Derek Lunsford

About

Derek Lunsford (born May 14, 1993) is an American professional bodybuilder who competes in the men’s open bodybuilding division in the IFBB Pro League. He became the 212 Olympia champion in 2021 and the open Mr. Olympia in 2023 and 2025, becoming the first winner of the competition in two divisions in 2023, as well as the first man since Jay Cutler (in 2009) to win back the open title after losing it the previous year.

Derek Lunsford was born in Petersburg, Indiana on May 14, 1993. He was an active child who participated in various sports, including soccer and high school wrestling. Lunsford’s interest in bodybuilding began during his college years when he shifted from his earlier sports pursuits to weightlifting. He sought the guidance of a personal trainer, James Brown, to achieve better results.
In 2015, Derek Lunsford made his amateur bodybuilding debut at the NPC Indianapolis Championships, where he competed in the Men’s Open Welterweight division and emerged as the winner. He continued to establish himself as a competitive amateur bodybuilder by winning the 2015 and 2016 NPC Junior Nationals. He earned his Pro Card in 2017 NPC USA Championships, marking his transition…