On Saturday, 18th July, the Chicago Pro Bikini competition takes centre stage with an impressive lineup of 29 athletes all battling for one goal: earning their place at the Olympia. With a deep roster of talent and several athletes carrying strong momentum into the event, fans can expect an exciting showdown.
One of the clear favourites heading into the contest is former Ms. Bikini Olympia, Isa Pecini. Fresh from her victory at the Texas Pro, Isa continues to prove why she is one of the most successful Bikini athletes in IFBB Pro League history, currently holding the third-highest number of professional wins ever recorded in the division.
Her presentation in Texas was exceptional, with elegant posing and a polished overall package. Team Atlas coach James has even revealed that both he and the head judge believed Isa displayed the best Bikini front pose ever seen on stage, highlighting the level of refinement she continues to bring to competition.
Among the athletes expected to challenge for the top positions is Alice Rocha, coached by Jamie De Bernard of Fit Body Fusion. Chicago will mark Alice's third show of the season, following an impressive runner-up finish at the St. Pete Pro.
Team Atlas also brings two strong contenders to the stage in Kerigan Pike and Jess Liu. Kerigan has established herself as one of the most consistent athletes in the division, regularly placing in the top five and recently securing second place at the Patriots Challenge.
Jess Liu, meanwhile, continues to impress during her debut professional season. After placing fourth at the St. Pete Pro, her feedback centred around minor posing adjustments. Given that Jess previously earned a Best Poser award at her professional debut, many expect those refinements to be addressed quickly as she continues to develop.
Another athlete expected to make a strong impact is Mahsa Akbarimehr, the first Iranian IFBB Bikini Pro athlete. Having competed since 2015, Mahsa is enjoying one of the strongest seasons of her career. Coached by Neal Cash, she recently placed in the top five at the Texas Pro, with judges encouraging her to simply keep showing up. Known for her consistently outstanding stage presence, Mahsa earned the Best Poser Award at the Indy Pro earlier this season.
Two-time Bikini Olympian Jodie Yuncker is another athlete carrying excellent momentum into Chicago. She has featured in the first call-outs at all of her recent contests and secured an impressive eighth-place finish out of 29 competitors at the Indy Pro. Her stunning cherry red bikini and polished presentation helped show off her overall package.
Fans are also excited to see Torey Braly return to the stage. Based on her recent social media updates, she appears to be bringing a highly competitive package and could be one of the standout performers of the weekend.
Representing the United Kingdom, Jessica Mutlow will also be one to watch. Jessica recently competed at the Texas Pro, where she placed 13th. It has been an exciting period both on and off the stage, as she also became engaged during her trip to America.
Another athlete looking to build on previous feedback is Megan LaCosse. Chicago will be her second appearance of the season after competing at the Indy Pro, where posing was highlighted as an area for improvement. It will be exciting to see the adjustments she has made heading into this weekend.
The Masters athletes continue to make a significant impact within the professional ranks, and Rachel Farganis, Aneta Szoltysek, and Candice Yang are all enjoying excellent seasons. Many fans will remember Rachel's remarkable achievement of earning her Pro card while competing with a broken foot. Rachel has already qualified for the Masters Olympia, as has Candice Yang, who secured her qualification with victory at the Memphis Pro.
Rina Opekunova will be looking to showcase improvements after receiving feedback to bring up her upper glutes, while it has also been exciting to follow Valentina Rodriguez during her debut professional season. Since making her Pro debut at the St. Pete Pro, Valentina has been working diligently on her feedback while simultaneously pursuing her PhD studies.
With such a talented lineup featuring established Olympians, rising stars, Masters standouts, and exciting professional newcomers, the Chicago Pro promises to be one of the most competitive Bikini events of the season.
Who will rise to the occasion and secure their Olympia qualification? We will find out on Saturday when some of the best Bikini athletes in the world take to the Chicago Pro stage.
