2023 Legion Sports Fest Pro Bodybuilding Preview

October 3, 2023

Here is a look at the upcoming 2023 Legion Sports Fest Pro!

The 2023 Legion Sports Fest Pro will take place the weekend of Oct. 7-8 in Reno, Nevada. There will be a total of eight divisions in bodybuilding that will compete with hopes of qualifying for the 2023 Olympia.

The Olympia qualification system has changed this year. If an athlete did not finish in the top three in the previous year, or top five in Men’s Open, they will have to win a show to qualify. The points qualification system is no more. Also, former winners of an Olympia title have lifetime eligibility.

There is an unofficial list of competitors out at the moment that will likely be added to over the coming weeks. Below, take a look at some of the top competitors in Men’s Open that will make an appearance, along with the full rosters from the show.

2023 Legion Sports Fest Pro Men’s Open Roster & Breakdown

Vitor Boff
Mokhamed El Emam
Stephen Frazier
Charles Griffen
Dorian Haywood
Martin Hernandez
Kenneth Jackson
John Jewett
Chad Merchant
Darius Milton
Manolakas Nikitas-Sotrius
Jossue Plascencia
Denis Reinhold
Johan Rico Rivas
Logan Robson
Justin Rodriguez
Steve D. Thayer
Joel Thomas
Jan Turek
Eric Wood

Charles Griffen

Charles Griffen suffered a pec tear back in April that sidelined him for over a month but is ready to return here. Griffen burst onto the scene in 2019 when he began making incredible improvements to his physique. In 2021, he finished third at the Tampa Pro. Last season, he took the stage during the Indy Pro but finished as the runner-up. After winning the California State Pro, he earned a trip to the Olympia, where he finished 14th.

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A post shared by Charles The Definition Griffen (@charlesgriffen_ifbbpro)

John Jewett

John Jewett is a Men’s 212 competitor who will try his hand at Men’s Open during the show. Of course, we have seen this course of action from Shaun Clarida, who was qualified for both divisions in 2022 but ultimately chose to return to 212. Jewett is already qualified for the Olympia but will look to see how he fairs in the biggest division. In 2019, he finished fourth and this would be his best performance to date. Jewett finished ninth in 2021 and will now try his hand at the biggest division.

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A post shared by John Jewett (@johnjewett3)

Jan Turek

Jan Turek has two appearances on stage to this point. He finished eighth during both the Europa Pro Championships and Flex Pro. Now, he will look to improve on his standing during another big time show. Turek has yet to qualify for the Olympia and is hoping to build a physique that could land him on the biggest stage in the sport.

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2023 Legion Sports Fest Prize Purse

The prize purse for the 2023 Legion Sports Fest Pro will be a total of $77,500. The Men’s Physique division will boast an impressive prize of $33,500, which is the largest cash prize in comparison to the Arnold Sports Festival. Below, check out how the prize purse will be broken down among the divisions.

Men’s Physique: $33,500
Men’s Open: $20,000
Classic Physique: $3,500
Figure: $3,500
Fitness: $3,500
Bikini: $3,500
Women’s Physique: $3,500
Wellness: $3,500

Reigning Men’s Physique Olympia champion Erin Banks will take the stage and urged other athletes to compete on stage as well. The two-day show will also feature the IFBB Pro Legion Masters and NPC Contest. The Legion Masters will hand to prizes to seven divisions, totaling $12,600.