Smrutisnat Jena is a Bodybuilding Editor at EssentiallySports. With over seven years in journalism under his belt, Smrutisnat has had a career that spanned different realms of the profession. A fitness freak himself, he was inspired by motivational videos of Ronnie Coleman and CBum playing on TV on repeat. It is after this that he decided to engage in a marriage of his passions of writing and bodybuilding. 

Being part of the division has allowed him to understand the gyming better, something that he makes sure gets imparted to the readers as well. Away from my work, he likes to binge every Chicago procedural show on TV and play with his dogs.

This year?s Men?s Open division in Mr. Olympia, 2023 was surprisingly taken over by Derek Lunsford. He came in with his amazing conditioning, especially in his back muscles and glutes, and took away the Mr. Olympia title by defeating Hadi Choopan. There was a lot of controversies regarding who should have one and how the Persian Wolf had stormed off the stage. However, Derek Lansford held his ground and he also defended his contenders. He is doing a lifestream right now and doing it straight from the gym. The champion does not compromise on his workout just because he won the biggest title in the bodybuilding world. He answered some fan questions and talked about his future in bodybuilding. DEREK LUNSFORD IS CONFIDENT THAT HE WILL BE IN AGAIN While speaking about his passion for bodybuilding, [https://instagram.com/dereklunsford_/live/17869881773965151?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==]?and how Jay Cutler influenced him, he spoke about how he and his team had recorded the whole video of his journey to this competition. Lunsford was explaining how the video was going to pan out when a fan commented a message on the lifestream. The fan promptly congratulated him and said, ?Go win next year champ.? The Mr. Olympia men?s physique champion gave a broad smile and replied, ?Yep, here to stay.? Arnold Classic champion is confident that he can retake the Mr. Olympia title. Couldn?t Believe the Results as Hadi Choopan Lost His Mr. Olympia Crown to Derek Lunsford [https://www.essentiallysports.com/bodybuilding-news-i-was-in-a-state-of-shock-former-olympia-winner-from-lebanon-couldnt-believe-the-results-as-hadi-choopan-lost-his-mr-olympia-crown-to-derek-lunsford/] Derek even commented on his opponent, and why he stormed off previously in a press conference. His sportsmanship shows respect for bodybuilding, as well as his opponents. DEREK LUNSFORD UNDERSTANDS HADI CHOOPAN’S SENTIMENTS During the recent panel discussion and interview?after Mr Olympia’s [https://www.essentiallysports.com/bodybuilding-news-this-is-not-easy-although-surprised-derek-lunsford-understands-hadi-choopans-reaction-of-storming-off-stage/] Lunsford was asked about his emotions and the experience. Physiquevisuals uploaded an Instagram reel of the press conference and there he was asked about the reaction of Hadi Choopan after the results. Lunsford gave a very well-thought-out answer and expressed the emotions of any bodybuilder at that kind of time. He stated, ?But look, this is not easy. We all pour our heart and soul into this.?? He explained how every champion pours their heart and soul into creating the best body possible and even sacrifices a lot. their family and friends sacrifice too. The Peoples Choice award winner and 212 Olympia winner said,??And I think like all the sacrifices that I make not just me like my wife is making with me and all the loved ones.? He recalled when he was also dejected after not winning the title, and said, ?Yeah I?ve been there it stings that sucks?I can understand how he feels though.? Watch This Story: Arnold Schwarzenegger vs Andre The Giant: Who Is Stronger? [https://www.essentiallysports.com/stories/us-sports-news-arnold-schwarzenegger-vs-andre-the-giant-who-is-stronger/] What do you think about Derek Lunsford’s outlook on life and bodybuilding? Tell us in the comments below. 

Derek Lunsford is doing a live stream and answering fan questions and his confidence is oozing out

Tanushree Bhowmick is a senior UFC Writer at EssentiallySports. With a Master's
degree in English literature, she epitomizes the convergence of passion,
expertise, and journalistic prowess in the realm of writing MMA content. With a
drive to unearth stories behind the fights, Tanushree commentates on fight
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landscape of the sport. With over 1000 articles to her credit, she stands as a
beacon of insight and passion. An advocate for the sport of MMA, Tanushree’s
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Out of all the competitions in the world, bodybuilding stays apart as a unique one. Athletes train for years to perfect their bodies and develop muscular mass. Likewise, athletes who train for competitions are understood as bodybuilders. In professional competitions like the Mr. Olympia event, bodybuilders stand on the stage, posing for various parts of their bodies. Judges rank them based on their symmetry, muscularity, size, conditioning, posing, and stage presentation. There are various competitions in bodybuilding but the Mr. Olympia contest stands apart from the rest.

[caption id="attachment_1155128" align="aligncenter" width="1920"]<img class="wp-image-1155128 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/GettyImages-3238896.jpg" alt="Arnold Schwarzenegger" width="1920" height="1278" /> circa 1966: Austrian-born bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger points one hand out as he flexes his torso on Muscle Beach, Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)[/caption]
<h2>History of bodybuilding</h2>
Old Greeks became the inspiration for people to start bodybuilding. After that, modern competitions came up from various theatrical acts and other circus acts. They held the first <a href="https://www.britannica.com/sports/bodybuilding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">contest</a> in 1903 in New York. The winner of the competition was Al Treloar and dubbed "The Most Perfectly Developed Man in the World." Significantly, organizers saw potential in that and the start of the Mr. America contest showcased some of the best talents. The rise of various bodybuilders across the globe saw the Mr. Universe event come into place and it became the main event for over 25 years. But, the late 1970s saw Joe Weider come up with a grand plan and create the Mr. Olympia contest.

<img class="aligncenter wp-image-1081968 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/lou-ferrigno-arnold-schwarzenegger.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" />
<h2>Mr. Olympia contest</h2>
The contest that captured the minds of fans was the Mr. Olympia contest under the International Federation of Bodybuilding &amp; Fitness. Weider helps these bodybuilders to earn money by competing in events. They held the first competition on September 18, 1965, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, New York City. Larry Scott won the first two titles. Moreover, the bodybuilders with the highest number of titles are Lee Haney and Ronnie Coleman. In the meantime, to make their entry into the market, the famous documentary, Pumping Iron, saw the buildup to the 1975 Mr. Olympia contest. It helped athletes like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, and Franco Columbu.
<h2>Famous bodybuilders</h2>
There are several bodybuilders to grace the grand stage. But some bodybuilders achieved greatness with their astonishing bodies.
<ul>
 	<li><strong>Arnold Schwarzenegger:?</strong></li>
</ul>
The Austrian bodybuilder is one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time. The Austrian Oak is a seven-time bodybuilding champion and became an influential personality in the business. He then transitioned himself to various acting roles, became an investor, and was elected as the Governor of California. Some of his movies like Terminator 2, Commando, Twins, and Conan the Barbarian are some of his classics.
<ul>
 	<li><strong>Ronnie Coleman:</strong></li>
</ul>
Dubbed to be the greatest bodybuilder of all time, Ronnie Coleman put his life and soul into the sport. He is an eight-time Mr. Olympia winner and became the most dominant bodybuilder in the business. Netflix released a documentary featuring his life in the bodybuilding industry. His size and conditioning stood apart from everyone else. A true champion who wore his heart on his sleeve.

<img class="aligncenter wp-image-1036377 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/ronnie-coleman.jpg" alt="" width="1280" height="720" />
<ul>
 	<li><strong>Lee Haney:</strong></li>
</ul>
Like Coleman, Lee Haney became an eight-time Mr. Olympia champion. He dedicated his body to the sport and was one of the most exciting bodybuilders on stage. Haney had a humongous waist size of 32.5 inches. Therefore, Haney deserves a special mention for his performances.

&nbsp;

Bodybuilding

Out of all the competitions in the world, bodybuilding stays apart as a unique one. Athletes train for years to perfect their bodies and develop muscular mass. Likewise, athletes who train for competitions are understood as bodybuilders. In professional competitions like the Mr. Olympia event, bodybuilders stand on the stage, posing for various parts of their bodies. Judges rank them based on their symmetry, muscularity, size, conditioning, posing, and stage presentation. There are various competitions in bodybuilding but the Mr. Olympia contest stands apart from the rest. circa 1966: Austrian-born bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger points one hand out as he flexes his torso on Muscle Beach, Santa Monica, California. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) History of bodybuilding Old Greeks became the inspiration for people to start bodybuilding. After that, modern competitions came up from various theatrical acts and other circus acts. They held the first contest in 1903 in New York. The winner of the competition was Al Treloar and dubbed &#8220;The Most Perfectly Developed Man in the World.&#8221; Significantly, organizers saw potential in that and the start of the Mr. America contest showcased some of the best talents. The rise of various bodybuilders across the globe saw the Mr. Universe event come into place and it became the main event for over 25 years. But, the late 1970s saw Joe Weider come up with a grand plan and create the Mr. Olympia contest. Mr. Olympia contest The contest that captured the minds of fans was the Mr. Olympia contest under the International Federation of Bodybuilding &amp; Fitness. Weider helps these bodybuilders to earn money by competing in events. They held the first competition on September 18, 1965, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, New York City. Larry Scott won the first two titles. Moreover, the bodybuilders with the highest number of titles are Lee Haney and Ronnie Coleman. In the meantime, to make their entry into the market, the famous documentary, Pumping Iron, saw the buildup to the 1975 Mr. Olympia contest. It helped athletes like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, and Franco Columbu. Famous bodybuilders There are several bodybuilders to grace the grand stage. But some bodybuilders achieved greatness with their astonishing bodies. Arnold Schwarzenegger:? The Austrian bodybuilder is one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time. The Austrian Oak is a seven-time bodybuilding champion and became an influential personality in the business. He then transitioned himself to various acting roles, became an investor, and was elected as the Governor of California. Some of his movies like Terminator 2, Commando, Twins, and Conan the Barbarian are some of his classics. Ronnie Coleman: Dubbed to be the greatest bodybuilder of all time, Ronnie Coleman put his life and soul into the sport. He is an eight-time Mr. Olympia winner and became the most dominant bodybuilder in the business. Netflix released a documentary featuring his life in the bodybuilding industry. His size and conditioning stood apart from everyone else. A true champion who wore his heart on his sleeve.  Lee Haney: Like Coleman, Lee Haney became an eight-time Mr. Olympia champion. He dedicated his body to the sport and was one of the most exciting bodybuilders on stage. Haney had a humongous waist size of 32.5 inches. Therefore, Haney deserves a special mention for his performances. &nbsp;

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<h2 class="jsx-cb26a7af5694ead9" style="text-align: center"><strong>Derek Lunsford: 2024 Net Worth, Stats, Salary, Wife and more</strong></h2>
Derek Lunsford is the only person in the history of bodybuilding to have won the Mr. Olympia title in two divisions. While he won the Mr Olympia 212 division title in 2021, Lunsford wrote his name in the history books when he defeated Hadi Choopan to lift the Sandow trophy at the 2023 Mr. Olympia. Being a part of major history in the bodybuilding world, Derek Lunsford continues to create waves in the community, not just for his shredded physique, but also for the dedication that he has showcased throughout his career.
<h2 style="text-align: center"><b>Derek Lunsford’s Early Life</b></h2>
<p style="text-align: left">Derek Lunsford was born in St. Petersburg, Indiana, on May 14, 1993. There is little to no information available on the names of the bodybuilding champion's parents. Even at school, Lunsford had an inclination towards sports, being a regular participant in wrestling and soccer games. However, it was after he started college that he ventured into lifting weights. There was a reason behind this as well. As the school that he attended did not have a wrestling program, Lunsford was forced to lift weights, paving the way for his interest in bodybuilding.</p>

<h2 style="text-align: center">Derek Lunsford's Wife and Children</h2>
Lunsford got married to long-time girlfriend Jhelsin Mabaga in 2022. A fitness instructor by profession, Mabaga is often seen spearheading online fitness programs and is seen by Lunsford's side during many major bodybuilding events. As part of her profession, Mabaga is extremely active on social media and can often be seen sharing before-and-after transformation stories of her clients. The couple also recently became parents of a baby girl, who was born in January 2024.
<h2 style="text-align: center">Derek Lunsford's Net Worth</h2>
Multiple reports suggest that Derek Lunsford has a net worth of around 2 million dollars. The major part of Lunsford's income has come from competing in pro bodybuilding shows. While he earned $400,000 after lifting the Sandow trophy at the 2023 Mr. Olympia, his 2022 runner-up placing made him richer by $150,000. Lunsford also has other avenues that bring him revenue, including endorsements from supplement brands and his active engagement on social media.
<h2 style="text-align: center">Derek Lunsford's Career Timeline</h2>
The bodybuilding icon made his amateur debut, winning the 2015 NPC Indianapolis Championships' Men's Open Welterweight division. Lunsford was just 22 when he graced the stage for his first show. Lunsford further participated in the 2015 NPC Junior Nationals, winning the title there as well, followed by an encore in 2016. At the NPC USA Nationals in the same year, Lunsford came in at second place. It was during the 2017 NPC USA Championships that he earned his Pro Card, after grabbing the runner-up spot.

<img class="aligncenter wp-image-2599852 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Snapinsta.app_399641557_18390522064014983_3624636058241346638_n_1080.jpg" alt="" width="1080" height="1219" />

Just like in his amateur debut, Lunsford's first rodeo as a Pro also ended up with him lifting the trophy. The bodybuilder won the 212 division at the 2017 IFBB Tampa Pro. At the 2018 Mr. Olympia, Lunsford came in second, only behind Flex Lewis, marking his name as a major force in the division. He repeated the same in 2019, while 2020 came as a major blow with a fourth-place finish. 2021 proved to be historical for the bodybuilder as he defeated Shaun Clarida to take the 212 Mr. Olympia title home.

That being said, it was 2022 that brought about Derek Lunsford's shift to the Open division. After receiving a special invitation from the IFBB, Lunsford claimed a second-place finish defeating Nick Walker and Samson Dauda. In 2023, Lunsford defeated reigning champion Hadi Choopan, to become the only bodybuilder in history to win Mr. Olympia titles in two different divisions.
<h2 style="text-align: center">Major Achievements in Derek Lunsford's Career</h2>
<p style="text-align: left">Despite being relatively new to bodybuilding, Derek Lunsford has made huge strides in the sport. While Let us have a look at Lunsford's achievements during this short span.</p>

<ul>
 	<li style="text-align: left">2023 Mr. Olympia: 1st Place</li>
 	<li>2022 Mr. Olympia: 2nd place</li>
 	<li style="text-align: left">2021 Mr. Olympia Men’s 212: 1st place</li>
 	<li style="text-align: left">2020 Mr. Olympia Men’s 212: 4th</li>
 	<li style="text-align: left">2019 Mr. Olympia Men’s 212: 2nd</li>
 	<li style="text-align: left">2018 Mr. Olympia Men’s 212: 2nd</li>
 	<li style="text-align: left">2017 Mr. Olympia Men’s 212: 5th</li>
 	<li style="text-align: left">2017 Tampa Pro Men’s 212: 1st</li>
 	<li style="text-align: left">2017 NPC USA Championships- Men’s Light Heavyweight- 1st</li>
 	<li style="text-align: left">2016 NPC USA Championships- Men’s Middleweight- 2nd</li>
 	<li style="text-align: left">2016 NPC Junior Nationals- Men’s Middleweight- 1st</li>
 	<li style="text-align: left">2015 NPC Junior Nationals- Men’s Welterweight: 1st</li>
 	<li style="text-align: left">2015 NPC Indianapolis Championship- Men’s Open Welterweight: 1st</li>
</ul>
<h2 style="text-align: center">Derek Lunsford's Diet and Workout Routine</h2>
As part of his diet for bodybuilding competitions, Lunsford eats every 2-3 hours. He often tries to include macronutrients in his meals, to ensure that this helps him in recovering fully while he rests. Chicken, fish, eggs, and other lean meats, mixed vegetables, rice, and assorted nuts and avocados are the foods that Lunsford incorporates into his diet as part of his meal plan. For supplementation, Lunsford banks on multivitamins, amino acids, and whey protein.

<img class="aligncenter wp-image-2269994 size-full" src="https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/Derek-Lunsford-3.jpg" alt="" width="991" height="991" />

Like most other bodybuilders, Derek Lunsford has a regular training schedule where he works out for six days a week. Lunsford engages with both cable machines and free weights for his workout regime. While compound and isolation movements are incorporated into Lunsford's regime, he also uses drop sets and supersets to work on his muscles once they are fatigued. Let us see what Derek Lunsford's weekly training split looks like.
<ul>
 	<li><strong>Monday</strong> – Chest, Abs</li>
 	<li><b>Tuesday </b>– Back</li>
 	<li><strong>Wednesday</strong> – Quads, Calves</li>
 	<li><strong>Thursday</strong> – Shoulders, Abs</li>
 	<li><b>Friday</b> – Biceps, Triceps</li>
 	<li><strong>Saturday</strong> – Hamstrings, Glutes, Calves</li>
 	<li><strong>Sunday</strong> – Off</li>
</ul>
<strong>Lunsford's shoulder workout</strong>
<ul>
 	<li>Dumbbell Lateral Raise – (4 sets/20-30, 15-20, 10-15, 10-15 reps)</li>
 	<li>Seated Dumbbell Shoulder Press – (4 sets/15, 15, 10-12, 10-12 reps)</li>
 	<li>Cable Upright Row – (3 sets/15, 10–12, 10–12 reps)</li>
 	<li>Dumbbell Front Raise (3 sets/15 reps)</li>
 	<li>Face-Pull – (3 sets/15 reps)</li>
</ul>
<h4><strong>Derek Lunsford’s arm workout</strong></h4>
<ul>
 	<li>Triceps Pulldowns</li>
 	<li>Close-Grip Bench Press</li>
 	<li>Lateral Cable Pulls</li>
 	<li>Triceps Pushdown Machine</li>
 	<li>Machine Cable Curls</li>
 	<li>EZ Bar Curls</li>
 	<li>Alternating Dumbbell Curls</li>
 	<li style="text-align: left">Cable Preacher Curls</li>
 	<li style="text-align: left">Reverse EZ Bar Raises</li>
</ul>
<h2 style="text-align: center">Derek Lunsford’s Social Media Accounts</h2>
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Instagram</span></td>
<td><a href="https://www.instagram.com/dereklunsford_/?hl=en"><span style="font-weight: 400">@dereklunsford_</span></a></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">YouTube</span></td>
<td><a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjwOzMemaGoKI3L745Asd8Q"><span style="font-weight: 400">@dereklunsford_</span></a></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
&nbsp;
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><b>Personal Information:</b></td>
<td></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Full Name</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Derek Lunsford</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Date Of Birth</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">May 14, 1993</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Birth Place</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Petersburg, Indiana, United States</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Age</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">30</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Height</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">5 feet 6 inches (167.5 cm)</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Weight</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">225-240 lbs</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Parents</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">No details available</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Siblings</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">No details available</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Nationality</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">American</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Ethnicity</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Mixed</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Net Worth</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Around $2 million</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Spouse</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Jhelsin Mabaga</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Relationship/Marital Status</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Married</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Children</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">One daughter (Name not revealed)</span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Profession</span></td>
<td><span style="font-weight: 400">Bodybuilder</span></td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Derek Lunsford

Delve into the early life, net worth and career of the only person to garner Mr. Olympia victories in two different categories, Derek Lunsford.

Derek Lunsford is confident that he will be in again

Derek Lunsford understands Hadi Choopan’s sentiments