Nigerian-born bodybuilder Samson Dauda achieved a remarkable second-place finish in the Men’s Open division at the 2026 Mr Olympia competition held in Las Vegas from September 24 to 27. This year’s title was claimed by Nick Walker, who secured his first championship with a total of 18 points, just ahead of Dauda’s 20 points.

The finals took place on September 26 at the Orleans Arena, where Dauda faced tough competition. Despite his impressive physique, he recorded the lowest score in the final round, scoring only five points compared to Walker’s ten. Dauda had initially led the competition after the prejudging on Friday, where he amassed 15 points, while Walker was in the lead with eight points.

The final scorecard revealed that Walker’s performance allowed him to clinch the title, as the lower score determined the winner. Following the competition, Dauda shared his thoughts on social media, expressing pride in his performance. "2nd place at the 2026 Mr. Olympia," he posted, adding, "Of course we came here to win, but I couldn’t be prouder of this moment and the look we brought to the stage."

Dauda also highlighted the hard work behind his success, stating, "This was the best version of me we have ever created." He expressed gratitude towards his team, emphasizing that the medal he earned was a collective achievement: "This medal may be around my neck, but it belongs to all of us."

In addition to Dauda’s impressive showing, the top five in the Men’s Open division included Derek Lunsford in third place with 24 points, Chinedu Andrew Obiekea, known as Andrew Jacked, in fourth, and Tonio Burton in fifth. Walker’s victory marks a significant milestone for him, especially after finishing sixth in the previous year’s competition. He also received the People’s Champion award for 2026.

Dauda’s second-place finish at this year’s Mr Olympia signifies a strong comeback after placing fourth in 2025. His journey to this competition included a victory at the 2026 Europa Pro on September 13, showcasing his continued excellence in bodybuilding. Although he previously won the Mr Olympia title in 2024 while representing the United Kingdom, this latest achievement further cements his status as a leading figure in the sport.