It’s the largest IFBB Pro contest of 2013 this weekend as eighty-four total competitors will take the stage in four divisions – 212 Men’s Bodybuilding, Bikini and Men’s and Women’s Physique – at the Europa of Show of Champions in Orlando, Florida.
Fifteen of those competitors will compete in the first 212 Men’s Bodybuilding event of the year. Headlining the lineup is Troy Alves, the latest big name to make the switch to the 212 class. Alves won two contests in the Open division in 2011, but is coming off a disappointing 2012, a season during which he pulled out of one contest (Europa Supershow) and placed 9th in another (Masters Olympia).
But while the 46-year-old Alves is the biggest name in the lineup due to his success during his 12 years in the professional ranks, Marco Rivera enters as the favorite due to recent performances. Rivera, who turned pro at the 2011 NPC Nationals, finished second at last year’s Show of Champions behind Al Auguste. In three 212 contests last year, notched two runner-up finishes.
Patricia Mello returns to defend her title in the Women’s Physique division one week after her win at the Pro Grand Prix. With a win here, Mello can become the first competitor division history with three professional wins on her resume. It won’t be easy with 26 other competitors in the mix, one of the largest lineups in the history of the division.
Things aren’t as clear-cut in the other two divisions, but one thing is certain – we’ll be seeing a first-time winner in both Bikini and Men’s Physique, as none of the 41 competitors in those two divisions has a win on their resume.
COMPETITOR LISTS
212 MEN’S BODYBUILDING
BIKINI
MEN’S PHYSIQUE
WOMEN’S PHYSIQUE
