With the 2025 Mr. Olympia just around the corner, the pressure is on—and the Tampa Pro has never been more critical.
Set to take place from July 31 to August 2, 2025 , in the heart of Florida’s bodybuilding scene, the Tampa Pro is one of the final major opportunities for Men’s Open competitors to earn their qualification for the sport’s most prestigious event: the Mr. Olympia in Las Vegas .
And with the stakes higher than ever—thanks to Samson Dauda’s record-breaking $600,000 win in 2024—the competition is fiercer than ever.
To break down the upcoming showdown, two of bodybuilding’s most respected retired pros—Iain Valliere and Seth Feroce —joined the Bro Chat Podcast on July 22, 2025 , to share their Top 10 predictions for the Tampa Pro.
Their insights offer fans, analysts, and athletes a glimpse into who could rise to the top—and who might be peaking at the perfect time.
Let’s dive into their picks, analyze the contenders, and see what’s at stake in this must-watch showdown .
🏆 The Road to Mr. Olympia: Why the 2025 Tampa Pro Matters
The 2025 Mr. Olympia is set for October 9–12 in Las Vegas , and the qualification window runs from September 16, 2024, to September 14, 2025 . That means every major pro show—including Tampa—is a golden ticket for athletes aiming to stand on bodybuilding’s biggest stage.
Winning or placing highly at the Tampa Pro not only boosts a competitor’s ranking but also provides critical momentum heading into the final stretch of prep.
And with Samson Dauda as the reigning champion, every contender knows: only the best will survive .
🧠 The Analysts: Iain Valliere & Seth Feroce
Both Iain Valliere and Seth Feroce bring elite credibility to the table.
- Iain Valliere : Former IFBB Pro known for his aesthetic symmetry, stage presence, and deep understanding of posing and conditioning .
- Seth Feroce: Retired pro, podcaster, and media personality with insider knowledge of the sport’s politics, judging trends, and athlete development .
Their differing perspectives make this breakdown especially valuable—Valliere leans on physical analysis , while Feroce considers peak timing, consistency, and competitive psychology .
Here’s how they see the 2025 Tampa Pro shaking out.
📋 Iain Valliere’s Top 10 Picks
| Rank | Bodybuilders | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Jonathan Delarosa | Defending champ with momentum; 12th at 2024 Olympia |
| 2️⃣ | Justin Shier | Consistent, sharp conditioning, always a threat |
| 3️⃣ | Bruno Oliveira Santos | Massive Brazilian with freaky density |
| 4️⃣ | Joseph Palacios | Improved symmetry and stage presence |
| 5️⃣ | Emir Omeragic | Raw size and full muscle bellies |
| 6️⃣ | Quinton Eriya | Rising star with elite leg development |
| 7️⃣ | Stuart Sutherland | Veteran with polished presentation |
| 8️⃣ | Patrick Moore | Always in the mix; strong back and arms |
| 9️⃣ | Anthony Jehl | Underdog with improving aesthetics |
| 10️⃣ | Morgan MacDonald | Canadian pro with solid conditioning |
Valliere’s Take:
“Delarosa is my guy. He won here last year, placed well at Olympia, and he knows how to peak.”
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Valliere believes Delarosa’s experience and consistency give him the edge—especially on a stage where polish and presentation matter.
📋 Seth Feroce’s Top 10 Picks
| Rank | Bodybuilders | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Bruno Oliveira Santos | Freak genetics; could peak perfectly |
| 2️⃣ | Jonathan Delarosa | Tough to beat, but might be challenged |
| 3️⃣ | Joseph Palacios | Great balance and flow |
| 4️⃣ | Emir Omeragic | Massive package, hard to ignore |
| 5️⃣ | Justin Shier | Always sharp, but lacks that “wow” factor |
| 6️⃣ | Patrick Moore | Consistent, but needs more fullness |
| 7️⃣ | Quinton Eriya | Young, hungry, improving fast |
| 8️⃣ | Stuart Sutherland | Solid, but may not have peak advantage |
| 9️⃣ | Justin Savoie | Wildcard with great posing |
| 10️⃣ | Morgan MacDonald | Reliable, but not a podium threat |
Feroce’s Take:
“Bruno could be the dark horse. If he nails his prep, he’s going to be a problem.”
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Feroce sees Bruno Oliveira Santos as the X-factor —a genetically gifted bodybuilder with extreme muscle density and fullness who could out-mass even the favorites.
🔥 The Contenders: Who Really Has the Edge?
Let’s break down the top threats based on both analysts’ insights.
🥇 Jonathan Delarosa – The Defending King
- 2024 Tampa Pro Winner
- 12th at 2024 Mr. Olympia
- Known for tight waist, balanced proportions, and excellent posing
Delarosa is the safe pick , but as Feroce noted, he may face unprecedented competition this year.
🥈 Bruno Oliveira Santos – The Brazilian Freak
- Massive muscle bellies
- Extreme density and thickness
- Peaking could be the difference-maker
If Oliveira brings Olympia-level conditioning , he could steal the show .
🥉 Justin Shier & Joseph Palacios – The Consistent Threats
Both athletes are perennial top-10 finishers with sharp conditioning and stage presence . Shier brings aesthetic flow , while Palacios has improved back and leg development .
💣 Dark Horses: Emir Omeragic, Quinton Eriya, Patrick Moore
- Omeragic: Raw size that’s hard to ignore
- Eriya : Young, explosive, with insane leg sweep
- Moore: Always in the mix, needs a breakout
🎯 What Judges Are Looking For in 2025
Based on recent Olympia trends, judges are prioritizing:
- Mass with definition (not just dryness)
- 360-degree symmetry
- Stage presence and posing control
- Muscle fullness and vascularity
- Waist tightness and separation
This favors athletes who can balance size and conditioning —exactly what makes Delarosa, Oliveira, and Palacios so dangerous.
📅 What’s at Stake?
The 2025 Tampa Pro isn’t just another show.
- Olympia qualification is on the line
- Sponsorship opportunities depend on performance
- Reputation and momentum heading into Vegas
For some, like Quinton Eriya or Justin Savoie , a top-5 finish could be career-defining .
For others, like Delarosa , it’s about proving dominance and building Olympia momentum .
🔮 Final Thoughts: Will the King Hold His Throne?
The 2025 Tampa Pro is shaping up to be one of the most competitive shows of the season .
- Iain Valliere believes Jonathan Delarosa will defend his title with consistency and polish .
- Seth Feroce thinks Bruno Oliveira Santos could disrupt the hierarchy with a perfect peak.
One thing is certain: this lineup is stacked , and only the best will advance .
So mark your calendars.
Follow the live updates.
And get ready for a showdown where every pose, every pump, and every drop of sweat could mean the difference between Olympia glory and another year of waiting .
Because in bodybuilding…
The next legend could be born in Tampa.
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