The prestigious Masters Olympia is making a grand return after an 11-year hiatus, with the 2023 edition set to dazzle from August 26-27 at the BT Arena in Cluj, Napoca, Romania. This year’s competition stands out as it introduces 10 bodybuilding divisions, an unprecedented move in its history. Below is an in-depth guide on the participating athletes, the grand prize money, and how enthusiasts can stream the event live.
A significant event in the IFBB Pro League’s calendar, the Masters Olympia saw Dexter Jackson clinch the Men’s Open Masters Olympia title in 2012. As the event unfolds this year, audiences will witness the crowning of a new Open champion.
The stakes are high with a whopping prize money of $229,000 up for grabs. Athletes are geared up to showcase their peak physiques. Notably, victors from all ten Masters Olympia divisions will earn the coveted spot to participate in the annual Mr. Olympia event, slated from November 2-5 in Orlando, Florida.
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How to Streaming the 2023 Masters Olympia
For those unable to witness the grandeur in person, a live stream will be hosted on the Muscle & Fitness website over both days. The complete weekend streaming package is priced at $39.99.
2023 Masters Olympia: Spotlight on Key Contenders, the Complete Lineup, and Stakes
Men’s Open
The bodybuilding world eagerly awaits the return of the revered Masters Olympia this year. Among the anticipated participants, a few stand out:
Fred Smalls: His recent successes, including a notable eighth-place finish at the 2023 Tampa Pro and a win in the Masters Over 40 Class, position Smalls as one to watch in the upcoming Masters Olympia.
Kamal Elgargni: Despite being 51, this former 212 Olympia champion shows no signs of slowing down. Venturing into the Open class demonstrates his continued dedication to the sport.
Joshua Lenartowicz: Returning to the stage after a hiatus since the 2020 Arnold Classic, Lenartowicz’s wildcard entry adds intrigue to the competition.
Phil Clahar: Clahar’s surprising victory over Hassan Mostafa at the 2023 Orlando Pro secured his spot at the 2023 Olympia.
Lineup
- Fred SmallsÂ
- Joseph PiersanteÂ
- Joshua LenartowiczÂ
- Kamal ElgargniÂ
- Ken JacksonÂ
- Logan Robison
- Marek Olejniczak
- Maxx Charles
- Michael ElyÂ
- Michael LynnÂ
- Philip Clahar
- Robert Burneika
- Ron Stevens
- Rusty JeffersÂ
- Sergio Lima
- Slavoj BednarÂ
- Vincent Galanti
- Vladimir Agrinskiy
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Men’s 212 Bodybuilding
Hidetada Yamagishi’s Triumphant Return
Age is just a number for the bodybuilding legend Hidetada Yamagishi. Celebrating his 50th birthday recently, Yamagishi has not only made a dramatic return from retirement but is also gearing up for the Masters Olympia with a vengeance. His recent training sessions indicate he’s on a mission – a mission to dominate. Recent glimpses of his physique updates showcase a competitor who’s eyeing nothing less than the top spot. With his seasoned expertise and renewed passion, Yamagishi is a force to be reckoned with in the Men’s 212 Bodybuilding category. Fans and competitors alike await with bated breath to witness what he brings to the stage.
- Anwar Darwish Ali Al Balushi
- Masoom Butt
- Ricardo Plata Duran
- Derik Farnsworth
- Ahmed Fawzi
- David Henry
- Tony LaGrene
- Fernando Moronha de Albeida Maradona
- Milton Martinez
- Jicheng Qian
- Jonni Shreve
- Steve D. Thayer
- Ryan Walters
- Wayne Williams
- Jeff Williamson
- Hidetada Yamagishi
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Men’s Physique
Arya Saffaie Takes the Lead
The Men’s Physique division is brimming with talent this year, with a plethora of competitors vying for the title. However, amidst this pool of talent, Arya Saffaie stands out and is widely touted by the online bodybuilding community as a top contender. His dedication, physique, and past performances have set him apart, making him a name to watch closely as the event unfolds.
- Everett Davis
- Youcef Djoudi
- Michael Ferguson
- Dajuan Rico Freeman
- Myron Griffin
- Terrence Teo Kok Hua
- Kenyon Leno
- Adon Marcus
- Andrea Mosti
- David Odom
- Joshua Petrecky
- Kevin Reeder
- Sharif Reid
- Everton W. B. Ribeiro
- Byron Ross
- Arya Saffaie
- Marcell Shippen
- Harlan Taylor Jr.
Classic Physique
Alex Cambronero, A Force to Reckon With
Alex Cambronero’s stellar performance at the 2023 Arnold Classic, where he clinched a commendable third-place finish, positions him as a strong contender in the Classic Physique category for the Masters Olympia. His harmonious blend of balance and impeccable conditioning makes him a standout athlete, and many believe this could very well be his weekend to shine at the Masters Olympia.
- Ross Caesar
- Alejandro Cambronero
- Richy Chan
- Darrem Charles
- Tom Connelly
- Ali Emre
- Dawid Geler
- Kelvin Hinde
- Vladimir Markov
- Javier Martinez
- Luis Garcia Martinez
- Shanti Mitchell
- Olushomo Oni
- Michel Perez
- Eric Perkins
- Greg Rando
- Peter Sciallo
- Esteban Smith
Women’s Bodybuilding
Spotlight on Donna Salib and Reshanna Boswell
The 2023 Masters Olympia in Romania is set to dazzle with competitors from all six women’s divisions. In the Women’s Bodybuilding category, 17 elite athletes will take the stage. Among the lineup, Donna Salib stands out, having secured the 14th position at the 2022 Ms. Olympia. Alongside her, Reshanna Boswell, another notable contender from the 2022 Olympia, is gearing up to showcase her prowess. Fans can anticipate a thrilling competition as these esteemed athletes bring their best to the stage.
- Reshanna Boswell
- Michelle Brent
- Lori A. Conley
- Leah Dennie
- Jacqueline Fuchs
- Evangelina Guzman
- Tananarive Huie
- Virginia B. Sanchez Macias
- Silvia Matta
- Cheryl Mears
- Vera Mikulcova
- Barbara Moojen
- Donna Salib
- Maria del Carmen Gomez Segura
- Dana Shemesh
- Marcela Venegas
Women’s Physique
Spotlight on Ivie Rhein, Suzanne Davis, and Tanya Chartrand
The Women’s Physique division at the 2023 Masters Olympia is set to be a spectacle with 20 formidable athletes taking the stage. Among them, Ivie Rhein is a force to be reckoned with, having clinched the fifth spot at the 2022 Women’s Physique Olympia. Joining her is the accomplished Suzanne Davis, who boasts a strong background in both bodybuilding and powerlifting. Rounding out the top contenders is Tanya Chartrand, a seasoned Olympia competitor with two appearances under her belt. With such talent in one lineup, this category promises to be a highlight of the event.
- Birgit Andersch
- Candice Carr
- Tanya Chartrand
- Suzanne Davis
- Stephanie Fredrickson
- Heather Grace
- Susan Graham
- Lenore Gregson
- Uta Koehler-Spitzbart
- aria Queen Liberman
- Robyn Mays
- Alida Opre
- Oksana Piari
- Ivi Rhein
- Joanna Romano
- Caroline Alves Dos Santos
- Nathalie Thompson
Figure Division
Jessica Reyes Padilla and Shelace Shoemaker Lead the Pack
The Figure category at the 2023 Masters Olympia is bursting with talent, featuring 20 outstanding competitors. Among them, Jessica Reyes Padilla stands out as a formidable force, having secured the runner-up position at the 2022 Figure Olympia. Not far behind, Shelace Shoemaker, who missed out on the top 15 at Vegas, is set to make a strong comeback, eyeing the coveted top spot. With such seasoned Olympia participants, this division promises intense competition and memorable performances.
- Jessica Baltazar
- Zulfiya Bitiyeva
- Alissa Carpio
- Kim Clark
- Her Eun
- Veronica Gallego
- Dee Jackson
- Yelena Larina
- Stella Miliani
- Corrie Morales
- Dorota Ogonowska
- Jessica Reyes Padilla
- Gina Palma
- Larissa Penaloza
- Jennifer Reece
- Shelace Shoemaker
- Roberta Visintainer
- Martyna Yabekova
FitnessÂ
Trio from 2022 Olympia Set to Dominate
Despite being the smallest division with just nine entrants, the Fitness category at the 2023 Masters Olympia promises fierce competition. The spotlight shines on three distinguished athletes who graced the 2022 Fitness Olympia stage: Tamara Vahn, Minna Pajulahti, and Stephanie Jones. With Vahn clinching the sixth spot, followed by Pajulahti in eighth and Jones in thirteenth, this trio is anticipated to be at the forefront of the competition, ensuring a thrilling contest for fitness enthusiasts.
- Marta Aguiar
- Maria Laura Cerbelli
- Debbie Fowler
- Stephanie Jones
- Sally Kendall-Williams
- Babette Mulford
- Minna Pajulhati
- Tamara Vahn
- Jenny Worth
BikiniÂ
An Opportunity Awaits as 21 Compete for the Crown
The 2023 Masters Olympia’s Bikini division promises a sizzling competition with 21 talented athletes vying for the coveted title. The spotlight will certainly be on Jessica Wilson, the lone contender who marked her presence at the 2022 Olympia, although she placed outside the top 15. However, the stage is also set for numerous regular competitors, who, despite missing out on previous Olympia events, see this as their golden opportunity. With the highest number of participants in this category, the race for the Bikini title is sure to be a thrilling spectacle!
- Merica Abbado
- Gigi Amurao
- Elisangela Angell
- Geri Lara-Berger
- Christy Brown
- Abbi Gaetano
- Larissa Godoi
- Nicole Guggia
- Kerryne Henich
- Janine Herrera
- Michelle Hurst
- Nicole Johnson
- Patricia Lloyd
- Ruth E. Montes
- Chelan Ashley Nour
- Susan Price
- Angela Ruscilli
- Nuca Freitas Samo
- Ayleen Santander
- Aneta Szoltysek
- Jessica Wilson
WellnessÂ
Spotlight on Stellar Contenders
The Wellness category at the 2023 Masters Olympia is set to be a riveting display of grace, strength, and symmetry with a line-up of 17 exceptional athletes. Among the competitors, notable names like Nicollette Burns, Cinzia Massaro Clapp, and Flora Conte are expected to shine. The eclectic mix of seasoned athletes like Clarissa Sanchez and upcoming stars like Elizabeth Williams promises to make this category one of the most unpredictable and exhilarating. Fans will also be eager to see performances from global representatives like Liliana Velez Marin and Simara Walter. With such a dynamic roster, the Wellness division is poised to be a standout event in this year’s competition.
- Nicollette Burns
- Cinzia Massaro Clapp
- Flora Conte
- Case DeLong
- Houda Hmini
- Liliana Velez Marin
- Oana arinescu
- Joann Norwood
- Alessandra Pinheiro
- Clarissa Sanchez
- Synara Santana
- Nerilde Garcia Strey
- Carly Thornton
- Dani Treiger
- Tania Isabel Cunha Viegas
- Simara Walter
- Elizabeth Williams
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Date, Location, Order of Events Schedule
Friday, August 25th
Check-ins
- 10:00am: Women’s Physique, Women’s Bodybuilding, Classic Physique, Wellness, 212 Bodybuilding
- 2:00pm: Fitness, Figure, Men’s Physique, Bikini, Open Bodybuilding
Legends Seminar
- 4:00pm – 6:00pm: Learn from the legends Jay Cutler and Neil Hill as they share their insights and tips on bodybuilding.
Saturday, August 26thÂ
- 12:00pm: PREJUDGING
- 4:00pm: FINALS
- Women’s Physique, Women’s Bodybuilding, Classic Physique, Wellness, 212 Bodybuilding
Sunday, August 27thÂ
- 12:00pm: PREJUDGING
- 4:00pm: FINALS
Fitness, Figure, Men’s Physique, Bikini, Open Bodybuilding
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Prize Money Breakdown for Each DivisionÂ
Athlete Criteria:Â Â Age Requirement 40+ (Participation based on application letters of intent)
Prize Money:  $229,000 – (third largest prize purse of the year)
Open Bodybuilding
- 1st: $20,000
- 2nd: $10,000
- 3rd: $5,000
- 4th: $3,000
- 5th: $2,000
212, Men’s Physique, Classic Physique, Bikini, Wellness, Fitness, Figure, Women’s Physique, Women’s Bodybuilding
- 1st: $10,000
- 2nd: $5,000
- 3rd: $3,000
- 4th: $2,000
- 5th: $1,000
Masters Olympia Former Champions
- Robby Robinson – 1994
- Sonny Schmidt – 1995
- Vince Taylor – 1996
- Vince Taylor – 1997
- Vince Taylor – 1998
- Vince Taylor – 1999
- Vince Taylor – 2000
- Vince Taylor – 2001
- Don Youngblood – 2002
- Claude Groulx – 2003
- Dexter Jackson – 2012
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Colosseum Strength Presents: The Grand Return of Masters Olympia 2023
Immerse yourself in a weekend of bodybuilding magnificence with Colosseum Strength from August 26th-27th, 2023. After more than a decade’s absence, the Masters Olympia is back. This year’s victors will be awarded not just with the gold but also with a generous cash prize and an exclusive qualification for the Mr. Olympia showdown in November. Join us for this historic 2023 event!
Featured Image @mastersolympiaofficial (Instagram)
