The 2024 New York Pro saw the competitive return of Nick Walker and crowned him as Men’s Open champion. He was one of 20 athletes who entered the 20th edition of the contest on Saturday, May 18, 2024, in Teaneck, NJ, and he was the last to hold center stage as the champion. Martin Fitzwater came in second place, and rounding out the top three was 2023 champion Tonio Burton.
2024 New York Pro Results — Men’s Open
- Nick Walker
- Martin Fitzwater
- Tonio Burton
- Stuart Sutherland
- Krystian Wolski
Aside from the win and championship ring that goes to the champion, Walker is now qualified for the 2024 Mr. Olympia, the 60th edition of the contest. That show will occur at Resorts World in Las Vegas, NV, on the weekend of Oct. 10-13, 2024.
This was important for Walker because he missed the 2023 Mr. Olympia contest due to a hamstring injury. Walker had stated he would rather earn the qualification than receive a special invite.
The fans and judges could see that he came with a mission to win this show and leave no doubt who the best man on the stage was in both rounds of the competition. Head judge Tyler Manion announced that only one point separated Walker and Fitzwater after prejudging, which meant every pose they hit in the finals mattered. Walker managed to hold off the Detroit Pro winner’s charge for the top spot to take the win and championship ring.
He also made history at this event by joining Kai Greene, Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay, and Juan Morel as two-time New York Pro champions. This is his third pro win, winning first place at the 2021 Arnold Classic in Columbus, OH. The New Jersey native had several family members and friends in attendance supporting his efforts. He couldn’t help but share the joy in his post-show interview.
This is awesome!
Now, Walker will focus on the 2024 Mr. Olympia. This will be his third appearance if he takes to the stage. He was fifth in 2021 and took bronze in 2022. He was considered a favorite to take the title in 2023 until that hamstring injury forced him to withdraw. That year, Derek Lunsford won the Sandow Trophy from then-champion Hadi Choopan in Orlando, FL.
Fans at the 2024 Pittsburgh Pro on May 11, 2024, saw the champion and a new challenger in a guest-posing exhibition. They must now go to Las Vegas to see the actual version.
Featured Image: @nick_walker39 on Instagram
