The 2023 Tampa Pro, a qualifying event for the Mr. Olympia competition, is set to take place from August 3-5 in Tampa, Florida. This year’s contest will feature ten divisions, including Men’s Open, 212 Bodybuilding, Classic Physique, Men’s Physique, Women’s Bodybuilding, Women’s Physique, Figure, Fitness, Bikini, and Wellness. The qualification process for the Mr. Olympia contest has become more challenging this year, as the point system has been removed. Athletes now need to win a Pro show before October 9 to secure their spot. The 2023 Mr. Olympia competition will be held in Orlando, Florida, at the Orange County Convention Center from November 2-5. Last year’s Men’s Open winner, Akim Williams, will not be defending his title, leaving the door open for a new champion to emerge. The winner of the Tampa Pro will have the opportunity to compete against the reigning Mr. Olympia, Hadi Choopan, in less than three months.
The first day of the 2023 Tampa Pro showcased some impressive performances. Here are the winners from each division:
– Men’s Open: To be announced
– 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: To be announced
– Bikini: To be announced
– Wellness: To be announced
In the 212 Bodybuilding division, the top contenders during the prejudging rounds were Diego Montoya, Mahamed Embaby, and Fabricio de Souza Moreira. All three athletes showcased impressive conditioning and balanced proportions. As the day progressed, Mohamed Embaby and Fabricio de Souza Moreira stood out to the judging panel. Embaby had previously finished third at the 2023 Chicago Pro, while Moreira had placed third at the 2022 Chicago Pro. In the end, Moreira’s conditioning and dryness secured him the first-place finish and a qualification for the 2023 Mr. Olympia. Mahamed Embaby took second place, and Diego Montoya finished third.
The Classic Physique division saw strong competition from Carlos Dommar and Matthew Greggo. Both athletes displayed their trademark conditioning and complete upper bodies during the prejudging rounds. Greggo had previously placed fourth at the 2023 Lenda Murray Atlanta Pro, while Dommar was coming off a victory at the same show. Greggo’s impressive physique on the day earned him first place and a qualification for the 2023 Olympia. Dommar and Robert Waterhouse took second and third place, respectively.
The Men’s Physique division featured standout performances from Jeremiah Maxey and Arya Saffaie during the prejudging rounds. Both athletes showcased artful posing routines and excellent stage presentation. Maxey had previously competed at the 2022 Atlantic Coast Pro, where he placed sixth. Saffaie, on the other hand, had participated in the 2022 Olympia but failed to crack the top 15. This time, Saffaie dominated the competition and secured his qualification for the 2023 Olympia. Maxey finished in second place, followed by Alexander Toplyn in third.
In the Women’s Bodybuilding category, Theresa Ivancik, Nicki Chartrand, and Michaela Aycock stood out during the prejudging rounds with their impressive muscularity. The judges had a tough decision to make, as all three athletes brought their best to the stage. Chartrand had taken a break from competing in 2022 and had previously placed eighth at the 2021 Rising Phoenix and Arizona Pro shows. Aycock, on the other hand, came into the contest with momentum after claiming silver at the 2023 Lenda Murray Atlanta Pro. After a fierce battle, Aycock emerged as the winner, with Chartrand in second place and Ivancik in third.
The Women’s Physique division garnered attention during the prejudging rounds, with Ivie Rhein and Jeannie Feldman showcasing exceptional conditioning. Rhein had previously placed fifth at the 2022 Olympia, while Feldman finished sixth at the same event. Both athletes were determined to come out on top. In the end, Feldman’s physique stood out, securing her the first-place finish. Rhein took second place, and Robyn Mays finished in third.
The Figure division kicked off with a strong showing from all competitors. Oyku Basar and Queren Pacheco were the frontrunners vying for the gold. After intense comparisons, Pacheco emerged as the winner, with Basar as the runner-up.
The 2023 Tampa Pro showcased incredible talent and fierce competition across all divisions. The winners have earned the opportunity to compete at the prestigious 2023 Mr. Olympia, where they will face off against the best in the world.
