Anaheim, CA – Ross Flanigan Ross Flanigan wins at the highly anticipated 2023 Musclecontest California State Pro, held on May 27. The Men’s Open division witnessed an intense display of bodybuilding prowess as competitors vied for their exclusive invitations to the prestigious Mr. Olympia competition.
In a significant change to the Mr. Olympia qualification system, athletes now face the challenge of securing a first-place finish in a professional show to earn their rightful place on the grandest stage of the sport. This alteration marks a departure from the previous year’s points-based qualification process, intensifying the competition and raising the stakes for athletes.
The excitement was palpable as the event unfolded, with top contenders from around the nation showcasing their impressive physiques and striving for victory. Last week’s 2023 New York Pro, headlined by the Open class, saw Tonio Burton and Stuart Sutherland engage in a fierce battle for supremacy. However, it was Burton’s exceptional muscular fullness and impeccable muscle separation that propelled him to victory, solidifying his reputation as a formidable force in the bodybuilding world.
Returning to the stage in Anaheim, Burton and Sutherland faced an unexpected challenger in Sergio Oliva Jr. The bodybuilding community buzzed with anticipation as Oliva Jr., following a last-minute decision, entered the competition. Leading up to the event, Oliva Jr. shared consistent updates, providing glimpses into his rigorous training regimen and revealing his impressive weight of approximately 286 pounds. With his formidable physique and determination, Oliva Jr. aimed to make a significant impact in the competition.
Following an intense showdown, it was Ross Flanigan who emerged victorious, captivating the audience with his exceptional physique and stage presence. Flanigan’s remarkable achievements at the 2023 Musclecontest California State Pro earned him a coveted spot at the 2023 Mr. Olympia, where he will compete against the most elite bodybuilders in the world.
The event’s complete results have been officially announced. Check out the details below:
2023 Musclecontest California State Pro Results
- Winner — Ross Flanigan
- Second Place — Tonio Burton
- Third Place — Sergio Oliva Jr.
- Fourth Place — Stuart Sutherland
- Fifth Place — Slavoj Bednar
- Sixth Place — Mike Hulusi
- Seventh Place — Seungchul Lee
- Eighth Place — Mariusz Tomczuk
- Ninth Place — Nathan Dandridge
- Tenth Place — Thierry Dangea Afandonougbo
The 2023 California State Pro also featured the highly anticipated return of Sergio Oliva Jr. After residing in Dubai for the past year, Sergio faced travel restrictions that delayed his comeback to the competitive stage.
Despite the circumstances, Sergio showcased fantastic conditioning, although the last-minute return to the USA hindered him from being at his absolute best. Nonetheless, securing a commendable third-place finish after a significant hiatus from the stage was an impressive achievement.
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Reflecting on the event and his emotions afterward, Sergio expressed:
“When I used to see people say ‘I’m just so happy to be on stage,’ I was like 🙄 But this time, for me, it means something different. I wanted to come for this win, of course, but it genuinely felt great to be free to do what I want in my life.”
“I did everything I could for this show (everything), and I have never worked as hard in my life.” Despite the challenges, Sergio made no excuses, acknowledging the exceptional conditioning displayed by fellow competitors such as @andrewjacked and @hadi_choopan, who traveled and still managed to nail their condition. He emphasized his return and the liberation from being trapped, stating, “No matter what, I’m back and never have to worry about being trapped again. No prep will ever be harder after this nightmare.”
Watch the interview with Ross Flanigan after his victory in the show below:
Watch Ross Flanigan’s captivating posing routine below:
2023 Musclecontest California State Pro Official Scorecard
We at MiddleEasy extend our congratulations to the winner on their significant victory!
