Tonio Burton is having an incredible year in bodybuilding. After winning the IFBB New York Pro on May 9, he has taken another first-place trophy, this time at the Legion Sports Fest Pro in Reno, Nevada. The big man says that he has finally found his “look.” Here’s why.
Reno’s own Tonio Burton has increased his placing in the Open Division at the Olympia finals by eight places since switching over from the 212 grouping in 2022, and if his current run is anything to go by, Tonio could take an even loftier spot at bodybuilding’s most prestigious show come September. Choosing to stay busy, Burton followed up his Olympia qualifying first-place performance at the New York Pro with a close-run second place at the IFBB Pittsburgh Pro, and is back on top after leading a pack including Eric Wood, Patrick Moore, and Dorian Haywood at the Legion Sports Fest Pro last weekend. Following this victory, Burton explained that his current physique was “the one.”
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The Key Adjustment That Improved Burton’s Stage Presentation
“At this level, it’s not about making dramatic changes, it’s about refining the details,” explained Burton’s recovery specialist, Marissa Moroz in a recent Instagram post, where she explained that Burton had been dealing with “imbalances through his lats, right side specifically,” which had previously been restricting his ability to pose.
Moroz notes that working on Burton’s mobility has allowed him to correct this imbalance, thus presenting the perfect package on stage. The big man also took the time to thank his coach, Justin Jacoby following his jackpot in Reno. “… coming better and better each time has been the goal and we’ve been doing (it),” he explained. No doubt, Burton is becoming a major threat to the other finalists who will be making the journey to Sin City this September.
Tonio Burton’s Olympia Placings and Career Progression
Tonio Burton’s Olympia placings
2021 — 212 Division — 10th
2022 — Open Division — 16th
2023 — Open Division — 8th
2025 — Open Division — 8th
2026 Legion Sports Fest Pro results
Men’s Open: Tonio Burton
Men’s Classic Physique: Murat Can Karahasanlar
Men’s Physique: Junpei Taguchi
Bikini: Reyna Perez Mecalco
Fitness: Allison Kramer
Wellness: Narla Vilar
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