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The 2022 Tampa Pro is set to take place on Saturday, August 6th at the Grand Hyatt in Tampa, Florida. This contest has become a top tier contest since it debuted in 2008, and it has become a title everyone wants to add to their lists of victories. Let’s take a look at the ten contests that will be held in the Sunshine State.
MEN’S OPEN
The favorite going into this show would be Akim Williams, who had placed as high as 6th at the Olympia. However, the buzz has been generated by 2019 Olympia 212 winner, Kamal Elgargni, who will be making his open debut at this contest. In spite of this being his first go against the big boys, his shape and symmetry, along with a very successful offseason, will put him right into the mix. We may be bias, but we think Quinton “Beastwood” Eriya of Canada will also be in that callout, and make his way into the top three of this contest.
Akim Williams
Kamal Elgargni
Quinton Eriya
Phil Clahar
Tim Budesheim
212
Keone Pearson’s return to 212 division is highly anticipated, and we expect the two-time Chicago Pro winner to add Tampa to his victory list. It won’t be easy for him, however, because former New York Pro 212 winner Nathan Epler will be right alongside him in the callouts. The hometown boy, Derik Oslan will also be in that callout, and we expect a top three finish from him.
Keone Pearson
Nathan Epler
Derik Oslan
CLASSIC PHYSIQUE
Courage Opara was considered a threat to the Olympia title at one point in his career, but he hasn’t won a contest since 2020. He enters this contest. He’s the only man on this list who was in the 2021 Olympia, where he finished 15th. Watch for 2021 NPC Nationals winner Daniel Sullivan 2020 NPC USA Middleweight winner Matt Maldonado to make the most out of their pro debuts at this show by placing higher than expected.
Courage Opara
Matt Maldonado
Daniel Sullivan
MEN’S PHYSIQUE
Josh Bridgman came close to winning in Vancouver, but Charjo Grant held him off. He will be in the mix for this title as well, but former Arnold Classic winner Andre Ferguson is a superstar and is hungry to pick up yet another win. Micah Thomas Jr. Will make the top three as well. The winner depends on the day, but we think Ferguson ultimately takes it.
Andre Ferguson
Josh Bridgman
Micah Thomas Jr.
WOMEN’S BODYBUILDING
The top two ladies in this lineup could be Janeen Lankowski and Sheena Ohlig, both of which were in the Ms. Olympia last year. Ohlig finished 4th in Chicago, and hopes to make the necessary changes to take the title in Tampa. Standing in their way is Chelsea Dion, who made her pro debut in Chicago and placed third. We see her pulling off the upset in this very competitive lineup.
Chelsea Dion
Sheena Ohlig
Janeen Lankowski
WOMEN’S PHYSIQUE
Lenka Ferencukova was 13th at the 2021 Olympia, and she’s the defending champion of this contest. Once again, we see the title holder leaving with her second Tampa title, but it won’t be a cakewalk by any stretch of the imagination. Heather Grace is a veteran that has been on the Olympia stage six times, placing as high as third. That experience warrants consideration when picking a champion. Canada’s Eve Gagnon is a Masters competitor, but she finished in the top five of the open at the Toronto Pro. This is a big field, but she can represent her home country well by turning in a top three performance.
Lenka Ferencukova
Heather Grace
Eve Gagnon
FITNESS
Aurika Tyrgale is the defending champion, and she is coming off a 10th place finish at the Olympia, which means she needs to win in order to qualify for the 2022 Olympia. She can and we think will go back-to-back, but Michelle Gales and Cong Mou will make it interesting. Don’t sleep on Maria Laura Cerbelli out of Canada, either. This will be her first contest of 2022, and she could spoil the party for everyone.
Aurika Tyrgale
Michelle Gales
Cong Mou
FIGURE
There are 32 women in the Figure lineup, and it has never disappointed when it comes to the competitiveness. The first name that jumps out is Jessica Reyes Padilla, who would be the favorite for almost everyone that knows the division. Watch for Autumn Cleveland to hold her own and stand out in this deep lineup as well. Third place could be anybody’s for the taking, but we’re going to watch Danielle Rose, who was second place at the 2022 Puerto Rico Pro in June.
Jessica Reyes Padilla
Autumn Cleveland
Danielle Rose
BIKINI
Romina Basualdo is a top ten Olympia competitor, and she is a two-time New York Pro winner. Even in a lineup this deep, that can’t be ignored. Joining her in the first and final callouts will be Jasmine Gonzalez, who also has Olympia experience. Shelby Pierce can also finish in the top three. This will be her first contest of 2022.
Romina Basualdo
Jasmine Gonzalez
Shelby Pierce
WELLNESS
None of these athletes were in the Olympia last year, and this division is still very new. Alexis Adams just turned pro at the 2022 NPC Junior Nationals, and she’s wasting no time making her pro debut. Lili Dong turned pro at the NPC Nationals in 2021, and this would be a great platform to make a first impression. Kat Williams was in this show last year, and she placed sixth. We see her moving up to the top three. The order of finish is anyone’s guess, but here’s ours.
Alexis Adams
Kat Williams
Lili Dong
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