Reviewing the Top 2 callout from prejudging at the 2021 Arnold Classic, featuring Nick Walker and Steve Kuclo. Don't forget to follow me on Instagram: / tomn8er1
What is amazing to me is the fact that that Nick is 26? Is how can someone have that much muscle maturity and freakiness at 26? 1 That's a phenomenon in itself?
I agree with what Tom said about kuclo in the beginning I could see kuclo falling all the way down to 5th if he doesn't sharpen up and if Ian, Justin, Sergio, or Akim could take his spot right now. But in the prejudging no one even came close to Nick I definitely see him in the top 5 of the Olympia this year and he will continue to be a top Olympian for years to come
I was hesitant to predict Nick Walker winning this (and subsequently thought Akim was going to take it) because his track record is too short to judge his consistency. It really seems like Nick Walker is determined to make his track record legendary. Winning the NY Pro and the Arnold as your second and third pro show is a feat indicative of a realy genetic anomaly and future champion.
@@christian_urocar Akim's lower body from the back is sensational. True, his upper body is watery but that prblem is most apparent in the RDB but not in the RLS.
Very impressive how walker fixed some things in a short time. Namely his right quad, chest, and back. Also, his arms looked even better and he was in the best condition with very good color and presentation. Outstanding debut, he will win this and make history.
Nick is going to have the best BDB pose in bodybuilding in a few years. His arms are Imo the best in bodybuilding right now and so are his legs from behind. The back will develop within the next years just like Phils when he was 27
@@Dahblackrussian i compare him more to young Jay Cuttler than phil, but he needs to win a mr O or two before you can really compare him to past champions
I wasn't on the Nick train, but I was pretty impressed at the pose off in the 1st call out, I think Steve's height played a big part in the judging. Maxx and Sergio are my top 3 with Nick.
Idk I think we need another comparison, I’ve noticed that no matter how lean Ramy gets, and I love him and that he won, he just doesn’t have that level of separation or lower back insertions and Brandon doesn’t have that level of conditioning or legs, I think Nick really has a good chance even this year although for some reason Hadi seems like a better matchup, but even then, Hadi doesn’t have the best arms
Agreed, Nick is in a league of his own, it's not even close. If I would have been a judge, I would have said ''Nick, back in line'' already having him 1st like they did with Phil Heath a while back (I dont remember which year).
@@psilocybinenthusiast3695 He's got a big frame, but it lacks quality muscle. His arms and back suck, and he has a wide waist. Good calves and shoulders - but that's it!!
@@roberttorres9194 i'm not trying to be disrespectful, he's way too good and the next rising star. But those veins look scary and it would be a tragedy to lose him. He must have them operated cause chances are a blood clot formes there and could kill him
You were on point when you said the talent in bodybuilding is lacking in the next generation. Sitting there watching the pre judging, I thought Nick was the only decent bodybuilder and it would have been great to see him battle people like Bonac, Dexter, Roelly, etc… Well, at least we still have the Olympia in 2weeks time.
I actually don't mind the crazy veins in Nick's shins. I wouldn't like to see that kind of stuff on a classic guy, but in open I think it adds to the freak factor
The arnold is back. Nick for the win, but it is close in many areas. Be great to see your review of the classic division. It appears Peter Mullner was overlooked.
Glad you aren't on the Nick Walker fanboj wagon. He can work on posing and outer quad sweep. He reminds me of a shorter Jay Cutler with decent lower back.
If i were kuclo i would be pissed cuz I've been grinding all these years and when iam too close to holding an arnold classic a new comer gets in my way.
@@AhmedKhaled-qh3ub Years ago he was being touted as a future Mr Olympia. But that was under the assumption that he improved. He has gotten bigger, but doesn't look better. His stomach grew more than anything else. As you say, this was his best shot at a big title, with a couple of the best guys not even showing up, but Nick rained on his parade. I understand what you're saying now. Yeah, he must be pissed.
I'm really concerned about his health at this point too😂. Those veins could form blood clots and kill the guy but he's stubborn and does nothing about them
You were right you definitely aren't a Nick fanboy but I'm sure u will be because once I wasn't either but hey! That guy is the real man he just doesn't talk big he proves himself every time I'm proudly a Nick fan bigger fan than yours infact
I'd give Nick the front double, side chest, side tricep, back double, ab and thigh Whike Steve wins the front lat spread, rear lat spread, and it's a tossup for the most muscular. 5-2-1 nick walker. Kuclo just is too soft for Nick, who is always dialed in 👍
I didn’t really care for Nick’s physique when he turned pro but Nick looks wild now. So much separation. His waist actually looks decent too when he blows out and locks in the pose. IMO Nick just needs to change the way he’s hitting that front lat. He’s putting the hands behind his body showing more of his big abdominal section instead of digging them into the sides in front and hiding it. He’s also pulling arms too far forward and I think it’s making his lats look smaller. Similar to how he changed his front double and turned it from a weak to a strong shot.
The only thing left for Nick to figure out is the front lats spread. He didn't yet find the execution that fits his frame but he doesn't really need to. Too dominat from all angles and from a conditioning stamdoint that there is no way one pose is making him lose. At this point Ramy is the only one that can stop this guy. Damn. But the side triceps is a SIDE triceps. Not FRONT triceps. Some bodybuilders get too creative in this pose because the tricep is relatively small muscle but the rules of a good side pose still apply and the mass+conditioning+balance=win equation still applies. MM you are a Phil fan. Nick's hands clasped looks a lot like Phil's, with the huge delts, the striated pecs, and the gargantuan arms so how can a soft Steve Kucklo beat him?
Steve has improved too.. I prefer his physique,it flows better..but Nick's condition and definition is in another level though he has blocky midsection..
People should just shut up about nick’s veins, either you like it or not, it’s a medical condition, he can do nothing about it, people should look it the same as Alex cambronero’s head tilt. Don’t be double standard people.
Agree on the breakdown but Nick dominated some of those 5 shots badly, Kuclo only dominated the front relaxed and most muscular imo. And other than the front relaxed I give him the side and rear relaxed also Him Bonac and Hadi will be a very interesting comparison at the O, all 3 are short yet so thick and muscular when we're talking lb for lb, and all 3 bring great condition.
Condition, muscle bellies, seperation. Nick is way ahead here. Not even close. There is Nick and then there is the rest of them battling for 2nd and on. Should have just called out Nick on his own lmao
Im thinking Nick maybe had a bit of a cramp or something in his lats or teres, you mentioned his RLS looking a bit odd but his FLS also is off as well, it seems like he isnt able to fully get into either pose and completely brings his lats out (ive had the same thing happen to me before both with a cramp/knot in my back that was inhibiting my shoulder mobility). If you go and compare the two poses to the NY Pro theyre definitely off and he definitely isnt completely sitting into the pose fully. I definitely disagree with Steve winning the Most Muscular though, Nicks crab is at worst about equal to Steve's overall and he is definitely beating Steve in the hands clasped and hands on hip MM, Steve doesnt win the pose simply because hes the taller guy with a bigger structure because Nick for sure looks like the more muscular guy with more tissue and more detail/fullness/hardness from top to bottom. Kuclo also tends to fade the longer hes on stage and also sometimes fades when it comes to Finals as well so I could easily see Justin and Ian moving up a spot(especially since Ian tends to get better).
Nick's bicep peaks in back double reminds me of King Coleman
So what about Kai biceps
@@ananddeonarine6913 them too, but with the top tier forearms accompanying them
Come on, most muscular goes to Nick easily
And side tri
@@Zetriiz Kuclo definitely has a much stronger argument for the side tri, but yeah I dont think Steve wins the MM at all.
@@Zetriiz I agree. The leg difference is too much to give it to Kuclo
Nick`s arms are insane. He`s there with Ronnie and Phil. It`s mind blowing that he has so much muscles at 26.
One is much larger than the other and they are not aesthetic, but yeah he is great
@@Guillermoreno02 every single bodybuilder has an uneven arm development
Nick all day. The kid is amazing...
Hope he stays for long...
@@Guillermoreno02 Same with Phil and Ronnie.
What is amazing to me is the fact that that Nick is 26? Is how can someone have that much muscle maturity and freakiness at 26? 1 That's a phenomenon in itself?
Most of the top pros in the 90's were in their 20's at the time.
@@Danimal77 But the mass monsters like Nick were not in their 20s - I.e Dorian, Ronnie, Nasser, etc
He’s a genetic freak! Google his pics from show to show and look at his improvement. He’s improved since the NY pro win and should easily win this.
@@Danimal77 They weren't as big as these guys are
Reminds me of Dallas McCarver (RIP)
I agree with what Tom said about kuclo in the beginning I could see kuclo falling all the way down to 5th if he doesn't sharpen up and if Ian, Justin, Sergio, or Akim could take his spot right now. But in the prejudging no one even came close to Nick I definitely see him in the top 5 of the Olympia this year and he will continue to be a top Olympian for years to come
Agree 100%
It was kind of a given that the winner of the Arnold would be top 5 at the Olympia
@@furqanbooley6597 yeah makes sense
I was hesitant to predict Nick Walker winning this (and subsequently thought Akim was going to take it) because his track record is too short to judge his consistency.
It really seems like Nick Walker is determined to make his track record legendary. Winning the NY Pro and the Arnold as your second and third pro show is a feat indicative of a realy genetic anomaly and future champion.
You just put it as best in words as possible.
You thought akim was going to win lol smh, the guy has no back poses lol
Yeah I thought Iain would win with conditioning but Nick beats him in that too. Potential Mr. Olympia/Arnold Classic reign at this age
@@christian_urocar Akim's lower body from the back is sensational. True, his upper body is watery but that prblem is most apparent in the RDB but not in the RLS.
Nick is on course, he only cares about what he thinks! 😆
Very impressive how walker fixed some things in a short time. Namely his right quad, chest, and back. Also, his arms looked even better and he was in the best condition with very good color and presentation. Outstanding debut, he will win this and make history.
Nick's got that Marko Savolainen effect with the biceps just exploding up when he hits the back double
I think the exact same thing when I see Nick hits that FDB as well.
Nick is starting to become remeniscent of Phil Heath
was thinking the same thing, weird structure but killer conditioning and back
@@user-bc4dt8jd6i Ник може да стане Олимпия победител скоро , няма да ме изненада, но на Олимпията ще има имена, които не присъстваха на Арнолда
@@georgemavrov1309 Биг Рамии !!
Nick is going to have the best BDB pose in bodybuilding in a few years. His arms are Imo the best in bodybuilding right now and so are his legs from behind. The back will develop within the next years just like Phils when he was 27
His lower body from the rear actually reminds me of Kai's crazy impressive 4 real from top to bottom including calves !
Don’t ever compare nick walker to Phil heath
Nick's abs can only grow bigger which is something he needs to take note if he continues to grow.
@@Dahblackrussian i compare him more to young Jay Cuttler than phil, but he needs to win a mr O or two before you can really compare him to past champions
@@Dahblackrussian Why can't they be compared at the same age?
I wasn't on the Nick train, but I was pretty impressed at the pose off in the 1st call out, I think Steve's height played a big part in the judging. Maxx and Sergio are my top 3 with Nick.
Now seeing this everyone else is a Joke besides Nick. I don´t like his line, but man he is on point here. Details everywhere.
Damn Tom that was quick!
I thought it would take years for Nick to get this good but it only took him months, next Mr. O
Im calling 2022 or 2023 he will win the olympia
He isn't winning this yr!
Idk I think we need another comparison, I’ve noticed that no matter how lean Ramy gets, and I love him and that he won, he just doesn’t have that level of separation or lower back insertions and Brandon doesn’t have that level of conditioning or legs, I think Nick really has a good chance even this year although for some reason Hadi seems like a better matchup, but even then, Hadi doesn’t have the best arms
Agreed, Nick is in a league of his own, it's not even close. If I would have been a judge, I would have said ''Nick, back in line'' already having him 1st like they did with Phil Heath a while back (I dont remember which year).
I prefer Kuclo’s physique but looked at pose for pose, Nick nailed this one.
genuinely can't understand how kuclo is even in the top 5 let alone top 2? i have never understood why he places so well
He’s huge. Way bigger than nick but has literally no detail which is exactly where Nick cleans up.
@@psilocybinenthusiast3695 He's got a big frame, but it lacks quality muscle. His arms and back suck, and he has a wide waist. Good calves and shoulders - but that's it!!
Nick is like a combo of Phil and Jay… somehow
Walker looks like a old veteran...Not new at all...Looked nasty
hope he doesn't die too soon
@@mihai3872 Dallas Mcarver comes to mind. DM doesn’t come anywhere close to NW in anyway. But the size and age are extremely similar
@@roberttorres9194 i'm not trying to be disrespectful, he's way too good and the next rising star. But those veins look scary and it would be a tragedy to lose him. He must have them operated cause chances are a blood clot formes there and could kill him
@@mihai3872 you are 100% right. Without a doubt he’s probably already forming clots.
My favorite channel to see show analysis from!
You were on point when you said the talent in bodybuilding is lacking in the next generation. Sitting there watching the pre judging, I thought Nick was the only decent bodybuilder and it would have been great to see him battle people like Bonac, Dexter, Roelly, etc…
Well, at least we still have the Olympia in 2weeks time.
Thank you as always for the quality.
Outstanding and entertaining as always.
It's always nice to have a couple more guys in these analysisy (very curious about the rest!) Review is on point as always.
Wrongo. Nick wins every pose way more lines in every pose.
My man, I was impatiently waiting for you to upload the Arnold coverage. Really hope you will do more (for the Olympia)
NICK is *(by far)* the "BEST" PHYSIQUE on the stage!! *•PERIOD!!•*
Thank you Tom!!! Great to have you back!!
Greetings to the mighty Tominator,i am glad you didnt quit the channel,great clip and review
nick is top tier, can't remember another bodybuilder who gets better each show more than this guy
Nick reminds me a lot of Jay Cutler. I'm impressed. I hope he never hits his chins on a pointy coffee table though.
Superb footage thanks
Hi Tom its been a while , how are you doing?
Thanks for great video 👏🏻💪🏻✌🏻
GREAT VID TOM!
Never rated Kuclo. Out of his depth at this level.
Agree, he is big and tall and wide but no special features or killer poses
and his condition although good is hardly amazing
I’ve said this before, but Nick Walker will be a Mr O one day. I don’t like his physique but he’s extremely competitive.
Nick Walker reminds me of Jay Cutler
And that's not a good thing.
Nick will probably win it. I personally had Ian in second but Steve looks so insanely big, he also deserves the the top 2.
Ps YES A TOMN8ER VIDEO
Nick said he was going to win and so many laughed and ridiculed jim for saying. But boy did he shut up the haters! 💪💯💪
Nick has that softball action in the rear double bicep pose. That's some Kai Greene type shit right there.
If Bonac would have been here, it would have been more interesting
Correct. He would've won.
@@lostinthehills1482
Nah
Bonac would have been 2nd
You’re watching greatness in the making.
Tom! Steve’s Delts are huge! Looks like Nick is the winner
Tom isn’t late to the party for once. Great channel, too bad didn’t have time to make more videos
Their backs were night and day, Nicks back is crazy
Your the best at recaps
You're***
I didn’t even look at Steve tbh, blowout by Nick. I didn’t like either of their front lat spreads though.
Gooo tom!!!!!!
Nick all day, abs and back sealed the deal. Also his side legs are insane...
Yeah I’m sorry the side tricep goes to nick easily. Bigger tricep, WAYYY better lower body snd while his East is wider his abs are more defined
Looking forward to Hadi V Nick. Both have ridiculous balanced physiques.
I actually don't mind the crazy veins in Nick's shins. I wouldn't like to see that kind of stuff on a classic guy, but in open I think it adds to the freak factor
YEAH BUDDY
Your opinion on the most muscular going to Steve surprised me I must say, Nick blows him out of the water for me. His best pose imo.
Yea, I feel the same. Nick just not to be ignored.
Just SMOKED
The arnold is back. Nick for the win, but it is close in many areas. Be great to see your review of the classic division. It appears Peter Mullner was overlooked.
Steve is leaning so far back in the back double you can see his clavicle from behind... that's actually kinda impressive lol
Steve didn't have any separation in either of his muscle groups
Wow, he doesn't have the same shape but Nick has that best "3D pop" since Phil Heath.
You are signing out but will you be back?
He has this ability to hide his midsection flaw with his posing practice
Glad you aren't on the Nick Walker fanboj wagon. He can work on posing and outer quad sweep. He reminds me of a shorter Jay Cutler with decent lower back.
Nick looks like a shorter Dallas McCarver, especially from the back.
Will you be back?
Woah boy nick brought the shallack.
If i were kuclo i would be pissed cuz I've been grinding all these years and when iam too close to holding an arnold classic a new comer gets in my way.
If Kuclo wins any show, it's because no-body decent showed up. He's a second tier pro at best, and this lineup - apart from Walker - was pretty poor.
@@mikthe2004 yeah that's what I meant this might be his only chance to win lol
@@AhmedKhaled-qh3ub Years ago he was being touted as a future Mr Olympia. But that was under the assumption that he improved. He has gotten bigger, but doesn't look better. His stomach grew more than anything else. As you say, this was his best shot at a big title, with a couple of the best guys not even showing up, but Nick rained on his parade.
I understand what you're saying now.
Yeah, he must be pissed.
Nick....Next big Mr. Olympia Champ....if he survives to that point.
I'm really concerned about his health at this point too😂. Those veins could form blood clots and kill the guy but he's stubborn and does nothing about them
Nicks most muscular hands on hips hulk smash👊🏼
I agree about the varicose veins in the lower legs not so good 🙄 he needs more leg sweep.
Nick is the next big thing. Wouldn't be surprised if he wins the olympia.
Nick for the win
5:42 great tips for Nick in side tricep, not sure if the dorianesque side tricep is suiting him
Tbh I thought all the Nick Walker hype was just NSP brainwashing but I can’t lie, Walker has really backed up everything he’s said.
Remember when Blessing thought he could challenge Nick and now Nick is about to win the Arnold after winning the New York Pro.
Best Olympia debut not just in placing bt as per physique
Will you talk about the second call out brother?
Yes it's in the works
Side tri Nick all day. Steve wasnt really hitting it but doing something different altogether imo.
You were right you definitely aren't a Nick fanboy but I'm sure u will be because once I wasn't either but hey! That guy is the real man he just doesn't talk big he proves himself every time I'm proudly a Nick fan bigger fan than yours infact
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
dem peaks tho
Only Nicks problem is his waist
He will have to get more size
Like jay and kai
If he get more more size on his body
He can take mr.o
Nick win almost every pose.
Aesthetic left the chat!
Steve looks like he's melting in the front double
I'd give Nick the front double, side chest, side tricep, back double, ab and thigh
Whike Steve wins the front lat spread, rear lat spread, and it's a tossup for the most muscular.
5-2-1 nick walker. Kuclo just is too soft for Nick, who is always dialed in 👍
I agree but i'd give Nick the most Muscular also
I didn’t really care for Nick’s physique when he turned pro but Nick looks wild now. So much separation. His waist actually looks decent too when he blows out and locks in the pose. IMO Nick just needs to change the way he’s hitting that front lat. He’s putting the hands behind his body showing more of his big abdominal section instead of digging them into the sides in front and hiding it. He’s also pulling arms too far forward and I think it’s making his lats look smaller. Similar to how he changed his front double and turned it from a weak to a strong shot.
pls dont stop making videos
Walker won this show easily. Wasn't even close
The only thing left for Nick to figure out is the front lats spread. He didn't yet find the execution that fits his frame but he doesn't really need to. Too dominat from all angles and from a conditioning stamdoint that there is no way one pose is making him lose. At this point Ramy is the only one that can stop this guy. Damn.
But the side triceps is a SIDE triceps. Not FRONT triceps. Some bodybuilders get too creative in this pose because the tricep is relatively small muscle but the rules of a good side pose still apply and the mass+conditioning+balance=win equation still applies.
MM you are a Phil fan. Nick's hands clasped looks a lot like Phil's, with the huge delts, the striated pecs, and the gargantuan arms so how can a soft Steve Kucklo beat him?
Steve has improved too.. I prefer his physique,it flows better..but Nick's condition and definition is in another level though he has blocky midsection..
nick walker has some of the best biceps in bodybuilding history...
I think nick is bit lagging in shoulder department, not saying they aren't good but they need more fullness from side
People should just shut up about nick’s veins, either you like it or not, it’s a medical condition, he can do nothing about it, people should look it the same as Alex cambronero’s head tilt. Don’t be double standard people.
it's just like you said. If this was top 4 it would look better.
Agree on the breakdown but Nick dominated some of those 5 shots badly, Kuclo only dominated the front relaxed and most muscular imo.
And other than the front relaxed I give him the side and rear relaxed also
Him Bonac and Hadi will be a very interesting comparison at the O, all 3 are short yet so thick and muscular when we're talking lb for lb, and all 3 bring great condition.
Yeah Nick vs Hadi would be an epic battle.
3:00 nicks side chest is beginning to be legendary
Condition, muscle bellies, seperation. Nick is way ahead here. Not even close. There is Nick and then there is the rest of them battling for 2nd and on. Should have just called out Nick on his own lmao
Im thinking Nick maybe had a bit of a cramp or something in his lats or teres, you mentioned his RLS looking a bit odd but his FLS also is off as well, it seems like he isnt able to fully get into either pose and completely brings his lats out (ive had the same thing happen to me before both with a cramp/knot in my back that was inhibiting my shoulder mobility). If you go and compare the two poses to the NY Pro theyre definitely off and he definitely isnt completely sitting into the pose fully. I definitely disagree with Steve winning the Most Muscular though, Nicks crab is at worst about equal to Steve's overall and he is definitely beating Steve in the hands clasped and hands on hip MM, Steve doesnt win the pose simply because hes the taller guy with a bigger structure because Nick for sure looks like the more muscular guy with more tissue and more detail/fullness/hardness from top to bottom. Kuclo also tends to fade the longer hes on stage and also sometimes fades when it comes to Finals as well so I could easily see Justin and Ian moving up a spot(especially since Ian tends to get better).