The annual 2023 Tampa Pro, renowned in the bodybuilding realm, is scheduled from August 3rd through 5th in Tampa, Florida. The event serves as a pivotal gateway to the Mr. Olympia contest for a slew of divisions – Men’s Open, 212 Bodybuilding, Classic Physique, Men’s Physique, Women’s Bodybuilding, Women’s Physique, Figure, Fitness, Bikini, and Wellness.
The Road to Mr. Olympia: Qualifications Tighten
This year, the route to the coveted Mr. Olympia contest has turned decidedly steep, thanks to the removal of the points-based qualification system. Hence, athletes with ambitions of making the cut must secure a decisive victory in a Pro show before October 9th. The 2023 Mr. Olympia contest is scheduled to bring the house down from November 2nd to 5th at Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center.
A Look Back: The 2022 Tampa Pro
Last year’s Tampa Pro saw Akim Williams, a standout in Men’s Open, taking the gold, outperforming promising challengers Quinton Eriya and Kamal Elgargni. However, Williams has chosen to step back from defending his title this year, leaving room for a fresh face to claim the Open champion title.
The Race for Glory: A New Champion Rises
The departure of Williams sets the stage for a new champion to take the reins. Whoever steps up to the occasion will earn the rare opportunity to challenge the reigning Mr. Olympia, Hadi Choopan, in a thrilling showdown less than three months away.
Day One Recap: Tampa Pro 2023
Dive into the pulsating action and electrifying excitement from day one of the 2023 Tampa Pro. The show has just begun!
2023 Tampa Pro Winners
- Men’s Open: Hunter Labrada
- 212 Bodybuilding: Fabricio de Souza Moreira
- Classic Physique: Matthew Greggo
- Men’s Physique: Arya Saffaie
- Women’s Bodybuilding: Michaela Aycock
- Women’s Physique: Jeannie Feldman
- Figure: Queren Pacheco
- Fitness: Allison Kramer
- Bikini: Ashlynn Little
- Wellness: Rayane Fogal
2023 Tampa Pro: A Recap of Breakdown & Results
Men’s Open
During the initial stages of the Men’s Open, it was evident that the competition largely revolved around John Delarosa and Hunter Labrada, a fan favorite. Delarosa exhibited commendable upper body development and gave Labrada a tough competition in multiple poses. However, Labrada’s superior back development set him apart. Moreover, he showcased better conditioning than ever before, providing him an edge over his competitors.
Previously, Labrada ranked seventh at the 2022 Mr. Olympia, while Delarosa came in second at the 2023 Chicago Pro. Ultimately, Labrada secured the victory and earned his qualification for the 2023 Olympia. This victory marks the second Tampa Pro win in his career.
The final results positioned John Delarosa in second place and Lewis Breed in third.
- Winner — Hunter Labrada
- Second Place — John Delarosa
- Third Place — Lewis Breed
- Fourth Place — Joel Thomas
- Fifth Place — Brady King
- Sixth Place — Roy Evans
- Seventh Place — Nathan Spear
- Eighth Place — Fred Smalls
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212 Bodybuilding
Power and Precision Mark the Opening Event
The 212 Bodybuilding competition was the first Men’s division event to grace the stage this weekend. Early favorites based on prejudging included Diego Montoya, Mahamed Embaby, and Fabricio de Souza Moreira, each demonstrating exceptional conditioning and balanced physiques.
As the finals unfolded, the judging panel seemed increasingly taken with the displays from Mohamed Embaby and Fabricio de Souza Moreira. Embaby, whose last competition was the 2023 Chicago Pro where he earned a commendable third place, was in fine form. Moreira, who last competed at the 2022 Chicago Pro and also placed third, provided stiff competition.
In the climactic decision, it was Moreira’s superior conditioning and “dry” physique that won over the judges. He is now qualified for the esteemed 2023 Mr. Olympia competition.
Mohamed Embaby didn’t leave empty-handed, securing the runner-up spot, while Diego Montoya rounded out the top three.
- Winner — Fabricio de Souza Moreira
- Second Place — Mahamed Embaby
- Third Place — Diego Montoya
- Fourth Place — Jason Nguyen
- Fifth Place — Robert Taylor
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Classic Physique
Show-Stopping Performances Dazzle the Crowd
The Classic Physique division was a spectacle that kept fans on the edge of their seats. During the prejudging rounds, the performances of Carlos Dommar and Matthew Greggo received thunderous applause, both men presenting their top-notch conditioning and fully-developed upper bodies.
Greggo, who last made his mark at the 2023 Lenda Murray Atlanta Pro with a fourth-place finish, was up against Dommar. The latter was riding high on a wave of success following his substantial victory at the same show where Greggo had previously placed fourth. Dommar had his sights set on another Florida win, but it was not to be.
Matthew Greggo showcased what could arguably be his best physique yet, winning first place and securing his spot in the 2023 Olympia. Dommar and Robert Waterhouse rounded out the rest of the podium, taking second and third place respectively.
- Winner — Matthew Greggo
- Second Place — Carlos Dommar
- Third Place — Robert Waterhouse
- Fourth Place — Lucas Giaianni
- Fifth Place — Camillo Diaz Garzon
- Sixth Place — Jarak Toribio Perez
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Men’s Physique
Fierce Competition and Stunning Performances Dominate the Stage
On Friday, the Men’s Physique division was a battleground, with competitors vying for the coveted first-place position. The prejudging section saw Jeremiah Maxey and Arya Saffaie emerge as potential leaders, their exquisite posing routines and stage presence elevating them above the rest.
Maxey, who last showcased his abilities at the 2022 Atlantic Coast Pro, securing a sixth-place finish, certainly returned with renewed determination. On the other hand, Saffaie, last seen at the 2022 Olympia but unable to crack the top 15, had a lot to prove.
Saffaie’s performance proved resounding, dominating the competition and securing his qualification for the 2023 Olympia. Maxey finished in a commendable second place, while Alexander Toplyn completed the top three.
- Winner — Arya Saffaie
- Second Place — Jeremiah Maxey
- Third Place — Alexander Toplyn
- Fourth Place — Kimani Victor
- Fifth Place — Deke Walker
- Sixth Place — John Stanley Sarmiento
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Women’s Bodybuilding
Intense Competition and Impressive Muscularity Rule the Stage
The Women’s Bodybuilding competitors wasted no time taking the stage on Friday. The prejudging rounds saw the impressive muscularity of Theresa Ivancik, Nicki Chartrand, and Michaela Aycock taking center stage, certainly catching the judges’ attention. With numerous comparisons drawn, it was a wide-open race heading into the finals.
Nicki Chartrand, who had taken a break from competitions in 2022 and last graced the stage with an eighth-place finish at the 2021 Rising Phoenix and Arizona Pro show, was in contention for the top spot. She found herself pitted against Michaela Aycock in the finals, who came into the contest riding high on her silver medal win at the 2023 Lenda Murray Atlanta Pro.
After a close contest, it was Michaela Aycock who emerged victorious, claiming the top spot on the podium. Nicki Chartrand and Theresa Ivancik completed the top three, securing second and third place respectively.
- Winner — Michaela Aycock
- Second Place — Nicki Chartrand
- Third Place — Theresa Ivancik
- Fourth Place — Kyna Squarey
- Fifth Place — Julia Foery
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Women’s Physique
Showdown Between Two Titans Dominates the Division
The Women’s Physique division sparked considerable enthusiasm from the crowd during the prejudging rounds. Online discussion was dominated by the exceptional conditioning of Ivie Rhein and Jeannie Feldman, and as the finals began, the competition was widely anticipated to be a duel between these two competitors.
Ivie Rhein entered the contest with a fifth-place finish at the 2022 Olympia competition under her belt. On the other hand, Jeannie Feldman’s latest outing was the same Olympia event, where she came in sixth. Both competitors were eager to improve their standings.
The final showdown saw Feldman’s deeply defined physique giving her the edge, and she emerged as the champion. Rhein claimed the second spot, while Robyn Mays completed the top three.
- Winner — Jeannie Feldman
- Second Place — Ivie Rhein
- Third Place — Robyn Mays
- Fourth Place — Mikaela Lindsey
- Fifth Place — Marika Jones
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Figure
Exceptional Aesthetics and Intense Rivalry Rule the Day
The Figure competitors started off Friday’s competition in grand fashion, each athlete seeming to bring their best package to the stage. Both prejudging and final rounds spotlighted Oyku Basar and Queren Pacheco as they fiercely contended for the top spot. Not only were their comparisons intense, but their aesthetic presentations were also remarkable.
Oyku Basar, who had last shown her form at the 2023 Musclecontest Zhanna Rotar Pro, clinching fifth place, was up against Queren Pacheco. Pacheco’s last noteworthy performance dated back to the 2020 Rising Phoenix Women’s Bodybuilding World Championship & Arizona Pro.
After a hard-fought contest, Queren Pacheco emerged triumphant, claiming the top spot and securing her place in the 2023 Mr. Olympia. Oyku Basar secured the second spot, and Lena Ramsteiner walked away with bronze.
- Winner — Queren Pacheco
- Second Place — Oyku Basar
- Third Place — Lena Ramsteiner
- Fourth Place — Mariafernanda Laguna
- Fifth Place — Danielle Rose
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Fitness
The fitness competitors put up a captivating show on Saturday afternoon. The individual performances of Aurika Tyrgale and Allison Kramer were particularly impressive, captivating the audience with their extraordinary proportions, balance, and stage presence.
Aurika Tyrgale, who had last taken the stage at the 2023 Chicago Pro, achieving a commendable sixth place, showed great improvement. It was clear she had taken the judges’ feedback seriously, delivering arguably her best performance yet. Allison Kramer, on the other hand, had last competed at the 2023 Lenda Murray Atlanta Pro, where she claimed the second spot. This time, however, Kramer left nothing to chance and emerged as the winner.
Aurika Tyrgale secured the second place, with Kristin Pope rounding off the top three.
- Winner — Allison Kramer
- Second Place — Aurika Tyrgale
- Third Place — Kristin Pope
- Fourth Place — Stacy Dawn
- Fifth Place — Anna Fomina
- Sixth Place — Stephanie Jones
- Seventh Place — Michelle Gales
- Eighth Place — Donnice Chow
- Ninth Place — Danielle Chikeles
- Tenth Place — Eileen Thomas
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Bikini
The Bikini competition on Saturday was brimming with talent, with competitors Arianna Brothers and Ashlynn Little immediately catching the attention of both judges and the audience. As the finals unfolded, the contest was perceived to be very close. Both Brothers and Little exuded strong stage appeal and showcased well-balanced physiques, presenting a challenging task for the judges.
Little had previously competed at the 2022 Olympia, but didn’t make it to the top 15. On the other hand, Arianna Brothers had last secured 13th place at the 2023 Republic of Texas Pro. After several comparisons, Ashlyn Little emerged victorious, securing a place in the 2023 Olympia.
Arianna Brothers took the second spot, while Tatiana Lanovenko rounded off the top three.
- Winner — Ashlynn Little
- Second Place — Arianna Brothers
- Third Place — Tatiana Lanovenko
- Fourth Place — India Paulino
- Fifth Place — Jordan Brannon
- Sixth Place — Liana Giannamore
- Seventh Place — Tamekia Carter
- Eighth Place — Sandra Merlo
- Ninth Place — Lauren Dannenmiller
- Tenth Place — Mary Ann Parks
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Wellness
The Wellness competitors brought their A-game on Saturday, with Andrea Hrenko and Rayane Fogal standing out. They both displayed superior development in their hamstrings and quads, making them front-runners in the competition.
Previously, Andrea Hrenko had finished sixth at the 2023 Arnold Classic. Her opponent, Rayane Fogal, who also competed at the same event, managed to secure third place. However, in this round, Rayane Fogal was victorious, clinching the first place.
Andrea Hrenko had to settle for the second place, while Marissa Andrews completed the top three.
- Winner — Rayane Fogal
- Second Place — Andrea Hrenko
- Third Place — Marissa Andrews
- Fourth Place — Quintaysia Goodley
- Fifth Place — Angela White
- Sixth Place — Devyn Cambre
- Seventh Place — Maria Paulette
- Eighth Place — Luz Stella Abinuman
- Ninth Place — Yami Partridge
- Tenth Place — Kim O’Connell
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2023 Tampa Pro Scorecards
Colosseum Strength Celebrates the Champions!
Colosseum Strength extends hearty congratulations to all the triumphant competitors! Your remarkable performances and indomitable spirit are a testament to your dedication and passion for the sport. Bravo!
Featured Image @w_wittmannphoto & Flex_Magazine (Instagram)
