Musclecontest California Pro 2023: Sensational victory of Ross Flanigan | Results and report

The next in a series of professional competitions under the banner of the Jim Manion IFBB League took place this weekend in Anaheim, California. However, due to a modification of the qualification system for Mr. Olympia, several heavyweights in the Open category had to fight for one single qualifying invitation to the prestigious competition and no intermediate points. And that the starting roster promised a really tight competition was clear at first sight.

Predictions before the races

Bodybuilding fans will have noticed three names on the list of participants - Tonio Burton, a well-prepared competitor who dominated the recent New York PRO, Sergio Oliva Jr. who was unable to leave Dubai for a long time due to a car accident, and Stuart Sutherland, who gave Tonio quite a hard time at the aforementioned New York competition and was definitely a force to be reckoned with. So these three riders were definitely hot favourites to win, and many experts didn't think much of anything else. The Czech fans could of course keep their fingers crossed for Slavoj, but he didn't have much of a chance in a crowded competition (and even more so for foreign analysts, who often don't take Czech bodybuilders into account).

The course of the competition

From the very beginning it was quite clear that at least part of the experts' predictions would come true, as the first semi-final call-up put Burton and Sergio Oliva Jr. side by side, but it was obvious that his form was not quite ideal under the weight of the previous vicissitudes. The aforementioned car accident even resulted in a fatality, and Sergio, although later found not guilty, had to spend some time in a Dubai prison. But the eyes of the fans must have been on the famously prepared Ross Flanigan, who showed really perfect form. For the Czech fans, it could be good news that Slavoj Bednar made it to the second call-up and the comparison with his competitors could suggest that he could be aiming for the Top 5 at this prestigious and big-name contest. In the second callout he posed in the middle of the line and it looked like he could indeed join Flanigan, Burton, Sutherland and the aforementioned Sergio Oliva Jr. in this elite company.

And that is exactly what was confirmed at the awards ceremony. Although this well-prepared Czech racer has aspired to great placings many times, he has only managed to make it into the top five twice in his career (perhaps due to the judges' stern looks and the intense competition). And it's great that the second time was now, at the age of forty-two, when he is about to show his age at the Romanian Olympia Masters after his series of races in the United States.

Fourth place was eventually taken by Sutherland, which meant that third place would belong to Sergio, whose form was far from ideal, but considering all the implications of the last few weeks, I guess nothing more could have been expected. It must be added, however, that despite taking the bronze medal, he was absolutely no match for Burton and Flanigan, who by this point were clear that they were going to share the win, in terms of preparation, sharpness and indeed presentation.

Second place eventually went to Tonio Burton, who again showed sensational form, but unfortunately it was not enough to win the race, which was rightly won by Ross Flanigan. Tonio need not be sad, however, because he will definitely have the opportunity to compete with Ross at the prestigious Olympia, which will take place in six months' time, in November. In the meantime, however, you can look forward to a whole host of other competitions, which we will keep you informed in due course.

Top 5 competitors of California Pro 2023