Derek Lunsford is the 2025 Pittsburgh Pro Men’s Open champion. He was one of 14 competitors vying for this title at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, PA, on Saturday, May 10. IFBB Pro League president Jim Manion puts on the Pittsburgh Pro every year, and it’s one of the annual highlights of the bodybuilding season.
Along with the title of Pittsburgh Pro champion, there was a 2025 Mr. Olympia qualification and a $100,000 prize for first place on the line. As a former Olympia champ, Lunsford did not need the qualification. Nick Walker came in second place, and Martin Fitzwater took bronze in this historic contest.
This is the first time that the Men’s Open division has competed at the Pittsburgh Pro — in past years, the Men’s Open division was only featured as a guest posing exhibition.
2025 Pittsburgh Pro Highlights
The prejudging round came down to Lunsford, Walker, Bonac, and Fitzwater. However, all four men spent time in the middle of the final callout. Lunsford and Walker were on center stage at the end, and the fans were split on who was better. Head judge Steve Weinberger confirmed to BarBend that the judges needed the second round during the finals to determine the winner.
The second round was just as close. As a matter of fact, a rarity occurred at this contest because Walker and Lunsford actually tied on the scorecards. This meant that the two had to face off in a tiebreaker round to determine the champion.
The posing between the two bodybuilders was intense, and the crowd appeared to favor Walker, but Lunsford had his own fan base as well. The judges ultimately went with Lunsford, meaning he completed his personal quest of the triple crown — the Olympia, the Arnold Classic, and now the Pittsburgh Pro.
There were two other competitions held on the first day of this event. Terrence Ruffin claimed the Classic Physique title, and Erin Banks was crowned the Men’s Physique champion.
The 2025 Pittsburgh Pro continues on Sunday, Mar. 11, with action from the Figure, Bikini, Women’s Physique, and Wellness divisions. BarBend will provide a full recap of all competitions from Pittsburgh once the final awards have been presented.
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Featured Image: Roger Lockridge
