2022 Indy Pro: Men’s Open Preview

Men's Open Preview

The 2022 Indy Pro will have three divisions present highlighted by the Men’s Open category.

The 2022 Indy Pro is the next big show on the schedule around the bodybuilding world. Some of the world’s best competitors will gather to Indianapolis in hopes of earning a trip to the 2022 Olympia. The show will take place on Saturday with three divisions being highlighted — Men’s Open, Men’s 212, and Women’s Bodybuilding.

This event comes one week after the 2022 Pittsburgh Pro. This show did not feature the Men’s Open category but it saw some elite athletes appear as guest posers, including Brandon Curry, Nick Walker, and Hunter Labrada. Now, the Indy Pro will have a chance to punch another ticket to the biggest show of the year.

Justin Rodriguez was victorious at the Indy Pro last year and he will highlight the field of competitors. Below, you can find a breakdown of some of the top athletes scheduled to appear at the show along with the full lineups for all three divisions.

Justin Rodriguez

Justin Rodriguez is coming off a victory at this event last year. He will be considered one of the favorites to win his second consecutive title. Rodriguez continues to impress in Men’s Open and has some more steps to take. He finished eighth at the 2021 Olympia before what was supposed to be a big 2022 season. Rodriguez finished fifth at the Arnold Classic after impressing during prejudging. He fell a bit come the night portion of the event. Rodriguez has a chance to continue to impress during the Indy Pro.

Blessing Awodibu

Blessing Awodibu is returning to the Indy Pro once again after a third place finish a year ago. He went onto finish sixth during the New York Pro just one week later. Following this contest, Awodibu took the remainder of the year off but is now ready to return to the stage. After many physique updates, it is clear that Awodibu was able to put on the size he was looking for this offseason. Looking at the field, Awodibu has a chance to finish in the top three once again and challenge Rodriguez for his title.

Maxx Charles

Maxx Charles haș not won a contest since the 2018 Romania Muscle Fest Pro. In recent years, he has been on everyone’s radar but has fallen just short. At the 2022 Indy Pro, Charles has a chance to finish in the top three. He last competed at the Boston Pro this season, finishing fifth. This came after an eighth-place finish at the Arnold Classic. Rodriguez and Awodibu will be tough to beat but Charles could surprise at the show if he comes in at his very best.

Charles Griffen

Charles Griffen was put on the map when he finished third at the 2021 Tampa Pro, a show that was won by Iain Valliere. He has won one show during his professional career and it came during the 2018 Muscle Mayhem. Griffen will not blow you away with size but he is well-conditioned and brings great symmetry to the stage. Griffen can be considered a dark-horse in this event and could sneak near the top of the score card.

Dorian Haywood

Dorian Haywood was a frequent competitor last season. He competed in five shows in 2021. Haywood finished fourth at the Indy Pro and New York Pro last year. Now, he is looking to take the next step in 2022. The field is strong for the Indy Pro but Haywood is not short of experience. He knows what it takes to show up at these competitions and could catch some eyes if he is in his best shape.

2022 Indy Pro Lineup

Men’s Open

  • Blessing Awodibu
  • Slavoj Bednar
  • Maxx Charles
  • Ross Flanigan
  • Ron Gordon
  • Charles Griffen
  • Dorian Haywood
  • Matt Kouba
  • Walter Martin
  • Eslam Mohamed
  • Diogo Nunes
  • Justin Rodriguez
  • Ray Short
  • Brent Swansen

Men’s 212

  • Noel Adame
  • Abdullah Alsaif
  • Bryan Balzano
  • Peter Castella
  • Arturo Cotto
  • Broderick Credell
  • Joey Decaminada
  • LeLand DeVaughn
  • Yumon Eaton
  • Asante Gibson 
  • Teddy Gray
  • Boas Oliveira
  • Enmanuel Rodriguez
  • Mark Smith

Women’s Bodybuilding

  • Jada Beverly
  • Stephanie Flesher
  • Theresa Ivancik
  • Lisa Audrey
  • Donna Salib

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Greg Patuto
Greg has covered the four major sports for six years and has been featured on sites such as Sports Illustrated, Fox Sports, SB Nation, NJ.com, and FanSided. Now, he is transitioning into the world of bodybuilding and strength sports.