The IFBB Pro League’s 2023 Fitworld Pro Classic Physique bodybuilding competition is scheduled for Saturday, April 1, in Anaheim, CA. The 2022 edition of this contest was headlined by Men’s Physique, with Emanual Hunter coming out on top. This is the first time the Classic Physique division has been featured in this contest.
The 13-athlete lineup features a blend of new competitors and veterans. They all aim to qualify for the 2023 Olympia weekend in Orlando, FL, on the weekend of Nov. 2-5. None of the athletes in this contest have made their Olympia debut nor won a pro show before this event, according to NPC News Online.
2023 Fitworld Pro Classic Physique Show Roster
The full roster as of March 30, 2023, is below, with names in alphabetical order:
- Irfan Asghar
- Justin Badurina
- Eric L. Brown
- Konur Denli
- Daniil Famponte
- Mal Felix
- David Kampfe
- Paul Kanu
- Damien Patrick
- Kevin Sanchez
- Jason Strayhand
- Cameron D. Williams
- Khan Yalaman
The winner of this contest will qualify for the 2023 Olympia to compete for four-time reigning Classic Physique Olympia champion Chris Bumstead‘s crown. Below are details about three of the athletes who have the potential to claim that qualification.
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Damien Patrick
California’s Damien Patrick is one of the veterans in this lineup. He’s in his sixth season as an IFBB pro but has yet to win a show. He finished second overall at the 2021 Shawn Ray Hawaiian Classic Pro.
Patrick’s highest 2022 finish across his four pro show appearances was two fourth-place finishes at the Atlantic Coast Pro and the San Diego Championships. This will be the first show of his 2023 campaign.
Jason Strayhand
Like Patrick, Jason Strayhand kicks off his sixth full season in the IFBB Pro League at this show. He was the runner-up at his only 2022 appearance: the 2022 San Diego Championships, won by Tony Duong.
Strayhand hasn’t won a show yet in his career, but he has been on big stages before. In 2020, the Tempe, AZ, native competed in the Arnold Classic Physique contest, ranking eighth overall.
Konur Denli
One of the rookies in this lineup is Konur Denli, based in Las Vegas, NV. He turned pro by winning his class at the 2022 NPC USA Championships. This will be his pro debut.
Denli’s lower body development could impress the judges at this show. His legs were large and ripped in his final amateur contest, and he’s had close to eight months to improve since then.
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Featured Image: @damienpatrick on Instagram