Jim Manion’s 2023 Pittsburgh Pro just rounded out its star-studded lineup. In a recent Instagram post, the Pittsburgh Pro announced Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay and Samson Dauda will join Nick Walker, Derek Lunsford, Shaun Clarida, and Hunter Labrada on stage.
With the Manion family name attached to this event, it’s quickly become a must-watch on the bodybuilding calendar. Last year’s Pittsburgh Pro showcased a number of memorable guest posing appearances. Initially, Elssbiay was expected to perform but he was unable to show up, citing difficulties with his flight. Some in the sport, like Ramy’s trainer, Dennis James, expressed concern for Ramy and said it was a mistake.
A few weeks later, Ramy issued an emotional apology to the IFBB Pro League and to Jim Manion for missing the guest posing obligation. Instead, 2022 Mr. Olympia runner-up Derek Lunsford took Elssbiay’s place and stole the show along with Nick Walker, Hunter Labrada, and Brandon Curry.
The Men’s Open division has undergone huge changes since the last Pittsburgh Pro. With Ramy no longer champion, the title resides in Iran with Hadi Choopan. After taking fifth place at last December’s Olympia, Ramy received intravenous stem cell therapy and jumped in on short notice for the Arnold Classic, which promised a $300,000 check to its winner.
Samson Dauda overwhelmed the lineup with shape and won first place. Nick Walker finished second with Andrew Jacked taking bronze in his debut at the show. Ramy finished fourth and made it clear he has no intentions of retiring anytime soon. To kickstart his 2023 Olympia campaign, the former champion intends to make up for his previous absence in Pittsburgh this May.
Big Ramy, Samson Dauda Join Packed Guest Posing Lineup for 2023 Pittsburgh Pro
The Pittsburgh Pro takes place from May 12-13 and will feature Ramy, Dauda, Derek Lunsford, Nick Walker, Hunter Labrada, and Shaun Clarida.
Check out the official post below:
“The Guest Posers at Jim Manion’s 2023 NPC-IFBB Pro Pittsburgh expanded to 8 now!
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Originally it was 2-Time IFBB Pro 212 Olympia Shaun Clarida with Derek Lunsford, Hunter Labrada, and Nick Walker! Special Appearance will be 4-Time IFBB Pro Classic Physique Olympia Champion Chris Bumstead! (Chris will not be guest posing.)
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Now the Guest Posers include 2-Time IFBB Pro Mr. Olympia Big Ramy, 2023 IFBB Pro Arnold Classic Champion Samson Dauda & Rafael Brandao!
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You won’t want to miss this contest on May 12th-13th!” the NPCIFBBPittsburgh wrote.
Following Ramy’s last two contests, fans and bodybuilding staples like Bob Cicherillo were doubtful of his chances at Olympia redemption. He went as far as to say that he doesn’t think Ramy is “capable” of winning another Mr. Olympia title. In an appearance on Dennis James’ The Menace Podcast, Cicherillo emphasized that if Dauda is anywhere near 100% in November, he’ll be the next Mr. Olympia.
RELATED: Big Ramy Training Partner Dennis James Calls Out Bob Cicherillo for ‘Misleading’ Comparison
Given Dauda’s latest victory in Ohio and Lunsford’s runner-up finish to Hadi Choopan, athletes rep Cicherillo named them both as equal threats to ‘The Persian Wolf’s’ title. To the spoil of fans, the Pittsburgh Pro guest posing lineup will give a hint as to what’s to come on stage at the next Olympia.
Published: 24 March, 2023 | 10:44 AM EDT
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