Nigerian-born bodybuilder Samson Dauda finished runner-up in the Men’s Open division at the 2026 Mr Olympia in Las Vegas, with Nick Walker securing his maiden title.
Dauda, the 2024 champion, scored 20 points, two behind Walker’s 18, while Derek Lunsford took third with 24 points, according to the official scorecard.
The event ran from September 24 to 27, with the finals held at the Orleans Arena on Saturday, September 26.
Despite finishing second overall, Dauda recorded the lowest score in the finals. Walker led the prejudging with eight points on Friday, compared with Dauda’s 15. Walker then added 10 points in the finals, while Dauda scored five.
With the combined totals determining the standings, Walker finished on 18 points and Dauda on 20.
Dauda confirmed his runner-up position in an Instagram post on Sunday.
“2nd place at the 2026 Mr. Olympia,” he wrote.
He added, “Of course we came here to win, but I couldn’t be prouder of this moment and the look we brought to the stage.”
Dauda described his physique as “the best version of me we have ever created.”
“This was the best version of me we have ever created,” he said.
He also credited his team for the achievement, writing, “This medal may be around my neck, but it belongs to all of us.”
Walker claimed the Sandow trophy after finishing sixth at the 2025 edition and also received the 2026 People’s Champion award.
The remaining top five were Lunsford, Chinedu Andrew Obiekea, popularly known as Andrew Jacked, and Tonio Burton.
Dauda had qualified for the competition after winning the 2026 Europa Pro on September 13.
His latest result returns him to the Mr Olympia podium after placing fourth in 2025. He won the championship in 2024, when the official results listed him as representing the United Kingdom.
