Derek Lunsford Announces His Entry Into the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro
Reigning Men’s Open powerhouse Derek Lunsford is determined to carve out an even greater legacy in bodybuilding, as he officially sets his sights on the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro.
Fresh off a commanding victory at the 2025 Arnold Classic, Lunsford wasted no time planning his next conquest. After teasing fans with cryptic messages on social media regarding a potential appearance at the Pittsburgh Pro, he finally put all speculation to rest with an emphatic declaration:
“That’s the announcement. I will be doing the Pittsburgh Pro.”
Derek Lunsford’s Historic Ascent in Bodybuilding
Lunsford’s meteoric rise through the bodybuilding ranks has been nothing short of legendary. From his early days dominating the 212 division—where he captured the prestigious Olympia 212 title—to making a seamless transition into the Men’s Open class, his journey has been one of relentless ambition and historic achievements. In a moment that cemented his name in bodybuilding history, Lunsford became the first competitor to ever claim Olympia titles in two different divisions, a feat that underscores his versatility and championship pedigree.
Lunsford’s Vision for the Pittsburgh Pro
The 2025 Pittsburgh Pro marks an exciting milestone, as it will be the first edition of the event to feature an official Men’s Open competition. Lunsford expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, emphasizing the importance of this new title.
“I feel the Pittsburgh Pro is going to be, what I would call, a legacy show. Meaning, if you have that Pittsburgh Pro title, that is a real notch in your belt. That is a championship you can wear with pride.”
With an insatiable hunger for victory, Lunsford has his eyes set on achieving an unprecedented trifecta in 2025—winning the Arnold Classic, the Pittsburgh Pro, and the Olympia in the same calendar year. He detailed his ambitious goal, acknowledging the magnitude of what such an achievement would mean for the sport:
“To win the Arnold Classic, step onto the Pittsburgh Pro stage, and then reclaim the Olympia title all in the same year—now that would be another monumental, history-making moment in bodybuilding.”
Pittsburgh Pro’s Legacy and Lunsford’s Connection
For years, the Pittsburgh Pro has been regarded as one of the sport’s premier contests, serving as a crucial stage where top-tier Men’s Open competitors showcase their physiques ahead of the summer season. Traditionally known for its legendary guest-posing lineups, the event took a groundbreaking turn when it was officially announced in October that a Men’s Open division would be added to its roster.
Lunsford is no stranger to the Pittsburgh Pro stage. In 2022, he made waves during his guest-posing appearance, displaying a jaw-dropping level of mass after his Olympia 212 triumph. The sheer size and fullness of his physique at that event signaled to the world that he had outgrown the 212 class and was destined for the Men’s Open battlefield. His standout performance earned him a special invitation to the Olympia, where he made an immediate impact by securing a top-three finish.
Following his triumph at the 2025 Arnold Classic, where he bested reigning Olympia champion Samson Dauda, Lunsford has firmly reestablished himself as one of the most dominant forces in the sport. With his sights locked on Pittsburgh, anticipation is at an all-time high for another showdown that could reshape the Olympia narrative later in the year.
The 2025 Pittsburgh Pro Men’s Open Lineup
With nine elite competitors slated to battle it out, the Pittsburgh Pro Men’s Open division promises to be a warzone filled with freaky size, insane conditioning, and championship-caliber physiques. The confirmed lineup is as follows:
William Bonac
Martin Fitzwater
James Hollingshead
Michal Krizo
Derek Lunsford
Leandro Peres
Vitaliy Ugolnikov
Nick Walker
Eric Wood
As the bodybuilding world gears up for this highly anticipated event, all eyes will be on Derek Lunsford to see if he can take another decisive step toward cementing his legacy as one of the greatest to ever step on a bodybuilding stage.
