The highly anticipated 2026 Pittsburgh Pro is around the corner. In a YouTube video from May 13, bodybuilding veterans Iain Valliere and Seth Feroce shared their top 10 Men’s Open predictions ahead of the event.
Former 2019 Mr. Olympia and two-time Arnold Classic champ Brandon Curry plans to make a statement. He continues to prove himself in the packed division, having laid claim to a fifth-place finish at the 2026 Arnold Classic Ohio.
This test run helped Curry pull off a stronger peak overseas at the Arnold Classic UK. In Birmingham, he battled against Chinedu Andrew ‘Jacked’ Obiekea en route to a silver medal finish. However, Curry faces a deep lineup in Pittsburgh, including Tonio Burton.
Burton has built significant momentum, thanks to his triumph at the 2026 New York Pro. He stands out as a top favorite days out from the contest. Bodybuilding great Lee Priest liked Burton’s chances and predicted he could leave with his hand raised. Taking a closer look at who’s competing, Valliere and Feroce opened up on how the show might end.
Bodybuilding Veterans Give Their Top 10 Men’s Open Predictions for the 2026 Pittsburgh Pro
Find their picks from the Bro Chat podcast below:
Iain Valliere
- Winner — Brandon Curry
- Second Place — Tonio Burton
- Third Place — Michal Krizo
- Fourth Place — Rafael Brandao
- Fifth Place — Sasan Heirati
- Sixth Place — Blessing Awodibu
- Seventh Place — Chris Miller
- Eighth Place — Patrick Moore
- Ninth Place — Nathan Epler
- Tenth Place — Ronald Gordon
Seth Feroce
- Winner — Brandon Curry
- Second Place — Tonio Burton
- Third Place — Michal Krizo
- Fourth Place — Sasan Heirati
- Fifth Place — Rafael Brandao
- Sixth Place — Chris Miller
- Seventh Place — Blessing Awodibu
- Eighth Place — Patrick Moore
- Ninth Place — Nathan Epler
- Tenth Place — Ronald Gordon
The event is just days away, prompting big names in the sport to offer their picks. Olympia MC Bob Cicherillo was one of the latest; he sees Curry pulling off the victory. Cicherillo believes Curry’s width, thickness, and symmetry could be Burton’s kryptonite despite the Open star’s sharper conditioning.
“I’m going out on a limb here, and people are going to roast me, but I think Brandon’s the favorite to win. And I think he can beat Tonio possibly,” shared Bob Cicherillo.
Pittsburgh will witness a packed house, with some dark horses capable of pulling off upsets. Krizo could easily contend for gold, and he doesn’t have to worry about an Olympia qualification. The Slovakian native earned his way by winning the 2025 ESN British Grand Prix. Additionally, Rafael Brandao, Patrick Moore, and Blessing Awodibu could surprise fans.
Don’t miss Fitness Volt’s live coverage of the 2026 Pittsburgh Pro from May 16-17 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
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