia Derek Lunsford stepping into the fray to the return of Nick “The Mutant” Walker, and rising stars like Martin Fitzwater, Michal Krizo, and Good Vito, the lineup reads like a potential Olympia preview.
In this blog, we’ll break down each competitor, assess their recent performances, strengths, weaknesses, and make bold predictions about who could emerge victorious in Steel City.
🔥 The Lineup: Who’s Battling for Glory?
The 2025 Pittsburgh Pro Men’s Open Division will feature:
Nick Walker
Derek Lunsford
Martin Fitzwater
Michal Krizo
Good Vito (Vitaliy Ugolnikov)
William Bonac
James Hollingshead
Leandro Peres
Eric Wood
Let’s dive deep into each competitor.
💪 Nick Walker: The Comeback King
Recent History:
Nick Walker’s 2024 season was disrupted due to injury, missing Mr. Olympia and leaving fans wondering what could’ve been. But “The Mutant” returned in early 2025 to win the New York Pro, silencing doubters and proving he’s still elite.
Strengths:
Freaky muscle density and conditioning
Massive arms, thick legs, deep midsection
Stage confidence and crowd control
Weaknesses:
Aesthetics and flow—still blocky compared to some competitors
Injuries—has he fully healed?
X-Factor:
Walker thrives in high-stakes battles. If his condition matches NY Pro, he’s a top contender.
🏆 Derek Lunsford: Mr. Olympia Enters the Fray
Recent History:
Lunsford shocked the world in 2023 when he transitioned from 212 to win the Mr. Olympia. Now, in an unexpected twist, he’s chosen to compete at Pittsburgh Pro—likely to make a statement before defending his Olympia crown.
Strengths:
Balance, symmetry, and flow
Crazy back detail and shape
Tight midsection, polished posing
Weaknesses:
If he’s not at peak condition, others may outsize him
Risk of overexposure before Olympia?
X-Factor:
Derek has nothing to prove—but everything to lose. If he’s even at 90%, he could win this show with aesthetics alone.
🐂 Martin Fitzwater: The Underdog with Fire
Recent History:
Martin finished second to Nick Walker at the 2024 New York Pro. He’s hungry for redemption and has been working with Brett Wilkin to refine his package.
Strengths:
Great quads, back development
Improved conditioning and balance
Mentally focused and disciplined
Weaknesses:
Can be overpowered by mass monsters
Still needs more stage maturity
X-Factor:
Martin’s star is rising. If he nails peak week and Nick slips even slightly, an upset is not off the table.
🇸🇰 Michal Krizo: The Slovakian Sensation
Recent History:
Krizo continues to impress with jaw-dropping size and insane arms. However, his Olympia performance fell short due to softer conditioning. He placed 3rd at the 2024 Empro Classic Pro and has promised to bring better detail to Pittsburgh.
Strengths:
Incredible size and fullness
Wide shoulders and massive arms
Intense stage presence
Weaknesses:
Lack of separation and graininess
Needs to improve lower body detail
X-Factor:
If Krizo dials in his conditioning, he could shock everyone and push for the win.
🇷🇺 Good Vito: Russian Density Meets Potential
Recent History:
Good Vito has been one of the most hyped athletes from Russia, and he’s slowly finding his groove in the pro league. He’s still chasing a major pro win.
Strengths:
Round muscle bellies and crazy density
Unique structure
Great leg development
Weaknesses:
Inconsistent conditioning
Posing still developing
X-Factor:
A perfect peak could land him in the top 3—don’t sleep on him.
🦍 William Bonac: The Veteran Still Roars
Recent History:
Once a top 3 Olympia competitor and two-time Arnold Classic champion, Bonac has taken some time away but remains a threat when in shape.
Strengths:
Thick, dense muscle maturity
Conditioning when dialed in
Veteran stage command
Weaknesses:
Midsection has been an issue
Age and wear showing
X-Factor:
Bonac is dangerous if underestimated. Expect a solid showing, though a win may be tough in this deep lineup.
🇬🇧 James Hollingshead: The UK Beast
Recent History:
James has been quietly improving in the offseason. Known for his work ethic, he’s focused on symmetry and conditioning.
Strengths:
Size and presence
Known to peak well
Powerful legs and back
Weaknesses:
Needs to improve aesthetics
Can look “blocky” on stage
X-Factor:
He could surprise with a top 5 placing if others miss their mark.
🇧🇷 Leandro Peres & 🇺🇸 Eric Wood
These two are relatively newer names on the pro scene but are expected to bring their best. For now, they’re likely to battle for a top 6-8 finish unless they bring something jaw-dropping.
🔮 Predictions: Who Wins the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro?
Based on physique, momentum, and competitive fire, here’s a projected top 6:
1 Derek Lunsford – If he brings 90–95% of his Olympia shape, his structure and polish can edge out even the biggest guys.
2 Nick Walker – If Derek is off, Nick can take it. He’ll be sharper and more conditioned than ever.
3 Martin Fitzwater – Expect an upset alert if either Derek or Nick miss their mark.
4 Michal Krizo – Will bring size, but needs detail to climb higher.
5 Good Vito – Wild card placement, depending on conditioning.
6 William Bonac – Veteran grit lands him in the top six.
📢 Why This Show Matters
This isn’t just about a trophy—it’s a statement. The Pittsburgh Pro 2025 could redefine the pecking order for the Mr. Olympia. With so many top contenders clashing here, it will shape fan expectations, judge perception, and athlete confidence heading into summer and fall.
Plus, the move to feature the Men’s Open as a competition—not just a guest-posing appearance—is a game-changer for the event and the sport.
🏁 Final Thoughts
The 2025 Pittsburgh Pro has all the makings of a classic. Whether it’s Lunsford defending his crown, Walker storming back to the top, or someone new breaking through, the Steel City is about to witness a battle worthy of bodybuilding history.
Who’s your pick to win? Will Lunsford dominate? Can Nick Walker redeem 2024? Or will a dark horse like Fitzwater or Krizo rise to the top?
Let us know your thoughts—and stay tuned for full results, recaps, and analysis post-show!
If you’re looking to competing in Pittsburg do click here for registration.
If you want 2025 Pittsburg Pro Tickets then click here.
If you’re interested in getting fit at home: How to Get Six Pack Abs Easily in 2025: Lean First, Train Smart, Look Powerful
