The 2026 Pittsburgh Pro returns this weekend and once again brings one of the deepest lineups of the bodybuilding season
The Pittsburgh Pro 2026 returns this weekend as part of the Pittsburgh Power & Fitness Festival at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Taking place May 16-17, the event has quickly become one of the biggest stops on the IFBB Pro League calendar thanks to stacked lineups, major prize money, and Olympia-level talent across multiple divisions.
This year’s Pittsburgh Pro will feature seven professional divisions with more than $416,000 in prize money available. Men’s Open, Men’s Physique, and Wellness will headline Saturday’s action while Bikini, Classic Physique, Figure, Fit Model, and Women’s Physique take center stage on Sunday.
The Men’s Open division once again looks loaded after last year’s unforgettable showdown between Derek Lunsford and Nick Walker. With neither returning this year, a new champion will be crowned in Pittsburgh.
2026 Pittsburgh Pro: Date, Location & Schedule
The event takes place at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center on May 16-17, 2026.
Saturday, May 16
Prejudging (Beginning at 9am)
- Men’s Open Bodybuilding
- Men’s Physique
- Wellness
Finals – 6:00 PM
- Men’s Open Bodybuilding Finals
- Men’s Physique Finals
- Wellness Finals
Sunday, May 17
Prejudging – (Beginning at 9am)
- Bikini
- Classic Physique
- Figure
- Fit Model
- Women’s Physique
Finals – 5:00 PM
- Bikini Finals
- Classic Physique Finals
- Figure Finals
- Fit Model Finals
- Women’s Physique Finals
Men’s Open Competitors To Watch
Tonio Burton
Tonio Burton enters Pittsburgh with arguably the most momentum in the lineup after winning the 2026 New York Pro 2026 last weekend. Burton continues to improve his overall size and conditioning while establishing himself as one of the most dangerous rising stars in Men’s Open. After placing eighth at the Mr. Olympia and winning both the Legion Sports Fest Pro and Mexico Pro last season, Burton now has a legitimate chance to add a Pittsburgh Pro title to his résumé.
Brandon Curry
Former Mr. Olympia Brandon Curry remains one of the biggest names in the sport and brings elite experience into this contest. Curry captured both the Arnold Classic and Mr. Olympia titles in 2019 and continues to stay relevant against the sport’s newer generation. He recently placed second at the Arnold UK and seventh at the Olympia, proving he can still battle with the best in the world.
Michal Krizanek
Michal Krizanek heads into Pittsburgh after finishing runner-up at the New York Pro. Known for his freaky size and overpowering muscle density, Krizanek remains one of the most talked-about physiques in bodybuilding. He also won the British Grand Prix and finished fifth in Pittsburgh last season. If his conditioning sharpens even further, he could become extremely dangerous in comparisons.
Rafael Brandao
After taking much of 2025 away from competition to focus on adding size, Rafael Brandao appears ready for another serious run. The Brazilian standout recently placed sixth at the Arnold Classic and third at the New York Pro. Brandao’s structure, aesthetics, and improved fullness continue to make him one of the most complete physiques in the lineup.
Blessing Awodibu
Blessing Awodibu returns looking to build momentum after placing fourth at the New York Pro. One of the sport’s most charismatic personalities, Awodibu always brings energy to the stage and remains capable of pushing into the top spots if he arrives at his absolute best. Fans will be watching closely to see if he can crack through in another deep Men’s Open lineup.
Men’s Physique Competitors To Watch
Ali Bilal
Ali Bilal remains one of the top names in Men’s Physique after winning both the Pittsburgh Pro in 2024 and the New York Pro this season. Bilal’s conditioning and stage presentation continue to separate him from much of the division. With another major win already under his belt this year, he enters Pittsburgh as one of the clear favorites.
Edvan Palmeira
Edvan Palmeira has steadily emerged as one of the division’s most dangerous competitors after taking second at both the Pittsburgh Pro and New York Pro last year. Palmeira combines size, symmetry, and strong conditioning, making him a serious threat to challenge for the title this weekend. Many fans believe this could finally be the show where he breaks through for a signature win.
Bikini Division Favorite
Aimee Delgado
Three-time defending champion Aimee Delgado returns looking to make it four consecutive Pittsburgh Pro Bikini titles. Delgado has become one of the division’s most consistent competitors thanks to her polished look, stage presence, and ability to peak for major shows. She will face major pressure from stars like Lauralie Chapados, who finished second to Delgado earlier this year at the Arnold Classic, and Maria Acosta, fresh off her New York Pro victory.
With elite talent spread across nearly every division, the 2026 Pittsburgh Pro once again looks poised to deliver one of the biggest bodybuilding weekends of the year.
Featured image via Instagram @fitnessbyaims, @tonio_burton, @alihealth_1
