The 2023 Musclecontest International Mercosul Pro bodybuilding show will be held on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023, in Novo Hamburgo, Brazil. This contest is one of the final pro shows of the year, and it will feature the IFBB Pro League Men’s Physique division. Seven athletes are slated to compete, the winner of whom will earn qualification for the 2024 Men’s Physique Olympia in Las Vegas, NV, on Oct. 10-13, 2024.
2023 Musclecontest International Mercosul Pro Roster
The seven athletes, all of whom will represent the host country, are listed below in alphabetical order:
- Emmanuel Costa (Brazil)
- Lucas Lage (Brazil)
- Renato Menezes (Brazil)
- Diogo Montenegro (Brazil)
- Adailton Nepomuceno (Brazil)
- Vincinius Resende (Brazil)
- Kaique Santos (Brazil)
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Diogo Montenegro
This contest will likely come down to two athletes with Olympia experience: Diogo Montenegro and Emmanuel Costa. Montenegro made his intentions to compete in this show known the week before.
Montenegro is coming off a fifth-place finish at the 2023 Men’s Physique Olympia, won by Ryan Terry. Montenegro has finished as high as third on the Olympia stage. While fifth place is impressive, it wasn’t enough to qualify for the 2024 Olympia. Thus, Montenegro needs to win a show to earn hi spot in the 2024 Olympia lineup. His experience and success should serve him well in a smaller show like this.
Emmanuel Costa
Costa was also on the 2024 Olympia stage in Orlando, FL, but finished outside the top 15. He was the winner of the 2023 Sur Pro Cup in Chile — his pro debut. As the defending champion, he aims to fend off Montenegro. Costa he will have to be in his absolute best shape ever to do it.
Renato Menenez
Renato Menenez doesn’t have the accomplishments of Montenegro or Costa, but Menenez has been competitive in his four showings in 2023. His best finish was seventh in the Mile High Pro in Denver, CO, won by Riccardo Croci. Menenez has been a pro since 2018, but still seeks his first pro win and Olympia qualification.
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