One of the busiest weekends on the IFBB Pro League schedule includes the 2023 Musclecontest International Bahia Pro show. This Men’s Physique competition is scheduled for Saturday, June 3, in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil.
Sixteen pro contestants, all from Brazil, will compete for the title and qualification for the 2023 Olympia Weekend in Orlando, FL, on Nov. 2-5. The athletes are listed below with names in alphabetical order:
2023 Musclecontest International Bahia Pro Roster — Men’s Physique
- Tadeu Veras Albuquerque
- Gil Batista
- Fabio Campo
- Emmanuel Costa
- Jussie Dantas Da Silva
- Guilherme Gualberto
- Lucas Lage
- Vinicius Mateus Veiro Lima
- Jefferson Lima
- Kennedy Maciel Santos
- Maiki Massario Ono
- Nicholas Maciel Rangel
- Everton W. B. Ribeiro
- Mailson Araujo Santos
- Marivando Hermes Da Silva
- Lucas Viudes
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Athletes to Watch
Below are three athletes likely to catch the eyes of the judges during callouts:
Emmanuel Costa
Costa is already qualified for the 2023 Olympia, so if he wins in Salvador, he will block the Olympia qualification from one of his rivals. Placing second will not help the cause, as only pro-show winners advance to the 2023 Olympia.
Costa is two for two as a pro since his debut in 2022. He won the 2022 Musclecontest Mercosul Pro and the 2023 Sur Cup Chile Pro. He is almost certainly the favorite to win this show and could build further momentum for the Olympia.
Gil Batista
Batista is a third-year pro who has only competed in Brazil. His best showing was third place at the 2022 Musclecontest Mercosul Pro, won by Costa and silver medaled by Everton Ribeiro.
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Although Costa will compete against Batista again in Salvador, Batista has had time to fine-tune his physique after feedback from his previous contest. That maturity may translate to better results this time around.
Guilherme Gualberto
This is Gualberto’s pro debut. He impressed the judges and fans by turning pro at the 2022 Arnold South America Amateur show. He has great abs and wide shoulders — both calling cards for Men’s Physique athletes.
It might surprise the eyes of many if Gualberto wins in Salvador, but it’s certainly possible. If he’s ready to step on a pro stage, which can feel much different than the amateur level, expect fireworks.
Featured image: @emmanuelcostapro on Instagram
