As the third-most prestigious show of the year, the 2026 New York Pro continues its legacy in the IFBB Pro League. In a YouTube video from May 7, 2026, bodybuilding veterans Dennis James, Milos Sarcev, and Chris Cormier shared their top five Men’s Open picks ahead of the event.
The annual New York Pro, hosted by Steve Weinberger, is known for being a highly competitive show. In 2025, mass monster Nick Walker laid claim to his third title, but he’s not competing this year. That means a new titleholder will emerge and solidify themselves as a possible Mr. Olympia contender.
The New York Pro has been a staple in the calendar for decades and was once called the Night of Champions. Big-name athletes have won the competition, including Dexter Jackson, Roelly Winklaar, and Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay. With the stakes as high as ever, some of the sport’s brightest minds broke down what might transpire onstage.
Bodybuilding Veterans Share Top 5 Men’s Open Predictions for the 2026 New York Pro
Find their picks from the YouTube video below:
Dennis James
- Winner — Tonio Burton
- Second Place — Michal Krizo
- Third Place — Rafael Brandao
- Fourth Place — Patrick Moore
- Fifth Place — Blessing Awodibu
Chris Cormier
- Winner — Michal Krizo
- Second Place — Tonio Burton
- Third Place — Rafael Brandao
- Fourth Place — Patrick Moore
- Fifth Place — Blessing Awodibu
Milos Sarcev
- Winner — Michal Krizo
- Second Place — Tonio Burton
- Third Place — Rafael Brandao
- Fourth Place — Nathan Epler
- Fifth Place — Patrick Moore
A few contenders stand out, and that includes the Slovakian star Michal ‘Krizo’ Krizanek. He already qualified for the Mr. Olympia, thanks to his big win at the 2025 ESN British Grand Prix Pro. From full days of eating, training sessions, to physique updates, Krizo has invited his fans along for the ride before his first bodybuilding show of 2026.
Tonio Burton’s physique is on everyone’s radar. Thus far, Dennis James, Akim Williams, Seth Feroce, and Iain Valliere have all predicted him to win. However, notable coaches of the sport, like Chris Aceto, have underlined how dangerous Krizo is when his conditioning and fullness match each other.
Another name attracting attention is Brazilian star, Rafael Brandao. He put on five kilograms of mass quickly in hopes of restoring his momentum in the Open class. He recently fell to sixth place at the stacked 2026 Arnold Classic Ohio.
On paper, the Men’s Open contest looks extremely close and could come down to the smallest margins. Don’t miss the 2026 New York Pro from May 8-9 in Teaneck, New Jersey. Fitness Volt will have live results coverage.
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