The third most prestigious contest of the calendar is less than one week away. In a YouTube video from May 4, 2026, bodybuilding coach Chris Aceto broke down the top Open threats competing at the New York Pro.
Men’s Open competitors have another chance to ensure participation at the Mr. Olympia. It comes at this weekend’s New York Pro, hosted by head judge Steve Weinberger. The annual contest is steeped in bodybuilding history, having seen countless stars emerge victorious, including Kai Greene, Phil Heath, and Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay.
This season’s lineup is packed with star power. Slovakian mass monster Michal ‘Krizo’ Krizanek is back after earning bronze last year. He’s playing with house money; Krizo already qualified for the Mr. Olympia thanks to his dominant ESN British Grand Prix Pro victory.
Other contenders stand out, like Tonio Burton and Brazil’s Rafael Brandao. They have a rivalry dating back to their encounter at the 2024 Arnold Classic South America. With the show approaching, Aceto laid out what he sees happening onstage.
Chris Aceto Says Burton Has Fewer Weaknesses But Krizo More Dangerous at 2026 New York Pro
In the Rx Muscle – Truth in Bodybuilding YouTube video, Aceto labeled Krizo the most dangerous in the lineup.
“If Krizo can put it together, he’s the more dangerous of the three, to some extent. Because he’s taller, he’s bigger, he’s wider; he’s got shoulders and arms. If these pictures on Instagram [are accurate], that’s damn impressive.”
He believes each contender has a notable strength. However, he warned Krizo that showcasing a flat back could cost him:
“It comes down to three totally different physiques. The best pure physique for flow is Rafael. The best bodybuilder is Tonio. The biggest impact is Krizo. I guess, depending on how all those body parts look on each individual onstage, that’s what it’s going to come down to. In other words, Krizo can’t come in with a flat back.”
Though Burton doesn’t have Krizo’s mass, Aceto emphasized that he has no gaps in his physique.
“Tonio… he’s not the biggest guy. You know, he’s not small, but there’s no gaps there. He’s got the taper from behind on the back double, he’s got the glutes and hams for weeks and weeks, in this picture. He won’t be the biggest guy onstage, that’ll be Krizo, but you don’t have to be the biggest guy onstage,” Chris Aceto said.
Whoever claims gold at the New York Pro will take home an impressive cash prize and a qualification for the Mr. Olympia. The event takes place from May 8-9, and still, Aceto isn’t totally sure who will win.
“All three of those guys are all really, really, really impressive in their own right. You won’t know until you see them next to each other. I’d say Tonio has got the least weaknesses of that group. That back reminds me of Bonac’s back.”
