We all know the exciting feeling of when a new or unknown bodybuilder emerges onto the scene. We saw it in 2022 with Michal Krizo, and now, a new crop of hungry bodybuilding contenders is on the rise. In this article, we examine five bodybuilding stars who are likely to take over in 2024.
The IFBB Pro League witnessed a thrilling year of upsets, contests, and bodybuilding action. Most notably, the 2023 Mr. Olympia contest awarded Derek Lunsford the victory to become the first two-division Mr. Olympia. But who we are talking about today are the new athletes who are brimming with promise and potential.
While stars such as Sam Sulek have yet to compete, there’s no denying his popularity and impact on the growing sport. Check out our list of five breakout bodybuilding stars we see with bright futures next year.
Bodybuilding Stars Aiming To Make Statements in 2024
1. Rubiel ‘Neckzilla’ Mosquera
Rubiel Mosquera hit the ground running after earning his IFBB pro card at the 2023 EVLS Prague Pro Amateur. Just a day later at the EVLS Prague Pro, Mosquera went on to compete next to established competitors such as Samson Dauda and Michal Krizanek, easily clinching third place in his Pro debut.
Ready to take on a more challenging competition, Rubiel Mosquera announced that he will be competing at the 2024 Arnold Classic, bodybuilding’s second-most prestigious event. His freakishly massive physique has already proven to be a threat to his fellow competitors making him one to watch next year. He has even garnered comparisons to legendary eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman.
2. Marcello De Angelis (Horse MD)
Horse MD is showcasing his talents among bodybuilding’s finest athletes after making the switch from Classic Physique to the Men’s Open last year. With the help of coach Milos ‘The Mind’ Sarcev, Horse MD will aim to dominate his opponents with Brazilian aesthetics, muscle volume, and conditioning.
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Fresh from securing a third-place finish at the recent 2023 Romania Muscle Fest Pro, Horse MD emerges as a compelling variable as he gears up to take on Hadi Choopan and Samson Dauda at the 2024 Arnold Classic this March.
3. Sam Sulek
In 2023, Sam Sulek experienced a meteoric rise to fame and widespread popularity, attributed to his ripped physique and unconventional lifestyle choices. With fans either loving or hating his unusual ways, including his speculated performance-enhancing drug use at such a young age and self-proclaimed ‘trash diet’, most are supportive of his fitness pursuit.
While he has yet to earn his pro card or discuss his plans to compete professionally, five-time Classic Physique champion Chris Bumstead believes he is a positive force and is contributing to the sport’s expansion and development. On the other hand, mass monster Nick Walker expressed that his poor choices could have a negative effect on younger fans.
4. Vitaliy ‘Good Vito’ Ugolnikov
Vitaliy Ugolnikov swiftly captured attention in the Men’s Open category, showcasing remarkable leg and arm development. He made a seamless transition from the IFBB Elite Pro League to the NPC. His journey culminated in a dominant acquisition of the IFBB Pro card at the 2022 MuscleContest International Brazil Nationals.
Unfortunately, Good Vito’s anticipated pro debut at the 2023 Europa Pro Championships was thwarted by a knee injury, forcing him to withdraw from the competition. Instead, he made a guest appearance at the 2023 Musclecontest International Brazil, where fans and veterans of the sport observed him posing despite a noticeable hernia. Since then, Good Vito has had surgery to correct the hernia and now plans to begin training as soon as possible.
5. Anton Ratushnyi
Meanwhile, in the Classic Physique division, Anton Ratushnyi continues to gain steam as a young prospect. At only 19 years old, Anton has already proven himself worthy, having nailed down his IFBB Pro card off the back of his win at the 2023 NPC National Championships. Given his promise and youthfulness, fans already believe he has a bright future in the IFBB Pro League.
As of late, Ratushnyi has shown off a dramatic physique transformation, spanning four years. Given the condition he has displayed recently, it stands to reason he could easily be a huge breakout star during the next bodybuilding season.
Wrapping Up
There’s no shortage of stars emerging in the IFBB Pro League. Time will tell which talents go on to shock the world during the 2024 bodybuilding season but it’s safe to say the sport has never been more exciting with so many big names making their way onto the stage!
RELATED: Nick Walker on Rubiel ‘Neckzilla’ Mosquera: “I’m A Fan Dude, I Think He’s Fuc**ng Awesome”
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