The 2024 New York Pro, held on Saturday, May 18 at the Teaneck Marriott at Glenpointe in Teaneck, New Jersey, was a spectacle of muscle, determination, and triumph.
This iconic event, one of the most prestigious in the IFBB Pro League calendar, saw athletes from nine divisions compete for glory.
Among the highlights was Nick Walker’s triumphant return to the Men’s Open Bodybuilding division, where he secured his second New York Pro ring and qualification for 2024 Mr. Olympia.
Let’s delve into the details of this thrilling event, from Nick Walker’s headline-making victory to the champions crowned across all divisions.
The Prestige of the New York Pro
The New York Pro, formerly known as the Night of Champions, holds a storied place in bodybuilding history.
Its legacy is rich with names that have left an indelible mark on the sport, including Kai Greene, Phil Heath, and Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay.
competition is considered the third-most prestigious bodybuilding event of the year, following Mr. Olympia and the Arnold Classic.
Winning the New York Pro is a coveted achievement, often seen as a springboard to even greater success on the global stage.
2024 New York Pro Winners
The 2024 New York Pro featured a diverse array of talent across its nine competitive divisions.
Here are the champions who emerged victorious in each category:
- Men’s Open Bodybuilding: Nick Walker
- Men’s 212 Bodybuilding: Oleh Kryvyi
- Classic Physique: Matthew Greggo
- Men’s Physique: Ali Bilal
Men’s Open Bodybuilding: Nick Walker’s Dominance
Nick Walker’s Victory
Nick Walker, a formidable force in the Men’s Open Bodybuilding division, delivered a performance that left no doubt about his prowess.
Nick Walker showcased exceptional muscle definition, particularly in his hamstrings, and successfully addressed concerns about his midsection, which had been a topic of speculation following a guest-posing appearance in Pittsburgh.
His V-taper and improved front lat spread contributed to a more shapely and dominant physique.
RELATED: 2024 New York Pro Official Lineup
The Competition
Nick Walker faced stiff competition from Martin Fitzwater and Tonio Burton.
Martin Fitzwater, riding high from his win at the Detroit Pro, brought fullness, feathered quads, and a striated chest to the stage, giving Nick Walker a run for his money.
Despite Martin Fitzwater’s strong showing, Nick Walker’s superior mass and conditioning secured his second New York Pro title and a ticket to the 2024 Mr. Olympia.
Final Placings
- Nick Walker (Henderson, NV)
- Martin Fitzwater (Mckinney, TX)
- Tonio Burton (Reno, NV)
- Stuart Sutherland (Redmond, WA)
- Krystian Wolski (Poland)
- Quinton Eriya (Canada)
- Tim Budesheim (Germany)
- Angel Calderon Frias (Spain)
- Emir Omeragic (Germany)
- Justin Luis Rodriguez (New York, NY)
- Josef Kveton (Czech Republic)
- Volodymyr Byruk (Ukraine)
- Dorian Haywood (Englewood, CO)
- Jonarthur Duncan (Alexandria, VA)
- Milan Sadek (Czech Republic)
Men’s 212 Bodybuilding: Oleh Kryvyi’s Triumph
The Battle for the Title
The Men’s 212 Bodybuilding division witnessed an intense battle, particularly between Francisco Barrios Vlk, defending champion Kerrith Bajjo, and Oleh Kryvyi.
Oleh Kryvyi’s dry conditioning and momentum from a sixth-place finish at the 2023 Olympia proved decisive.
Key Moments
Kerrith Bajjo, the defending champion, brought impressive muscle volume and dryness, aiming to retain his title.
However, Oleh Kryvyi’s superior conditioning and stage presence ultimately earned him the gold, relegating Kerrith Bajjo to second place, with Francisco Barrios Vlk finishing third.
Final Placings
- Oleh Kryvyi (Ukraine)
- Kerrith Bajjo (Bethel, CT)
- Francisco Barrios Vlk (Mexico)
- Fabrizio Moreira (Brazil)
- Valentin Petrov (Bulgaria)
- Lucas Silva Coelho (Brazil)
- Luiz Esteves (Hialeah, FL)
- Tristan Escolastico (Columbus, GA)
- Aaron Polites (Australia)
- Jason Joseph (East Rutherford, NJ)
- Nicholas Jackson (Riverton, UT)
- Jordan Gomes (United Kingdom)
- Sung Il Ryu (South Korea)
- Karol Malecki (Poland)
- Athanasios Attilakos (Greece)
RELATED: Top 6 Predictions for 2024 New York Pro
Classic Physique: Matthew Greggo’s Ascendancy
Matthew Greggo’s Rise
Matthew Greggo’s journey to victory in the Classic Physique division was marked by significant improvement and dedication.
Finishing sixth at the same contest last year, Matt Greggo showcased a refined and muscular physique that earned him the top spot this year.
The Contenders
Eric Lisboa, fresh off a win at the 2024 Pittsburgh Pro, was a formidable opponent, bringing dense back muscles and defined hamstrings.
Despite his efforts, Matt Greggo’s enhanced size and posing prowess secured him the gold. Dmytro Krazhan rounded out the top three with a solid performance.
Final Placings
- Matthew Greggo (Allentown, PA)
- Eric Lisboa (Brazil)
- Dmytro Krazhan (Ukraine)
- Shicheng Jin (China)
- Bradley Pfeifer (San Antonio, TX)
- Jerark Toribio Perez (Dominican Republic)
- Camilo Diaz (Colombia)
- Lucas Giannini (Riverview, FL)
- Adam Thomas (Falls Church, VA)
- Cleef Metellus (Woodhaven, NY)
- Jorge Luis Guerrero Gallegos (Mexico)
- Matt Orchard (Australia)
- Robert Mazzara (Lockport, NY)
- Cameron Watson (Yuma, AZ)
- Maurice Burgess (Los Angeles, CA)
RELATED: Martin Fitzwater vs Nick Walker at the 2024 New York Pro
Men’s Physique: Ali Bilal’s Commanding Win
Dominating the Stage
Ali Bilal, known for his shredded midsection, continued his winning streak with a dominant performance in the Men’s Physique division.
Ali Bilal’s recent victory at the 2024 Pittsburgh Pro bolstered his confidence and momentum.
Top Contenders
Vitor Chaves, who took second at this contest last year and competed at the 2023 Olympia, brought an impressive physique with capped shoulders and back thickness, securing the silver.
Edvan Palmeira’s well-rounded physique earned him third place.
Final Placings
- Ali Bilal (Afghanistan)
- Vitor Chaves (Brazil)
- Edvan Palmeira (Brazil)
- Andre Ferguson (Lake Ronkonkoma, NY)
- Fabian Feber (Germany)
- Vinicius Mateus Viera Lima (Brazil)
- Jordan Clark (Cherry Hill, NJ)
- Alessio Sbizzera (Italy)
- Tom Mcnamara (Australia)
- Maxim Golovatii (Brooklyn, NY)
- Jeremy Coleman (Ontario, CA)
- Tunde Hassan (Ireland)
- Jarrett Jenkins (Aventura, FL)
- Gage Moran (Birdsboro, PA)
- Raphael Souza (Brazil)
Congratulations to All the Winners and Bodybuilders of the IFBB Competition.