A relatively new springtime tradition in the world of bodybuilding is the Indy Pro. While the contest may not receive as much attention as a show like the Arnold Classic or the New York Pro, which actually takes place the weekend after this contest, the fans that have attended the Indy Pro have seen some great action.
The previous two champions of this contest have been Justin Rodriguez (2021) and Steve Kuclo (2018-19). Rodriguez is back to defend his title on Saturday, May 14th, but he has some serious opposition facing him. There are also the 212 and women’s bodybuilding contests to go along with the men’s open.
Men’s Open Bodybuilding
Blessing Awodibu
Slavoj Bednar
Maxx Charles
Ross Flanigan
Ron Gordon
Charles Griffen
Dorian Haywood
Matt Kouba
Walter Martin
Eslam Mohamed
Diogo Nunes
Justin Rodriguez
Ray Short
Brent Swansen
Top 3 Prediction
Justin Rodriguez
Rodriguez is the defending champion of this contest, and he could be considered the most established bodybuilder in the lineup. Rodriguez placed 8th in the 2021 Olympia, and he kicked off 2022 by finishing in fifth place at the Arnold Classic. If Rodriguez wants to return to the Olympia stage, then he needs to win this show to lock his qualification up. That said, he goes in as the favorite and is expected to go back-to-back in Indianapolis.
Blessing Awodibu
Awodibu competed in this contest last year, and he was talking loud about winning this show before moving on to the New York Pro. However, his conditioning wasn’t where he wanted it, and he finished in third. Nick Walker went on to win the New York Pro. Awodibu has improved considerably in the year since that contest, but he has to nail his peak on game day in order to move past the other favorites. A top three for him is a safe bet, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he competed with Rodriguez for the win.
Maxx Charles
Charles is the only other competitor in the lineup that has Olympia experience, but he hasn’t seen the victory spot on center stage in a while now. He was in the Arnold Classic lineup with Rodriguez, but he came in eighth place. He will very likely place very high in this contest, but he would need some help in the form of Rodriguez being off if he wants to take the win. However, this is why Rodriguez can’t leave the door open. Charles can and will walk through if he gets the chance.
Men's 212 Bodybuilding
Noel Adame
Abdullah Alsaif
Bryan Balzano
Peter Castella
Arturo Cotto
Broderick Credell
Joey Decaminada
LeLand DeVaughn
Yumon Eaton
Asante Gibson
Teddy Gray
Boas Oliveira
Enmanuel Rodriguez
Mark Smith
Top 3 Prediction
2019 Indy Pro 212 winner Noel Adame is back to try to win his second title at this contest. He is likely the biggest name in this lineup, but Indy could serve as a launching pad for a 212 star of the future. Aside from Adame, 2021 winner Tonio Burton pulled off an upset at this contest to make his name known. The guy that could do just that is Boas Oliveira, who placed third at the 2021 Puerto Rico Pro. Another name to watch out for is Peter Castella, who placed eighth at the New York Pro in 2021. This could very well be the top three in Indy this weekend.
Noel Adame
Boas Oliveira
Peter Castella
Women’s Bodybuilding
Jada Beverly
Stephanie Flesher
Theresa Ivancik
Lisa Kudrey
Donna Salib
Top 3 Prediction
Five women are currently scheduled to compete in the women’s bodybuilding lineup. Hometown athlete Stephanie Flesher will likely be the fans’ choice, but Theresa Ivancik has size, experience, and confidence. Then there’s Lisa Kudrey, who has placed in the top four of her last two shows. She was fourth at the Lenda Murray Savannah Pro, and she was the runner-up in the Toronto Pro. That is your likely top three in Indianapolis.
Theresa Ivancik
Lisa Kudrey
Stephanie Flesher
Some images sourced from Instagram.