The 2025 Santa Cruz Pro Championships Men’s Physique show promises to be one of the most competitive stops of the season. Scheduled for Saturday, August 23, in Santa Cruz, California, this contest offers athletes a direct path to the 2025 Men’s Physique Olympia in Las Vegas, NV.
Moreover, the IFBB Pro League’s Men’s Physique division has steadily grown in depth, and this lineup of 29 athletes reflects the division’s expanding talent pool. Fans can expect a tightly contested show with a mix of seasoned pros and ambitious newcomers.
In addition, the stakes are clear: the winner secures an Olympia qualification. For many athletes, this contest is the defining moment of their season, giving them a chance to compete on bodybuilding’s most prestigious stage.
Finally, Santa Cruz’s judges will carefully evaluate symmetry, conditioning, stage presence, and overall aesthetics. These elements, combined with the large roster, ensure a high-energy contest that could see a new champion emerge.
2025 Santa Cruz Pro Championships Preview & Predictions
Below is the roster for the Men’s Physique division. Flags indicate nationality, and the 🥇 icon highlights the predicted winner.
| Athlete | Country | Prediction |
|---|---|---|
| Lee Adams | 🇺🇸 USA | |
| Ikenna Amaliri | 🇺🇸 USA | |
| Manny Andara | 🇺🇸 USA | |
| Jun Arriola | 🇺🇸 USA | |
| Vinny Bell | 🇺🇸 USA | |
| Sage Caces | 🇺🇸 USA | |
| Ravi Chaudhary | 🇮🇳 India | |
| Donald Dudley | 🇺🇸 USA | |
| Erick Espana | 🇺🇸 USA | |
| Paolo Esteban | 🇺🇸 USA | |
| Bradley Hatfield | 🇺🇸 USA | |
| Jamal Hill | 🇺🇸 USA | |
| Mehdi Kabbadj | 🇲🇦 Morocco | 🥇 |
| Chandler Knight | 🇺🇸 USA | |
| Kobi Luangraj | 🇺🇸 USA | |
| Miles Mann | 🇺🇸 USA | |
| Paul Mateoc | 🇺🇸 USA | |
| Ricci Maynard | 🇺🇸 USA | |
| Thomas Miller | 🇺🇸 USA | |
| Vuk Mitic | 🇺🇸 USA | |
| Wilfredo Neira | 🇺🇸 USA | |
| Brandon Newman | 🇺🇸 USA | |
| Nick Purtscher | 🇺🇸 USA | |
| Juliano Quimson | 🇺🇸 USA | |
| Francisco Rodriguez | 🇺🇸 USA | |
| Zahid Sahak | 🇺🇸 USA | |
| Brian Thomas | 🇺🇸 USA | |
| Jabbaar Tobios | 🇺🇸 USA | |
| Austin Witty | 🇺🇸 USA |
To begin, the Men’s Physique division in Santa Cruz is stacked with a variety of athletes, from seasoned veterans to emerging talent. Each competitor brings their own strengths in symmetry, conditioning, and stage presence.
Additionally, the sheer size of the roster means the judges will face a challenging task in selecting the winner. Athletes must not only impress individually but also stand out amid stiff competition.
Finally, the stakes are significant: the winner earns a direct qualification to the 2025 Olympia, a goal that elevates the intensity of every pose and presentation. With 29 athletes on stage, every detail matters.
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Athletes to Watch
🇲🇦 Mehdi Kabbadj
Mehdi Kabbadj arrives with strong momentum. He finished second at the 2025 Lenda Murray ATL Pro, showcasing his progress and consistency.
Next, Kabbadj’s victory at the 2024 Hurricane Pro earned him an early Olympia qualification. Therefore, his performance in Santa Cruz will be about showcasing improvement rather than securing a spot.
Finally, despite already having an Olympia berth, Kabbadj is a frontrunner due to his aesthetics, stage presence, and competitive experience. Many experts predict he could take gold once again.
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🇺🇸 Zahid Sahak
Zahid Sahak narrowly missed victory at the 2025 Pacific USA XXXI Pro on August 9. This near-win has motivated him to refine his physique and presentation for the Santa Cruz contest.
Additionally, as a third-year pro still seeking his first Olympia qualification, Sahak has a strong drive to prove himself. The Santa Cruz Pro represents a prime opportunity to claim that elusive win.
Finally, his combination of conditioning and symmetry positions him as a potential dark-horse contender. If he improves his presentation from prior shows, he could contend for the top spot.
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🇺🇸 Austin Witty
Austin Witty placed sixth at the 2025 Texas Pro. He described that performance as his “best package to date,” signaling significant progress this season.
Furthermore, Witty’s steady improvements show his potential to disrupt the top rankings. With each contest, he gains experience and refines his stage routine, which could pay off in Santa Cruz.
Finally, Witty enters as a potential surprise contender. If he matches or surpasses his Texas Pro performance, he could secure an Olympia qualification and make his mark on the Men’s Physique division.
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Overview
The 2025 Santa Cruz Pro Championships Men’s Physique show features one of the deepest lineups of the season. With 29 athletes, the contest is a high-stakes opportunity for an Olympia berth. Mehdi Kabbadj, Zahid Sahak, and Austin Witty stand out as early favorites, but with such a large and talented field, the final results could be unpredictable. Ultimately, Santa Cruz will crown a new Men’s Physique contender ready to compete on the Olympia stage in Las Vegas.
Featured Image – 2025 Santa Cruz Pro Championships Men’s Physique Show Preview – Credit: @flex.ft_bricks, @Zahid.sahak, @awittzzz (Instagram)
