Derek Lunsford surprised the bodybuilding world with his performance at last year’s Mr. Olympia contest. After getting a special invitation from the IFBB president, Lunsford competed in the Men’s Open class. The fan-favorite bodybuilder won the silver medal, and now the IFBB pro has hyped fans with his latest physique update. After posting a picture on Instagram, Lunsford has spared speculation about a potential 2023 Arnold Classic appearance.

Despite previously competing at 212, Lunsford went toe to toe with mass monsters like Nick Walker and Big Ramy at the 2022 Mr. Olympia. Is Derek Lunsford getting ready to challenge Walker on the Arnold Classic stage?

The bodybuilding world wants to see Lunsford on the Arnold Classic stage

Besides the annual Mr. Olympia contest, the bodybuilding world regards the Arnold Classic as the second most prestigious bodybuilding contest. However, the proximity of Mr. Olympia and the Arnold Classic often prevents some top bodybuilders from competing in both. However, after a stellar performance at the 2022 Mr. Olympia, Lunsford is working hard in the gym, and fans think he is nearly contest ready.

Lunsford is hitting a quarter-turn pose in the image he posted to Instagram. The quarter-turn is one of the introductory poses that bodybuilders hit before the eight compulsory poses. In the picture, Lunsford looks massive and vascular. His size and conditioning sent fans into a frenzy. Comments like, “Three words: Do the Arnold.”, “Arnold classic?!” and “Looks like a 300k physique,” filled the comment section.

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However, Lunsford did respond to the comments. Recently, the Arnold Classic also bumped the prize money from $200,000 to $300,000. Shortly after the announcement. People champ Nick Walker announced he’d compete at the 2023 Arnold Classic. However, other fan favorites like Iain Valliere and Blessing Awodibu are skipping this year’s Arnold Classic.

An instant favorite to win the show?

Currently, former Arnold Classic winner Nick Walker is the favorite to win the 2023 edition of the bodybuilding contest. However, many fans believe Lunsford would shake up the competition if he stepped on stage. Lunsford brought muscle mass, conditioning, and symmetry during last year’s Mr. Olympia. He was one of the few Men Open bodybuilders who hit a deep vacuumed pose on stage.

While neither the Arnold Classic organizers nor Lunsford has made any official announcement, the bodybuilding world wants to see Walker vs. Lunsford at the 2023 Arnold Classic.

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It’ll be interesting to see how things develop in the coming days. Do you want to see Derek Lunsford on the Arnold Classic stage? Let us know in the comments.