The 2023 Musclecontest International Ultimate Pro Classic Physique division show was held on Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in Curitiba, Brazil. Twelve athletes took the stage and faced the judges to determine a winner.
Gabriel Zancanelli emerged victorious and is now eligible to compete in the 2023 Olympia in Orlando, FL, on the weekend of Nov. 2-5, 2023. The final standings for all 12 men are below, courtesy of the IFBB Pro League website:
2023 Musclecontest International Ultimate Pro Results
- Gabriel Zancanelli (Brazil)
- Paulo Henrique (Brazil)
- Zardo (Brazil)
- Formiga (Brazil)
- Alan Dieime Costa Dos Reis (Brazil)
- Everson Costa (Brazil)
- Japa Physique (Brazil)
- Lua Souza (Brazil)
- Julio Gorila (Brazil)
- Linduarte Franca (Brazil)
- Rodrigo Coelho (Brazil)
- Maycan Viana (Brazil)
[Related: How Shaun Clarida Trains Legs 9 Weeks Out From the 2023 Olympia]
[Related: Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay Says He Will Not Compete at 2023 Mr. Olympia]
Winner — Gabriel Zancanelli
Zancanelli was the only athlete with past Olympia experience in this lineup, making him the early favorite. This contest was his 2023 season debut and his first professional win. Zancanelli won both the pre-judging and finals with perfect scores.
Zancanelli can spend the remaining time before the 2023 Olympia working to improve on his 13th-place physique at the 2022 Classic Physique Olympia in Las Vegas, NV, last December.
Second Place — Paulo Henrique
Paulo Henrique made his first appearance of the 2023 season at this show, resulting in his best career finish to date. Prior to this show, Henrique’s best result was fourth place at the 2021 Musclecontest Brazil Pro. The judges had him as the runner-up in both rounds of competition.
Third Place — Zardo
Zardo (Rogério Felizardo) only had one name listed on the scorecards. He was not on the original competitor list as of Sept. 22, 2023, making him a late entry into the contest. His physique was impressive enough for third place. No other information about him was shared, though this was his only pro show to date, according to NPC News Online.
[Related: Confirmed: Breon Ansley NOT Moving to 212 Division, Will Compete at 2023 Classic Physique Olympia]
This was one of three Classic Physique shows on this particular weekend. Courage Opara took the win at the 2023 San Antonio Pro, and the winner of the 2023 Dubai Pro was Terrence Ruffin. Both athletes are qualified for the 2023 Classic Physique Olympia.
The next Classic Physique show on the 2023 schedule is the Sheru Classic France Pro, which will take place on Sept. 30, 2023, in Lille, France.
Featured image: @gabrielzancanellipro on Instagram
