The stacked 2026 New York Pro is almost here. In a YouTube video from May 7, bodybuilding veterans Iain Valliere, Seth Feroce, and Akim Williams shared their top 10 Men’s Open predictions.
Originally named the Night of Champions, the New York Pro has a rich history in the IFBB Pro League. It’s the third-most prestigious contest on the calendar, behind only the Arnold Classic and Mr. Olympia. Athletes who’ve claimed gold at the New York Pro have gone on to win the Sandow trophy, including Phil Heath, Brandon Curry, and Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay.
Last year, Nick Walker secured his third New York Pro title, but opted not to defend it in 2026. That leaves room for a new champion to emerge, and the stakes are high. In addition to an impressive cash prize, a Mr. Olympia qualification awaits the winner.
Bodybuilding Veterans Share Their Top 10 Open Picks for the 2026 New York Pro
Find their picks from the video below:
Iain Valliere
- Winner — Tonio Burton
- Second Place — Michal Krizo
- Third Place — Rafael Brandao
- Fourth Place — Patrick Moore
- Fifth Place — Blessing Awodibu
- Sixth Place — Daniel Goss
- Seventh Place — Nathan Epler
- Eighth Place — Eiren Gauley
- Ninth Place — Oluwatobi Ishola
- Tenth Place — Dorian Haywood
Seth Feroce
- Winner — Tonio Burton
- Second Place — Michal Krizo
- Third Place — Daniel Goss
- Fourth Place — Rafael Brandao
- Fifth Place — Blessing Awodibu
- Sixth Place — Patrick Moore
- Seventh Place — Nathan Epler
- Eighth Place — Eiren Gauley
- Ninth Place — Oluwatobi Ishola
- Tenth Place — Vincenzo Masone
Akim Williams
- Winner — Tonio Burton
- Second Place — Michal Krizo
- Third Place — Daniel Goss
- Fourth Place — Eiren Gauley
- Fifth Place — Patrick Moore
- Sixth Place — Blessing Awodibu
- Seventh Place — Nathan Epler
- Eighth Place — Oluwatobi Ishola
- Ninth Place — Vincenzo Masone
Interestingly, all three bodybuilders backed Tonio Burton for the win. Having placed eighth at the 2025 Mr. Olympia, he’s got momentum on his side. In Burton’s last outing, he dominated the Mexico Pro. But he has to get through frontrunner Michal ‘Krizo’ Krizanek, who’s ready to turn in a statement performance.
Krizo’s confidence soared after his triumph at the ESN British Grand Prix Pro. As a result, Chris Aceto and Milos Sarcev have labeled the Slovakian bodybuilder the most dangerous of the roster.
Fans also expect a strong performance from Brazilian star Rafael Brandao. He finished sixth place at the 2026 Arnold Classic Ohio, but plans to bring more size and conditioning to the East Coast. Other names like Patrick Moore and Blessing Awodibu could shake up the lineup, as well.
Don’t miss the 2026 New York Pro from May 8-9 in Teaneck, New Jersey. Fitness Volt will have live coverage!
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