Nigerian-born bodybuilder Samson Dauda finished second in the Men’s Open division at the 2026 Mr Olympia in Las Vegas, United States, as American Nick Walker claimed his first title.
Dauda, who won the title in 2024, finished on 20 points, two behind Walker’s 18, while Derek Lunsford placed third with 24 points, according to the official scorecard.
The competition was held from September 24 to 27, with the finals at the Orleans Arena on Saturday, September 26.
Dauda’s runner-up finish came despite recording the lowest score in Saturday’s finals. Walker led after Friday’s prejudging with eight points to Dauda’s 15. In the finals, Dauda scored five points to Walker’s 10. Under Olympia scoring, the lower combined total wins.
Dauda, 40, popularly known as the “Nigerian Lion” and competing under the United Kingdom flag, confirmed his finish on Instagram on Sunday:
“2nd place at the 2026 Mr. Olympia. Of course we came here to win, but I couldn’t be prouder of this moment and the look we brought to the stage. This was the best version of me we have ever created. This medal may be around my neck, but it belongs to all of us.”
Walker, 32, who finished sixth in 2025 after missing 2023 with a torn hamstring and calf, also won the People’s Champion award and $600,000. Dauda earned $200,000.
The final top five were Walker, Dauda, Lunsford, Chinedu Andrew Obiekea (Andrew Jacked) and Tonio Burton.
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