As the anticipation builds for the 2023 Mr. Olympia, bodybuilding fans will have a chance to catch a glimpse of the Men’s Open division stars in early May. Although the flagship bodybuilding contest won’t occur until November 3-5, 2023, in Orlando, FL, the National Physique Committee (NPC) organizers of the 2023 Pittsburgh Pro have organized a smaller scale International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Pro League competition this spring.
The event, set to take place on the weekend of May 12-13, will feature guest posing by some of the biggest names in the Men’s Open division. While there won’t be any tangible rewards on the line, fans can expect to see an early spring look at the physique of these accomplished bodybuilders.
On March 23, 2023, the NPC revealed the star-studded lineup of guest posers that are expected to attend the event. Derek Lunsford and Nick Walker are among the big names that will be present, and fans are eager to see what they will bring to the table. Despite the absence of any competitive stakes, the event is sure to be a treat for bodybuilding enthusiasts who are eagerly awaiting the 2023 Mr. Olympia.
Roster of Guest Posing Athletes at the 2023 Pittsburgh Pro:
- Derek Lunsford — 2022 Mr. Olympia runner-up
- Nick Walker — 2022 Olympia third-place finisher
- Samson Dauda — 2023 Arnold Classic (AC) winner
- Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay — Two-time Mr. Olympia (2020-2021)
- Shaun Clarida — Two-time 212 Olympia winner (2020, 2022)
- Hunter Labrada
- Rafael Brandao
Chris Bumstead, the current Classic Physique Olympia champion for four consecutive years from 2019 to 2022, has also been confirmed to attend the event in a special capacity. However, it is worth noting that he is not expected to guest pose.
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Assuming that this year’s guest posing lineup at the Pittsburgh Pro is a preview of the 2023 Mr. Olympia slate, fans of bodybuilding can expect a spectacle in the fall. The list includes some of the biggest names in the sport, with the exception of Hadi Choopan, who won the 2022 Mr. Olympia title.
Among the notable guest posers is Derek Lunsford, who secured a runner-up finish in his first Men’s Open attempt at the Olympia in 2022. Lunsford is expected to push hard for the title this year. Meanwhile, Nick Walker, who has been dubbed “The Mutant,” will aim to bounce back from relatively disappointing results at the 2022 Olympia and 2023 Arnold Classic.
Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay, a two-time Olympia champion, is also on the list of guest posers after skipping the 2022 Pittsburgh Pro. Elssbiay has been struggling a bit lately, and he may see the Pittsburgh Pro as an opportunity to build momentum heading into the fall season. Samson Dauda, the surprise winner of the 2023 Arnold Classic, is another big name to watch out for.
While guest posing, Shaun Clarida will likely be among the Men’s Open contenders, but he is currently pushing for a 212 Olympia title record. Hunter Labrada, who finished seventh in the 2022 Olympia, will likely reveal his streamlined physique for 2023 at the Pittsburgh Pro.
Chris Bumstead, the reigning four-time Classic Physique Olympia champion, will also be making a special appearance at the Pittsburgh Pro, though he will not be guest posing. The significance of his role at the event is currently unknown. Overall, the guest posing lineup at the 2023 Pittsburgh Pro promises to be a preview of the main Mr. Olympia slate later this year.
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From a competitive standpoint, there is little at stake for the star-studded lineup of bodybuilders slated to guest pose at the 2023 Pittsburgh Pro. These athletes will be using the event as an opportunity to offer the public a glimpse into their training routines and fulfill certain IFBB obligations. However, simply having such an impressive cast of Men’s Open bodybuilders together on stage is sure to generate buzz and ignite lively discussions among fans leading up to the year’s main event.
Courtesy Image @npcifbbpropittsburgh (Instagram)
