It’s still early in the IFBB Pro League season, but Steve Kuclo is already in midseason form. After starting the season in Columbus with a 6th place finish at the Arnold Classic, the Texas firefighter showed up in Indianapolis, Indiana ready to improve on that placing. The final result was him holding off a couple up and coming pros as well as one newcomer and ultimately taking the victory and earning a qualification for the 2019 Mr. Olympia later this year.
1st – Steve Kuclo
Kuclo wasn’t bad in Columbus at all but he was improved here. In the prejudging, it was looking like it would be him and Akim Williams posing down for the win. More fullness as well as great condition played factors in him overpowering Williams as well as the rest of the field. As always his routine entertained the crowd. This is his second straight victory at this event.
2nd – Akim Williams
Williams was undoubtedly the best he’s ever been here. He’s bigger this season than he’s ever been but the issue had been conditioning. It has been much improved but not quite enough to overtake Kuclo. He’s also known for his posing ability but posing isn’t scored at this event.
3rd – Hassan Mostafa
The native of Egypt isn’t as big of a name as the two who finished ahead of him but he did a good job of making his name more known this weekend. While he presented quality muscle his midsection was the subject of criticism so this is what may have influenced the judges to place Williams ahead of him. Nonetheless, he still exceeded expectations and will be someone to watch as the season progresses.
4th – Luke Sandoe
This is Luke’s third show in less than a month and competing at this level that many times in a row can take a toll on the body. That might have been what happened to Luke. He started off the season with a bang finishing 3rd at the Arnold Classic and finishing in the Top 5 at Australia. He’s racking up points which can help him qualify for the Olympia but he might need to take a break after three shows in a row.
2019 Indy Pro Results
1st – Steve Kuclo
2nd – Akim Williams
3rd – Hassan Mostafa
4th – Luke Sandoe
5th – Justin Luis Rodriguez
6th – Dorian Haywood
Other Notes
Noel Adams of Texas won the 212 division show here and also earned a qualification for the Olympia. With Flex Lewis no longer competing in this division, there will be a lot of attention here to see who will become the new champion. Aaron Polites of Australia finished 2nd and Germany’s Enrico Hoffman finished 3rd.
Eli Fernandez of Mexico will be returning to the Olympia in September thanks to winning the bikini show this weekend. Hannah Ranfranz finished as the runner-up and Jessica Palmer finished 3rd.
Featured image: @stevekuclo on Instagram
