Samson Dauda Finishes Second at 2026 Mr Olympia

Nigerian-born bodybuilder Samson Dauda finished second in the Men’s Open division at the 2026 Mr Olympia in Las Vegas, United States.

Dauda, the 2024 Mr Olympia champion, finished with 20 points, two behind American bodybuilder Nick Walker, who claimed his first title in the competition. Derek Lunsford placed third with 24 points.

The competition was held from September 24 to 27, with the Men’s Open finals taking place at the Orleans Arena on Saturday.

Dauda entered the competition after winning the 2026 Europa Pro on September 13, having returned to the Olympia stage following a fourth-place finish in 2025.

The Nigerian-born athlete trailed Walker after Friday’s prejudging, with Walker recording eight points and Dauda 15. However, Dauda produced the lowest score in Saturday’s finals, recording five points compared with Walker’s 10.

Under the scoring system, lower scores determine the final placing. Walker’s combined total of 18 points was therefore enough to secure the title, while Dauda finished on 20 points.

Dauda confirmed his runner-up finish in a social media post, saying he had entered the competition intending to win but was proud of the physique he presented.

He described his showing as the best version of himself and thanked his team for their support, saying the medal represented the collective effort behind his preparation.

Walker, who finished sixth at the 2025 Mr Olympia, secured his first Sandow trophy and also won the 2026 People’s Champion award.

The final top five in the Men’s Open division were Walker, Dauda, Lunsford, Chinedu Andrew Obiekea, popularly known as Andrew Jacked, and Tonio Burton.

Dauda’s latest result gives him three consecutive podium finishes across his five Mr Olympia appearances. He placed sixth in 2022, third in 2023, won the title in 2024, finished fourth in 2025 and returned to second place in 2026.