Fans of bodybuilding have marked their calendars for the 2023 Texas Pro, slated for August 18-19. The buzz surrounding this Arlington, Texas spectacle is palpable, as it stands out as a marquee event this season. As an Olympia qualifier, it encompasses a range of categories: Men’s Open, Men’s 212 Bodybuilding, Classic Physique, Men’s Physique, Figure, Bikini, Women’s Physique, and Wellness.
Race Against Time: The Olympia Qualification Quandary
The countdown to the revered 2023 Mr. Olympia Weekend, scheduled from November 2-5 in Orlando, Florida, is ticking away. With a dwindling number of weeks left for contenders to qualify and the absence of a point system this year, securing a spot has become an intricate dance of strategy and prowess.
Legacy and Competition: The Men’s Open Division Stirs Debate
In 2022, the Texas Pro’s Men’s Open division was a thrilling affair. Chinedu Andrew Obiekea, commonly known as Andrew Jacked, managed to outmaneuver Martin Fitzwater and Steve Kuclo. This year, having secured a third-place finish at the 2023 Arnold Classic but missing his Olympia qualification, Jacked is primed to defend his crown in Texas. Yet, the competition promises to be fierce. Notable contenders include Hunter Labrada, fresh off a victory at the Tampa Pro, and newcomer Carlos Thomas Jr, whose impressive physique updates have become the subject of fervent online debates.
2023 Texas Pro Winners of Each Division
- Men’s Open: Andrew Jacked
- Men’s 212 Bodybuilding: Keone Pearson
- Classic Physique: Jae Hun Park
- Men’s Physique: Jeremiah Maxey
- Figure: Jessica Reyes Padilla
- Bikini: Ashlyn Little
- Women’s Physique: Ivie Rhein
- Wellness: Marissa Andrews
2023 Texas Pro: Recap The Results & Breakdown
Men’s Open
- Winner — Andrew Jacked
- Second Place — Hunter Labrada
- Third Place — Carlos Thomas Jr.
- Fourth Place — Lewis Breed
- Fifth Place — Jordan Hutchinson
- Sixth Place — Jonathan Withers
- Seventh Place — Soohyun Park
- Eighth Place — Roy Evans
- Ninth Place — Roy Evans
- Tenth Place — Lionardis Cardoza
Labrada’s Passionate Display in Texas
Amidst the whirlwind of bodybuilding competitions, Hunter Labrada, bearing the legacy of the iconic Lee Labrada, made a commendable appearance in Texas. Despite having his ticket stamped for the esteemed 2023 Olympia, courtesy of his commendable victory at Tampa Pro, Labrada chose to not rest on his laurels. Instead, he brought his renewed vigour to the Texas stage, showcasing refined conditioning, an aspect that’s come to be his signature forte.
Jacked: From Arnold Classic Momentum to Texas Gold
Andrew Jacked, with the unmistakable silhouette of his x-frame and a chest that boasts striations akin to masterful art, has emerged as a dominant force. Riding the wave from a triumphant third-place finish at the 2023 Arnold Classic, Jacked, under the vigilant mentorship of both Chris Aceto and Chris Lewis, stood his ground in Texas. His dedication and refined physique paid dividends as he successfully defended his title, earning a coveted spot in the upcoming Mr. Olympia.
Rising Star: Carlos Thomas Jr. Marks His Debut
In a sport where legends loom large, Carlos Thomas Jr. has managed to carve a niche, and quite impressively so. As a debutant in the IFBB Pro arena, not only did he hold his own amidst seasoned competitors, but also clinched the third spot. It’s a debut that hints at a promising trajectory in the world of professional bodybuilding.
With all eyes now set on the 2023 Mr. Olympia, the crescendo of anticipation in the bodybuilding community is palpable. The stage promises not just a competition, but a symphony of dedication, discipline, and unparalleled artistry.
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Men’s 212 Bodybuilding
- Winner — Keone Pearson
- Second Place — Noel Adame
- Third Place — Francisco Barrios Vik
- Fourth Place — Jason Joseph
- Fifth Place — Justin Jacoby
The 2023 Texas Pro Showdown: 212 Category Highlights
In a fully-packed arena, the 212 category proved to be the showstopper at the Texas Pro. Keone Pearson, who previously secured the sixth position at the 2022 Olympia, stunned the audience by bringing to the stage an impeccable form, reminiscent of Phil Heath in terms of fullness, and showcased strikingly massive legs.
While “The Prodigy” Pearson was a significant highlight, Noel Adame was not far behind. Adame, having previously clinched the first place at the 2022 New York Pro, displayed a physique that was both shredded and admirable. As the finals progressed, both men stood out for their distinct grainy muscularity. Yet, it was Pearson’s unmatched back poses that likely gave him the edge, presenting a tough decision for the judges. The verdict saw Keone Pearson crowned as the champion, setting the stage for an exciting showdown with Shaun Clarida at this year’s Olympia.
The accolades continued with Noel Adame bagging the silver position, and Francisco Barrios Vik rounding off the top three with a commendable third place.
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Classic Physique
- Winner — Jae Hun Park
- Second Place — Robert Timms
- Third Place — Logan Franklin
- Fourth Place — Benjamin Zimmerman
- Fifth Place — Dancovea Anderson
Texas Showcases Classic Physique’s Elite
Texas played gracious host to a constellation of stars in the Classic Physique division. Early into the prejudging, Logan Franklin’s impeccable symmetry was a sight to behold. Simultaneously, Robert Timms and Jae Hun Park raised the bar with their finely detailed conditioning.
Robert Timms, a familiar face and a formidable force in the division, seemed to have presented one of his most exceptional packages yet. With a track record of consistent performances and having secured a 10th place at his last Olympia outing in 2021, Timms never ceases to bring a remarkable finesse to the stage.
On the other hand, Jae Hun Park’s journey within the IFBB seems to be on an upward trajectory. Each performance outshining the last, Park had previously shown grit at the Olympia stage in December, landing the 15th spot. However, this occasion was different. Delivering what can be described as an almost impeccable act, Park bagged his much-deserved Olympia qualification.
As the dust settled, Robert Timms was awarded the second place, while Logan Franklin gracefully took the third spot on the podium.
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Men’s Physique
- Winner — Jeremiah Maxey
- Second Place — Clarence McSpadden Jr.
- Third Place — Nick Koeu
- Fourth Place — Joshua Guidry
- Fifth Place — Mitch Starr
Men’s Physique Spotlight: A Friday Night Duel
Friday night was alight with competition as the Men’s Physique division took the limelight. In the prejudging phase, Clarence McSpadden Jr. and Jeremiah Maxey were the talk of the town, challenging each other stride for stride. Both competitors showcased refined upper bodies, accentuated by sharply defined v-tapers.
Clarence, with each contest, seems to be carving a niche for himself, evident from his remarkable fourth-place finish at the 2023 Pacific USA Pro. Yet, standing in his path was Jeremiah Maxey, a man riding a wave of momentum post his stellar second-place finish at the Tampa Pro. The tension reached its zenith as the event culminated, with Jeremiah Maxey emerging victorious, gold trophy held high.
While Clarence McSpadden Jr. clinched the silver spot, Nick Koeu marked his presence with a third-place finish.
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Figure
- Winner — Jessica Reyes Padilla
- Second Place — Ashley Howells
- Third Place — Tamera Barrett
- Fourth Place — Amie Mock
- Fifth Place — Lena Ramsteiner
Figure Showdown: Friday Night’s Battle for Olympia Qualification
The atmosphere was electric on Friday evening as figure competitors took over the stage. The coveted Olympia qualification was up for grabs, and the prejudging was nothing short of exhilarating. The spotlight quickly zeroed in on two formidable competitors, Ashley Howells and Jessica Reyes Padilla, both vying for dominance in symmetry and muscular definition.
Ashley Howells has been a whirlwind this season, having just secured fourth place at the 2023 Tupelo Pro the previous weekend. Demonstrating her unwavering commitment, Howells elevated her performance, delivering an even more impressive package in Arlington. Yet, the challenge she faced was significant, in the form of the seasoned Jessica Reyes Padilla.
Padilla is no stranger to the grandeur of the Olympia stage, having graced it several times in her career. The memory of her clinching the runner-up spot in 2022 was still fresh, and adding to her arsenal, she was the reigning Texas Pro Figure champion. The final verdict? Padilla’s legacy held firm, and she added yet another title to her impressive resume.
Ashley Howells graciously accepted the second-place mantle, while Tamera Barrett secured her spot on the podium with a third-place finish.
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Bikini
- Winner — Ashlyn Little
- Second Place — Elisa Pecini
- Third Place — Tamekia Carter
- Fourth Place — Yurika Shigemoto
- Fifth Place — Wu Bi
Bikini Contestants Shine Bright on Friday Night
The excitement was palpable Friday night as bikini competitors graced the stage, ready to dazzle, and the audience’s anticipation reached a fever pitch. Among the bevy of talented contestants, Elisa Pecini and Ashlyn Little distinguished themselves with their slender waists and captivating aesthetics.
Elisa Pecini, crowned the Bikini Olympia champion in 2019, was unmistakably on a quest for the top spot this weekend. Her last performance at the Olympia in December saw her securing the ninth place. Ashlyn Little, on the other hand, rode the wave of her recent triumph at the 2023 Tampa Pro, where she clinched the gold. After some nail-biting comparisons and judgment deliberations, Ashlyn Little’s winning streak remained unbroken. She emerged as the champion, securing the Texas Pro Bikini title.
While Elisa Pecini gracefully accepted the second-place finish, Tameka Carter made her mark with a commendable third-place victory.
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Women’s Physique
- Winner — Ivie Rhein
- Second Place — Alyssa Kiessling
- Third Place — Ceci Barba
- Fourth Place — Sara Bradley
- Fifth Place — Donna Jones
- Sixth Place — Rachel Aronson
- Seventh Place — Brooke Pighin
- Eighth Place — Katie Nyland
- Ninth Place — Isabelle Jackson
- Tenth Place — Alexis Lowery
Saturday Night’s Women’s Physique Showcase
The spotlight was on Women’s Physique competitors this Saturday night, and they did not disappoint. The event was a breathtaking testament to discipline, hard work, and aesthetic artistry.
Kiessling and Rhein: A Study in Symmetry and Proportion
During the prejudging phase, two competitors in particular caught the attention of many: Alyssa Kiessling and Ivie Rhein. Their exceptional symmetry and proportions carved a lasting impression. Kiessling, no stranger to the grandeur of these events, had graced the Olympia stage in 2021 and secured the 14th position. On the other hand, Rhein, with her stellar performance, took second place at the 2023 Tampa Pro, indicating her rising stature in the sport.
Rhein Reigns Supreme
The deliberations and comparisons were intense, but when the dust settled, Ivie Rhein emerged as the triumphant first-place winner, further cementing her reputation in the bodybuilding community.
Kiessling and Barba Round Out the Podium
Alyssa Kiessling showcased her improvements, clinching a well-deserved second place. Meanwhile, Ceci Barba, with her impeccable physique, secured the third spot.
This event stands as a testament to the resilience, commitment, and sheer excellence of these competitors. The future of Women’s Physique competition looks promising with such incredible talent leading the charge.
Wellness
- Winner — Marissa Andrews
- Second Place — Mia Samuels-Menjivar
- Third Place — Jenna de Manicor
- Fourth Place — Diana Verduzco Carreno
- Fifth Place — Devyn Cambre
Wellness Division: A Night of Elevated Standards and Showmanship
The rapidly growing popularity and competitiveness of the Wellness division were evident, and this evening’s showcase did not disappoint. Both during prejudging and the finals, Mia Samuels-Menjivar’s pronounced lower body fullness became the cynosure of all eyes. From the get-go, she was unmistakably pegged as a top contender, especially given her recent impressive sixth-place finish at the 2023 Republic of Texas Pro.
But Marissa Andrews wasn’t to be overshadowed. She brought a vivacity to the stage that was hard to miss. With her enviable proportions and a performance that seemed to resonate with the audience, the atmosphere was electrifying every moment she posed. Carrying the momentum from her third-place triumph at the 2023 Tampa Pro, Andrews’ dedication and talent came to the fore. The verdict? A well-deserved victory for Marissa Andrews in Texas.
With Mia Samuels-Menjivar bagging the silver position, Jenna de Manicor completed the top three with her third-place finish.
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2023 Texas Pro Scorecards
A Message from Colosseum Strength
“To all the exemplary athletes who emerged victorious at the Texas Pro – your dedication, talent, and resilience have not only left an indelible mark on the stage but have also inspired countless others. As you prepare for the pinnacle of bodybuilding, the 2023 Mr. Olympia, Colosseum Strength stands beside you in spirit and cheers for your continued success. Best of luck, champions!”
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