The crescendo of the 2023 bodybuilding season is upon us, with the Legion Sports Fest Pro primed to showcase a litany of talented competitors in Reno, Nevada, between October 7-8. Every athlete is acutely aware that this is their last window of opportunity to secure a place in the pinnacle event of the bodybuilding calendar: the 2023 Olympia. With the pressure mounting, the intensity is palpable.
The Main Event: Men’s Open Division in the Spotlight
Central to the weekend’s proceedings is the Men’s Open division, a marquee event that draws the lion’s share of attention. For every competitor, the goal is singular: to grab the gold and book a coveted slot at the 2023 Olympia, set to light up Orlando, Florida, from November 2-5.
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The Heavyweights of the Craft
As the lineup crystallizes, Charles “The Definition” Griffen and Justin Rodriguez emerge as clear frontrunners. But in the shadows lurk other determined athletes, ready to challenge for the throne. Names such as John Jewett, Vitor Boff, Mokhamed El Emam, Jan Turek, and Dorian Haywood are on everyone’s lips, each with their unique journey and motivation.
Griffen’s Pursuit of Redemption
“After an astounding 2022 season, which saw him pick up a victory at the 2022 California State Pro, Griffen is looking to bounce back from his latest offering at Olympia last December.”
Griffen, with his indomitable spirit and steely determination, is emblematic of the ethos of bodybuilding. Beyond the muscular veneer lies a heart that beats with passion and an unyielding desire to ascend to the zenith of the sport.
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Dorian Haywood: A Glimmering Hope on the Horizon?
“Dorian Haywood is another name to keep a close eye on this weekend. His active schedule, work ethic, and striated arms/shoulders always give him the illusion of looking much bigger than some of his opponents on stage.”
Haywood’s name has become synonymous with dedication. His unwavering commitment to the sport and his unmatched work ethic set him apart. In the intensely competitive world of bodybuilding, these are traits that could very well tilt the scales in his favor.
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Jewett: The Dark Horse
“Riding high off his major win at the 2023 Lenda Murray Atlanta Pro in July, Jewett plans to use his conditioning, shape, and balance to steal the show in Nevada, though he will be competing as an Open class talent in this event.”
Jewett’s trajectory in the bodybuilding universe is a testament to tenacity. His recent accolades point to an athlete in peak form, and many in the know believe that he’s one to watch out for in the upcoming showdown.
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Rodriguez: The Tenacious Challenger
“Unlike Justin Rodriguez’s 2022 season, he has competed in far fewer events this year. Rodriguez has remained one of the best in the world for years now and if he brings an undeniable level of conditioning and fullness, his freak factor is hard to compete against.”
Rodriguez is no stranger to the highs and lows of competitive bodybuilding. He’s tasted both success and the sting of narrow defeats. But if history has taught us anything, it’s that Rodriguez is at his most dangerous when he’s been written off. This event could very well be his phoenix moment.
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Boff’s Audacious Challenge
“Always up for a challenge, Boff will look to assert his name among a crop of hungry contenders. Boff’s conditioning, shape, and huge legs are some of his best weapons.”
Vitor Boff’s narrative is one of resilience. He’s consistently showcased his mettle, taking on challenges head-on and rising to the occasion more often than not. With his formidable conditioning and powerful build, he is expected to give his contemporaries a run for their money.
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Emam: The Enigmatic Return
“Emam’s back could easily hang on the Mr. Olympia stage and with proper posing and conditioning, he could walk away as champion this weekend.”
Mokhamed El Emam is, in many ways, the wild card in this equation. His hiatus from the stage has been punctuated by whispers of his return, and now, the bodybuilding community waits with bated breath to see what he brings to the table.
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Turek’s Ascent
“With a bullet-proof lower body, Jan Turek plans to cement himself as a title contender in just a few days.”
Jan Turek is the embodiment of evolution. With each passing event, he’s showcased a refined version of himself, much to the delight of bodybuilding aficionados. As he preps for the Legion Sports Fest Pro, the anticipation around his performance is palpable.
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The Allure of Riches: Prize Money Unveiled
Come Sunday, October 8th, eyes will be glued to the IFBB Pro Open Championship, with a staggering cash prize pool of $83,500 on offer. Here’s how it breaks down:
- Bodybuilding: $20,000
- Bikini: $8,500
- Classic Physique: $3,500
- Fitness: $3,500
- Figure: $3,500
- Men’s Physique: $33,500
- Wellness: $3,500
- Women’s Physique: $3,500
Detailed Rosters: A Who’s Who of Bodybuilding’s Elite
From seasoned veterans to promising newcomers, the rosters for the event are replete with talent. A cursory glance reveals a who’s who of the bodybuilding world, each with their unique strengths and motivations.
2023 Legion Sports Fest Pro Men’s Open Roster:
- Mokhamed El Emam
- Stephen Frazier
- Kenneth Jackson
- Chad Merchant
- Johan Rico Rivas
- Logan Robson
- Steve D. Thayer
- Vitor Boff
- Lewis Breed
- Charles Griffen
- Dorian Haywood
- Martin Hernandez
- John Jewett
- Darius Milton
- Manolakas Nikitas-Sotrius
- Jossue Plascencia
- Denis Reinhold
- Justin Rodriguez
- Joel Thomas
- Jan Turek
- Eric Wood
2023 Legion Sports Fest Pro Classic Physique Roster:
- Greg O. Larson
- Scott Sheeran
- Logan Franklin
- Kekoa Godfrey
- Jacob Graham
- Jorge Herrera
- Kyron Holden
- Michael Lopez
- Jerark Toribio Perez
- Terrence Ruffin
- Lucas Di Santi
- Bryant Smith
- Wilfredo Victoria
- Kellen Wilson
2023 Legion Sports Fest Pro Men’s Physique Roster:
- Louis Caruso
- Kenyon Leno
- David Merrill
- Sharif Reid
- Critelli Ortiz Scatolini
- Robert Williams
- Aslan Abdullayer
- Jamal Everette
- Andre Ferguson
- Reuben Glass
- Hossein Karimi
- Roberto Lima
- Jeffrey Robbins
- Tyler Smith
- Jimmie Stewart
- Serge Victor
- Rocco De Villiers
- Erin Banks
2023 Legion Sports Fest Pro Fitness Roster:
- Danielle Chikeles
- Heather Coscia
- Danielle Delikat
- Andrea Glass
- Corina Harkelroad
- Taylor Learmont
- Kristin Pope
- Trishanti Rocke
- Kayla Rossi
- Jenny Worth
2023 Legion Sports Fest Pro Figure Roster:
- Stephanie Caldwell
- Jennifer Delgado-Martin
- Brooke Foley
- Stephanie Koerber
- Morgan Martin-Jarred
- Spomenka Miller-Stanic
- Kathryn M. Morrissey
- Jessica Reyes Padilla
- Rori Ross
- Missy Sandeman
- Lacy Schlimmer
- Stacey Steiner
- Desiree Alferes
- Tatiana Altergod-Alerborn
- Kaylee Essers
- Claudia Garcia
- Sophie Jenkins
- Jennifer Johnson
- Daniella Means
- Nathalie Nichols
- Erika Phillips
- Tamika Robinson
- Shelace Shoemaker
- Christine Stearns
- Aksana Yukhno
2023 Legion Sports Fest Pro Bikini Roster:
- Christine Barnum
- Nikia Hovey
- Jill Humphrey
- Huong Mai
- Shannon Showalter
- Katie Zaslove
- Erika Devera
- Hikaru Sarah Dundore
- Shiho Fukuda
- Marioly Galarza
- Aisha Kaipova
- Lena Okanovic
- Lacy Rutland
- Courtney Walton
- Tianna Weymouth
2023 Legion Sports Fest Pro Women’s Physique Roster:
- Tia Douglass
- Farrah Faulkner
- Cynthia Marks
- Suzan Oktay
- Natalia Spierings
- Marcela Corona
- Fay Simone Ellis
- Jennifer Erhardt
- Lenka Ferencukova
- Susan Graham
- Tina Mauer Guadarrama
- JiHye Lee
- Jodi Marchuck
- Julia Monroe
- Katie Nyland
- Brooke Pighin
- Michelle Polanik
- Anna-Lena Prinz
- Laura Pyszora
- Rachel Reid
- Diana Schnaidt
- Christina Siegrist
- Paola Viveros
- Ayana Ward
- Heidi Worrell-Osborne
2023 Legion Sports Fest Pro Wellness Roster:
- Maria Borisch
- Rian Choi
- Tracy Eden
- Christine Ford
- HyeYoon Kim
- Madison Luna
- Rosa Benadero Munoz
- Teresa Myers
- Jasmine Payne
- Natasha Peay
- Elena Sandaevskaia
- Tammy Sievers
- Sina Maria Teresa
- Victoria Reyes Villa
- Simara Walter
- Jennifer Zollars
In The End: The Road to Mr. Olympia
Beyond the event, the real prize is a shot at etching one’s name on the most prestigious title in bodybuilding: the Mr. Olympia trophy. As athletes battle it out in Reno, all eyes are on November’s showdown, where the reigning champion, Hadi Choopan, will be defending his crown. The saga continues.
Overview
As the 2023 bodybuilding season approaches its grand finale, all roads lead to Reno, Nevada from October 7-8 for the Legion Sports Fest Pro. This event is the last opportunity for elite athletes to secure their place at the year’s pinnacle, the 2023 Olympia. With the Men’s Open division taking center stage, competitors like Charles “The Definition” Griffen, Justin Rodriguez, and others are set to showcase their prowess, aiming for gold and a ticket to Orlando’s main event in November.
Featured Image @Legionsportsfest, @centerpodium (Instagram)
