There are three IFBB Pro League shows taking place on Saturday, May 27, but only the 2023 Palmetto Pro will include the Men’s Physique division.
Eighteen athletes aim to call themselves the Palmetto Pro champion by the end of the evening in Columbia, SC. Whoever does will add his name to the list of qualified athletes for the 2023 Men’s Physique Olympia in Orlando this November. According to the Olympia website, none of the athletes on the roster have yet qualified for the 2023 Olympia. The full roster for the 2023 Palmetto Pro is below in alphabetical order:
2023 Palmetto Pro Roster — Men’s Physique
- Daniel Ammons
- Chris Barr
- Darius Brooks
- Mike Christian
- Drew Cullen
- Darriel Dorsey
- Brandon Elam
- Ephram Mike Lawhorne
- Louis E. Lee
- Eddie Lusk III
- Puwanat Putoya
- Kevin Rascoe
- Jezreel Spencer
- Damar Turner
- Ranzino Valentine
- Deke Walker
- Roy Williams
- Marcus Wright
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Athletes to Watch
Below are three athletes who have had promising seasons so far in 2023 but have yet to convert a pro show win. It is likely the judges will have a keen eye on them during callouts.
Daniel Ammons
Ammons won two pro shows in 2022: the Tampa Pro and Texas Pro. However, he didn’t compete in the 2022 Men’s Physique Olympia contest won by Erin Banks.
Ammons is no stranger to the big stage; he competed at the Olympia in 2020 (13th) and 2021 (out of the top 15). He has competed once already in 2023, placing fourth in the New York Pro, won by Ryan Terry.
Chris Barr
Barr has competed twice in the 2023 season and placed in the top six at both shows, coming in third at the Charlotte Pro and sixth at the Pittsburgh Pro. He’s a second-year professional who has finished as high as second twice in his young career. Through the experience and knowledge gained at each show, Barr continues to reach more final callouts.
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Puwanat Putoya
Putoya has been active in 2023, having competed in three pro shows already. His best finish was third place at the St. Louis Pro behind winner Benquil Marigny. His lowest finish was ninth at the 2023 Pittsburgh Pro.
If Putoya makes the right adjustments before taking the stage, he could overtake the other favorites and win an Olympia qualification and his first pro show.
Featured Image: @fit_physiq on Instagram
