Amid the buzzing energy of Sofia, Bulgaria, the 2023 Balkan Grand Prix Pro Show unfurled its stage on October 7, catapulting Radoslav Angelov, Hasan Alibrahim, and Lena Ramsteiner to the forefront as they clinched top honors in Men’s 212 Bodybuilding, Classic Physique, and Figure divisions respectively.
The Countdown to Olympia Intensifies
With the Olympia qualification deadline ominously approaching on October 9, athletes have their eyes set on one of the remaining tickets to grace the illustrious 2023 Mr. Olympia stage. Nestled within Orlando, Florida’s expansive Orange County Convention Center, the Olympia contest, slated for November 2-5, beckons with promise and prestige.
A New Era in Olympia Qualifications
This year signals a departure from the past. Gone is the familiar point system, replaced with a more straightforward, albeit challenging, criterion: clinch a win at a Pro show. This recalibration magnifies the significance of each Pro event, with the Balkan Grand Prix in Sofia being no exception.
Night of Triumphs in Bulgaria
The evening was marked by fierce competition and unparalleled athletic displays. Yet, as the spotlight shifted and the audience’s anticipation peaked, it was Radoslav Angelov who emerged triumphant in Men’s 212 Bodybuilding. The Classic Physique division witnessed the artistry of Hasan Alibrahim, claiming his well-deserved gold, while Lena Ramsteiner dazzled in the Figure division, cementing her place as the night’s top performer.
2023 Balkan Grand Prix Pro Show Winners
- Men’s 212 Bodybuilding: Radoslav Angelov
- Classic Physique: Hasan Alibrahim
- Figure: Lena Ramsteiner
2023 Balkan Grand Prix Pro Show Official Results Breakdown
Men’s 212 Bodybuilding
A Riveting Night in Bulgaria Sets the Stage for Olympia
In the backdrop of Bulgaria’s electric ambiance, the stage pulsated with competitors vying to solidify their positions for the impending 2023 Mr. Olympia contest. Right from the prejudging, it became evident that Radoslav Angelov was not just another contender. With his impeccably separated muscle detail, especially in the lower body, complemented by a remarkable back, Angelov seemed poised for redemption after a ninth-place finish at September’s 2023 Dubai Pro.
The Showdown: Angelov versus Ruz
However, standing between Angelov and victory was the formidable Marco Ruz. Possessing stellar conditioning and a physique shape that’s become his trademark, Ruz was considered by many as the favorite going into the finals. His meteoric rise and consistent improvements, as evidenced by a nail-bitingly close second-place finish against Oleh Kryvyi at the 2023 Europa Pro Championships, further cemented his reputation.
Angelov’s Redemption
But the night was destined for Angelov. His determination and exceptional physique paid off, earning him the coveted first place. Marco Ruz, despite his formidable performance, had to settle for second, while Dobromir Deley secured the third spot, adding another layer of intrigue to this captivating contest.
- Winner — Radoslav Angelov
- Second Place — Marco Ruz
- Third Place — Dobromir Delev
- Fourth Place — Zhaofeng He
- Fifth Place — Mirnes Husanovic
- Sixth Place — Muhammet Kurutas
- Seventh Place — Mohammad Alissa
- Eighth Place — Ayat Najdbaghri
- Ninth Place — Gabor Berek
- Tenth Place — Reza Kakavand
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Classic Physique
As the Classic Physique competitors emerged, the atmosphere turned palpable. Every contender knew the stakes – an Olympia qualification was up for grabs. Among them, Hasan Alibrahim unmistakably stood out. Presenting perhaps the finest physique of his career, his deeply striated chest and shoulders, juxtaposed with intricate lower body detailing, commanded attention.
Petkov’s Artistry Meets Alibrahim’s Power
Not to be overshadowed, Zhivko Petkov’s entrance was marked by a sense of anticipation. Recognized for his artistic posing and a remarkable X-frame silhouette, Petkov’s stature often gives an illusion of dwarfing his competitors. Yet, memories of his 10th place finish at the 2023 T.R.U. Athlete Pro in August lingered, making his every move on stage even more consequential.
Alibrahim Triumphs, Petkov and Enchev Follow
After a series of intense face-offs and comparisons, the decision was in: Hasan Alibrahim clinched the gold, underscoring his stellar presentation. Zhivko Petkov, with his undeniable artistry, secured the second spot, while Valeria Enchev rounded off the top three in this electrifying contest.
- Winner — Hasan Alibrahim
- Second Place — Zhivko Petkov
- Third Place — Valeri Enchev
- Fourth Place — Roberto Martinez Pizana
- Fifth Place — Ruben Lopez Reyes
- Sixth Place — Saverio Mangione
- Seventh Place — Karol Rogaczewski
- Eighth Place — Valentin Petrov
- Ninth Place — Denis Romanov
- Tenth Place — Alireza Aghayi Behjani
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Figure
The Figure category at the 2023 Balkan Grand Prix Pro Show in Sofia was a dazzling spectacle, with athletes bringing their best physiques forward, hoping to be acknowledged as the best among the best. Let’s delve into the top placements:
The Pinnacle of Figure: Lena Ramsteiner
Standing tall and proud, Lena Ramsteiner clinched the coveted first place, showcasing a symmetry and conditioning that was unmatched.
Paula Ranta: A Graceful Second
Paula Ranta’s impeccable form and presentation earned her the runner-up spot, reflecting her dedication and commitment to the sport.
Bronze Finish for Veronica Gallego
Claiming the third spot, Veronica Gallego’s physique displayed a harmonious blend of muscle definition and aesthetics.
- Winner — Lena Ramsteiner
- Second Place — Paula Ranta
- Third Place — Veronica Gallego
- Fourth Place — Maria Wattel
- Fifth Place — Kristina Bodnariuk
- Sixth Place — Behnaz Nasrollahi Azar
- Seventh Place — Hannah Prause
- Eighth Place — Glynis Van Drunen
- Ninth Place — Katja Nowack
- Tenth Place — Snezhana Vlahova
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Bikini
- Nelly Stoyanova- Winner
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2023 Balkan Grand Prix Pro Show Official Scorecards
Coming Soon!
Wrapping Up Bulgaria’s Grand Display
And with that, the curtains come down on a night brimming with energy, athleticism, and unmatched physiques in Bulgaria. As the echoes of applause fade and the stage lights dim, there’s no doubt the 2023 Balkan Grand Prix Pro Show will be remembered for its breathtaking performances. From our team here at Colosseum Strength, we send our hearty congratulations to the victors. To the champions gearing up for the next grand challenge in less than a month: Best of luck on the illustrious Olympia stage. We’ll be watching, cheering, and celebrating every flex and pose!
Overview
In Sofia, Bulgaria, the 2023 Balkan Grand Prix Pro Show took center stage on October 7, with Radoslav Angelov, Hasan Alibrahim, and Lena Ramsteiner clinching titles in Men’s 212 Bodybuilding, Classic Physique, and Figure divisions. With the Olympia qualification deadline just days away, the stakes were high, and the athletes delivered. The winners now set their sights on the 2023 Mr. Olympia contest in Orlando. Amidst the evening’s excitement, Nelly Stoyanova also shone bright, taking gold in the Bikini category. As this memorable night concluded, Colosseum Strength’s team bid the champions onward to the Olympia stage with well wishes.
Featured Image @Ifbbprobulgaria (Instagram)
