The 2025 Chicago Pro has come and gone, and the Classic Physique division delivered one of the most exciting and competitive lineups of the season. With 27 athletes on stage, the division continues to grow in depth and quality—proving that Classic Physique is not only thriving but evolving into a showcase of aesthetic excellence, symmetry, and modern muscle mass .
In this breakdown, we’ll dive into the Top 5 finishers , analyze their performances, and highlight what each competitor brought to the stage—and what they need to work on moving forward.
Let’s take a look at who stood out and why.
🥇 1st Place: Kellen Wilson (Canada) – The Dominant Champion
Kellen Wilson is proving that he’s more than just a rising star—he’s a bona fide champion in the making.
Wilson previously placed 2nd at the 2024 Chicago Pro , then went on to win the 2024 Vancouver Pro Show and make his Mr. Olympia debut , finishing 16th .
Now, in 2025, he’s back stronger than ever, capturing his second Pro victory at the Chicago Pro and securing another Olympia qualification .
Why He Won:
- Massive Muscle Development : Wilson had the biggest overall package on stage. His pectoral thickness , back width , and quad sweep stood out.
- Exceptional Conditioning : His conditioning was tight, dry, and vascular , with no signs of bloating or softness.
- Stage Presence : His posing routine was polished and confident , with strong transitions and control.
What’s Next:
To continue climbing the ranks, Wilson should focus on:
- Improving symmetry in the lower back
- Tightening the waist even further
- Refining his side chest pose
With his current trajectory, Wilson could soon be a serious contender at the Olympia .
Big congratulations to Kellen Wilson for the win and another trip to the Olympia stage!
🥈 2nd Place: Samuel Paquin (Canada) – The Consistent Contender
Samuel Paquin has been a reliable presence in the Classic Physique division for several seasons. He previously placed runner-up at the 2024 Vancouver Pro and 3rd at the 2025 Toronto Pro . Now, he’s back in the top 2 at Chicago, proving that he belongs among the elite.
Why He Placed:
- Clean, Sharp Look : His physique was lean, defined, and very clean , with excellent line separation .
- Strong Posing : Paquin delivered a smooth and professional posing routine , showing off his best angles with confidence.
- Consistency : He continues to bring high-quality condition , showing steady improvement year after year.
What He Needs to Improve:
- Add More Mass : While his conditioning was excellent, he lacked the overall size needed to challenge Wilson.
- Improve Shoulder Development: His deltoids could use more fullness and projection .
Paquin is knocking on the door of victory—a bit more size and definition could push him over the edge next time.
🥉 3rd Place: Marof Montanary (USA) – The Comeback Star
Marof Montanary made a massive leap forward in 2025, jumping from 11th place in 2023 to a solid 3rd place this year . That kind of improvement doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of dedication, discipline, and hard work .
Why He Placed:
- Classic Structure : Montanary has a natural classic physique look , with great proportions and flow .
- Improved Conditioning : He came in dry and detailed , showing visible improvements from his previous showings.
- Black Athlete Representation : His presence on stage adds diversity and inspiration to the division.
What He Needs to Improve:
- Add More Size : He still needs to pack on more muscle mass , especially in the back and shoulders .
- Maintain Conditioning: While he looked great, he’ll need to ensure he doesn’t lose that edge as the prep continues.
Montanary has the potential to win a pro show —he just needs to keep building and bring his best package next time.
🏅 4th Place: Nick Koeu (USA) – The Impressive Transition
Nick Koeu made the bold move from Men’s Physique to Classic Physique , and it paid off in a big way. After placing 16th at the 2024 Tampa Pro , he made a strong statement in 2025 with a 4th-place finish at Chicago .
Why He Placed:
- Smart Transition : He looks much more at home in Classic Physique, with a frame that suits the division well.
- Improved Conditioning : His vascularity and definition were much better than in past shows.
- Better Posing : He showed stronger presentation skills , indicating he’s adapting well to the new division.
What He Needs to Improve:
- Add More Mass : He’s still on the lighter side , and more muscle development will help him climb the ranks.
- Work on Symmetry : A few areas—like his lower back —need more detail.
Koeu is clearly on the right path. With more time and training , he could become a regular podium finisher .
🏅 5th Place: Robert Lawrence (USA) – The Rising Talent
Robert Lawrence made his pro debut in 2023 at the Texas State Pro, finishing 6th . Now, two years later, he returned to the Chicago Pro and broke into the Top 5 , showing impressive progress.
Why He Placed:
- Noticeable Improvement : Compared to 2023, he’s gained size, improved detail, and tightened his conditioning .
- Strong Lower Body : His legs were well-developed and vascular , a highlight of his physique.
- Dedicated Athlete : His consistent effort is evident, and he’s clearly committed to improving.
What He Needs to Improve:
- Shoulder Development : His deltoids need more projection and mass .
- Side Chest Pose : This remains a weak point and needs more definition and control .
Lawrence is a name to watch. With the right tweaks, he could break into the top 3 in future shows.
🔥 Final Thoughts: Classic Physique Is Stronger Than Ever
The 2025 Chicago Pro – Classic Physique division was a testament to the growth and depth of the category. From Kellen Wilson’s dominance to Robert Lawrence’s emergence , this lineup showed that the future of Classic Physique is bright, competitive, and full of talent .
As the road to the 2025 Mr. Olympia continues, athletes like Wilson, Paquin, and Montanary are positioning themselves as serious contenders , while newcomers like Koeu and Lawrence are proving they belong.
One thing is clear: the Classic Physique division is no longer just about symmetry—it’s about size, conditioning, and presentation .
And with the Olympia stage just months away , the battle for the title is only heating up.