The 2024 Expo Sport Izmir Turkey Pro was an event to remember, drawing top-tier Men’s Physique athletes from around the globe to compete for one of the most sought-after prizes in bodybuilding: qualification for the 2025 Mr. Olympia.
Held in the historic and vibrant city of Izmir, Turkey, from September 19-22, 2024, the competition provided a showcase of muscle, aesthetics, and athletic prowess as athletes battled for the Men’s Physique title.
With Riccardo Croci emerging as the champion, the event left fans excited for what’s to come in the 2025 Mr. Olympia season.
A Step Toward the Olympia Stage
As one of the IFBB Pro League’s most significant events, the 2024 Expo Sport Izmir Turkey Pro served as a direct qualification opportunity for the 2025 Mr. Olympia.
While the details of next year’s Mr. Olympia, including its date and venue, remain undisclosed, that hasn’t dampened the spirit of competition.
Athletes are already vying for an early ticket to bodybuilding’s biggest stage, ensuring they secure a place among the world’s best.
The Mr. Olympia contest, celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2024, has been the pinnacle of the bodybuilding world since its inception.
With categories like Men’s Physique becoming increasingly popular, the competition at events like the Turkey Pro is fiercer than ever.
Riccardo Croci’s performance exemplified the skill and dedication needed to rise to the top and earn the opportunity to compete on the Olympia stage.
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The Men’s Physique Division: A Competitive Battlefield
The Men’s Physique category is known for its emphasis on symmetry, conditioning, and overall aesthetic appeal.
Unlike other divisions focused purely on mass, Men’s Physique athletes must strike a balance between size and shape, with the ultimate goal of presenting an eye-catching, aesthetically pleasing physique.
Competitors also need to demonstrate exceptional conditioning, which involves achieving a low body fat percentage while maintaining fullness in their muscles.
At the 2024 Expo Sport Izmir Turkey Pro, Riccardo Croci from Italy brought all these elements together in perfect harmony, securing the win and setting himself up as a serious contender for next year’s Olympia.
His well-proportioned physique, balanced muscle definition, and stage presence left a lasting impression on the judges and fans alike.
Riccardo Croci’s victory is a testament to his consistency and hard work in one of bodybuilding’s most competitive divisions.
2024 Expo Sport Izmir Turkey Pro: Top Contenders and Results
The Men’s Physique contest in Turkey featured athletes from a variety of countries, each bringing their unique strengths and styles to the stage.
Here’s a breakdown of the top performers and their final placements:
- Riccardo Croci (Italy) – 3 points
Riccardo Croci took first place with an extraordinary showing of muscle balance and definition. His physique was dialed in to perfection, featuring tight abdominals, wide shoulders, and a well-developed back, which gave him the edge over the competition. This win not only adds to his growing list of accolades but also grants him a spot in the prestigious 2025 Mr. Olympia contest. - Kamal Aitirhmour (Morocco) – 6 points
Kamal Aitirhmour from Morocco followed closely behind in second place. Aitirhmour displayed great stage presence and conditioning but couldn’t quite match the level of refinement that Croci brought to the event. Still, his showing was impressive, and he will be one to watch as the bodybuilding season progresses. - Mauro Fialho (Spain) – 9 points
Spain’s Mauro Fialho claimed the third spot, with a physique that boasted well-defined muscle separation and symmetry. Mauro Fialho has been a rising star in the Men’s Physique division, and his performance in Izmir further solidified his reputation as a top contender in future shows. - Tunahan Guler (Turkey) – 12 points
Representing the host country, Tunahan Guler took fourth place. The Turkish athlete impressed the home crowd with his solid build and well-rounded physique, making a strong case for his potential as a future champion. - Vyacheslav Tarasevich (Belarus) – 15 points
Rounding out the top five was Vyacheslav Tarasevich from Belarus. While Tarasevich brought good conditioning to the stage, he faced stiff competition from the other athletes, particularly in terms of overall muscularity and stage presentation.
The Full Results: Turkey Pro Men’s Physique
Here is a complete list of the top competitors and their final placings at the 2024 Expo Sport Izmir Turkey Pro:
- Riccardo Croci (Italy) – 3 points
- Kamal Aitirhmour (Morocco) – 6 points
- Mauro Fialho (Spain) – 9 points
- Tunahan Guler (Turkey) – 12 points
- Vyacheslav Tarasevich (Belarus) – 15 points
- Pedro Lima (Brazil) – 19 points
- Maksimilian Petrov (Bulgaria) – 20 points
- Talha Kilic (Turkey) – 24 points
- Burak King (Delray Beach, FL) – 27 points
- Mansour Abdollahi (Iran) – 30 points
Riccardo Croci’s Path to the Olympia
With his victory in Izmir, Riccardo Croci has positioned himself as a strong contender for the 2025 Mr. Olympia.
His journey to the Olympia stage is one that has been defined by consistent hard work, strategic improvements, and a keen understanding of what it takes to succeed in the Men’s Physique division.
The 2024 Expo Sport Izmir Turkey Pro was yet another step forward in his quest to stand among the best in the world.
While the road ahead is still long, Riccardo Croci’s win here serves as a powerful statement of intent. He has not only earned his Olympia qualification early but also set the standard for the upcoming competitions in the 2024-2025 bodybuilding season.
As he prepares for the 2025 Mr. Olympia, fans can expect Croci to continue fine-tuning his physique and making the necessary adjustments to bring his absolute best to the world’s biggest bodybuilding stage.
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Conclusion: A Triumph of Talent and Dedication
The 2024 Expo Sport Izmir Turkey Pro was a spectacular event that showcased the best in Men’s Physique bodybuilding. With athletes like Riccardo Croci leading the charge, the competition delivered high levels of intensity, passion, and athleticism.
Riccardo Croci’s victory not only secured his place at the 2025 Mr. Olympia but also reaffirmed his status as a top contender in the sport.
As the bodybuilding world looks ahead to future competitions and the highly anticipated 2025 Mr. Olympia, the athletes who competed in Izmir have set the bar high.
With their dedication and drive, these competitors continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in bodybuilding, inspiring fans and fellow athletes alike.