For the second time in bodybuilding history, the Pittsburgh Pro will feature Men’s Open competitors. In a YouTube video from May 12, 2026, industry expert Bob Cicherillo revealed his top two predictions days before the event kicks off.
In addition to a large cash prize, the newly crowned Pittsburgh Pro champ will secure a coveted Mr. Olympia qualification. Time is running out; competitors have from September 15, 2025, to August 30, 2026, to qualify for the prestigious show.
The Pittsburgh Pro could conclude similarly to the recent New York Pro contest. In the finals, mass monster Michal ‘Krizo’ Krizanek battled Tonio Burton for gold. Ultimately, Burton’s conditioning and posing sealed the deal. However, looking at this lineup, Cicherillo contends that Burton could have his hands full with Brandon Curry.
Bob Cicherillo’s Top 2 Men’s Open Predictions for the 2026 Pittsburgh Pro
Find his picks from the video below:
- Winner — Brandon Curry
- Second Place — Tonio Burton
In the video, Cicherillo highlighted Curry as the favorite in Pittsburgh and argued Burton would be his biggest threat.
“I’m going out on a limb here, and people are going to roast me, but I think Brandon’s the favorite favorite to win. And I think he can beat Tonio possibly.”
Should Curry present comparable conditioning to Burton, Cicherillo is adamant that his thickness, width, and symmetry will carry him to victory.
“Well, here’s the factor. We got to look at Brandon, Antonio, and the question is does Brandon have enough conditioning to hang with Tonio? Because Tonio has a little bit better, sharper conditioning. Brandon, he’s thicker, he’s wider, his symmetry has always been fantastic,” Bob Cicherillo said.
On paper, Curry is the most decorated Open competitor on the roster. He won the 2019 Mr. Olympia and the Arnold Classic twice, proof that he can take out the world’s best when he nails his peak. While Cicherillo believes Curry is most likely to win, Lee Priest had a different take. He argued Burton had the tools to beat Curry when the two hit the stage.
Beyond these top two names, fans have backed other competitors, including Rafael Brandao. The Brazilian standout took bronze at the stacked 2026 New York Pro. Additionally, Blessing Awodibu and Patrick Moore could pull off upsets.
The 2026 Pittsburgh Pro is shaping up to be one of the most competitive shows of the season. Our team at Fitness Volt will have live coverage of the action from May 16-17 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
RELATED: Nick Walker Shuts Down 2026 Pittsburgh Pro Rumors: ‘Sorry to Burst Everyone’s Bubble’
