The 2025 Pittsburgh Pro, held in Pittsburgh, PA, from May 10-11, marked its largest edition. For the first time, the event featured a Men’s Open division. Traditionally reserved as a guest posing exhibition, this category took center stage.
The contest saw reigning Arnold Classic champion Derek Lunsford claim a hard-fought victory in a closely contested battle against Nick Walker. They tied on the scorecards after the final and required a never-before-seen sudden death, head-to-head callout.
Seven-time Mr. Olympia, Phil Heath attended the show and later shared his event recap.
Wild night for the Pittsburgh Pro Open Men’s Bodybuilding!
—Phil Heath
Men’s Open
Walker and Lunsford delivered impressive performances during pre-judging. Heath noted that Walker outshone Lunsford in certain poses. However, Heath expressed some concerns about Lunsford.
Derek wasn’t [what] we saw previously at the Arnold Classic, but he recovered toward the end of pre-judging.
—Phil Heath
Heath found it impossible to choose a winner. Lunsford stood out during the back double biceps and back lat spread poses.
[Lunsford] is very full and crisp.
—Phil Heath
Heath noted that Walker maintained impressive midsection control, even during the ab and thighs pose. Walker kept his glutes and hamstrings engaged when transitioning from pose to pose, including side shots.
The competition brought unexpected twists, as judges deviated from standard routines. Instead of the usual format — routines, then confirmation rounds — they called athletes out immediately for pose confirmations. William Bonac versus Martin Fitzwater was a standout moment, followed by the return of Lunsford versus Walker for another round of comparisons.
“People had their phones out, but this was one of those shows where everybody was standing up, screaming, hollering, cheering for their favorite,” Heath commented. “Open bodybuilding brings out ferocity in the athletes and fans.”
The pre-judging scorecards had Lunsford trailing Walker by one point. Heath spoke with Lunsford’s coach, Chris Aceto, who shared that they focused on helping Lunsford remain composed and refined.
Derek recovered enough for the judges to give him the nod, but again, it was so freaking close. I thought they would have to judge the posing routine, which they usually don’t do.
—Phil Heath
Lunsford made noticeable improvements during sudden death. Judges had to award “freaky size and conditioning or…more polished, aesthetics,” Heath remarked.
The competition took Heath back to the early days of his pro career, recalling the iconic Arnold Classic showdown between “completely polar opposites” Dexter Jackson and Branch Warren.
Walker will compete at the 2025 New York Pro. He will attempt to defend his title to secure a 2025 Mr. Olympia qualification.
Men’s Physique
Heath expected an intense showdown between Erin Banks and Brandon Hendrickson, but that clash never materialized. Banks showed significant improvement via a fuller chest and smoother posing transitions. Heath believes Banks’ back has room to improve his definition.
Classic Physique
Heath highlighted Josema Munoz as a standout in the Classic Physique category. Munoz captivated the audience with his conditioning, posing, shape, and density.
Rarely do I see a development in the back, glutes, and hamstrings. They were shredded.
—Phil Heath
Heath’s only concern was Munoz’s midsection.
There needs to be more quad sweep because other guys have that, and when you don’t, you get exposed.
—Phil Heath
Terrence Ruffin delivered a winning performance, despite appearing smaller against Munoz. Ruffin’s posing execution put him over the top.
Muscle per square inch looked really good. He was in good condition. His body just flows.
—Phil Heath
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Featured image: @dereklunsford_ on Instagram
