Derek Lunsford receives 2022 Mr. Olympia “Special Invite”

September 16, 2022

Derek Lunsford receives 2022 Mr. Olympia “Special Invite”

212 Olympia Champion, Derek Lunsford, has been given a “Special Invite” to compete at the 2022 Mr. Olympia – Open Division.

Technically, Derek is lifetime qualifed to compete at the Olympia Weekend, but in the 212 Division. To compete in the Mr. Olympia – Open Division, Derek had to either qualify or receive a “Special Invite”.

Derek is the defending 212 Olympia Champion, and he will now be stepping up to compete with the big boys in the Open Division.

This announcement has just made the 2022 Olympia Weekend much more exciting.

With Derek moving up to the Open Division, the 212 Olympia title will be vacant and at the same time, Derek will be a new threat in the Open Division.

Originally, the “Special Invite” was presented to Flex Lewi s, but he decided to retire from competitive competition.

Finally the speculation ends

Since the 2022 Pittsburgh Pro, there has been a lot of speculation about Derek Lunsford and the Mr. Olympia Open Division.

Derek shocked the bodybuilding world with his incredible size, when he stepped on stage at the 2022 Pittsburgh Pro as a guest poser.

Posing with Nick Walker and Brandon Curry, Derek immediately got the crowds attention.

Derek looked like a veteran open division bodybuilder with his incredible size and balance.

Bodybuilding media and fans noticed and started to dream of Derek moving up to the Open Division.

It was evident that Derek gained a lot of size, and it would be very difficult and stressful on his body, to lose the weight necessary to compete in the 212 Division.

The only solution for Derek was to move up to the Open Division at the Mr. Olympia.

Many would have expected Derek to qualify like all the other athletes, but he requested a “Special Invite”, which was accepted.

Jim Manion and Jake Wood accept request for “Special Invite”

After Flex Lewis declined to use the “Special Invite”, due to his reitrement, it was a great opportunity for Derek Lunsford to step in and fill the void.

After applying, Pro League President Jim Manion and Olympia LLC owner, Jake Wood, immediately agreed that Derek was worthy of the ” Special Invite” for the 2022 Mr. Olympia.

From a marketing standpoint, this is a great move for the promoters, as Derek will add much more excitement to the event.

With the majority of the bodybuilding world focussed on newcomers Andrew Jacked and Michal Krizo, now Derek is in the mix, and he will be a threat.

Official Press Release

REIGNING 212 CHAMP RECEIVES SPECIAL INVITE TO COMPETE FOR “MR O” TITLE

Earlier this year, Derek Lunsford revealed a jaw dropping new version of his championship physique when he made a surprise appearance in Pittsburgh. The reigning “212 Lb” champ went toe to toe with some of the biggest and best in the world. The photos and videos had the global bodybuilding scene buzzing with excitement.

As Lunsford’s physique continued to drift further from his 212 lb proportions, his focus started to shift to the opportunity to challenge the likes of Big Ramy @big_ramy , Brandon Curry and Hadi Choopan for the $400,000 winners check and the coveted Sandow Trophy.

Lunsford submitted a formal request to receive a special invitation to compete in the open division this December at the Mr. Olympia @mrolympiallc. He was seeking the same special invitation that was being held for former 212 king Flex Lewis @flex_lewis. After careful consideration, the Olympia promoters and the IFBB Professional League have granted Lunsford a Special Invitation. The addition of Lunsford further bolsters what many are calling “one of the best lineups” in the history of the event.

Witness history the weekend of December 15-18 in Las Vegas as the bodybuilding and fitness world gathers for a weekend not to be missed.