Hunter Labrada vs. Andrea Presti: Highlights from the 2024 Italy Pro

by Mr. O
Posted On September 8, 2024

The 2024 Italy Pro concluded with two standout athletes vying for dominance on stage—Hunter Labrada and Andrea Presti. While Labrada was the heavy favorite heading into the competition, Presti emerged as a worthy contender, making the event an exciting showcase of elite bodybuilding.

Hunter Labrada: Expected Dominance with Room for Improvement

Hunter Labrada, the son of bodybuilding legend Lee Labrada, entered the 2024 Italy Pro with immense expectations. Given his well-documented progress leading up to the show and the relatively lesser-known competitors in the lineup, many expected Labrada to win in a dominating fashion. His overall mass, balance, and dense musculature were on full display, especially in the side and back poses, where his massive quads and thick back completely overpowered the competition.

However, despite his expected victory, there were aspects of Labrada’s physique that raised some concerns, particularly his midsection. During the front-facing poses—such as the front double bicep and front lat spread—there was noticeable distension in his lower abs. This detracted from the deep, crisp definition one might expect from a top-tier bodybuilder like Labrada, which some fans and critics found distracting. Even though his sheer size was enough to claim victory, the distension was an issue that prevented this from being a flawless showing for the up-and-coming star.

Lighting also played a role in how Labrada was perceived. While the live stream lighting was suboptimal, videos shared from the front row offered a better glimpse into the details of his physique. In those clips, Labrada’s quads were more defined, and his serratus muscles appeared more pronounced, showing that his conditioning was solid despite the midsection issues.

Andrea Presti: A Conditioning Powerhouse

Andrea Presti was undoubtedly the standout challenger to Labrada at the Italy Pro. Known for his sharp conditioning, Presti brought a level of tightness that set him apart from the rest of the competition. While Labrada held the advantage in terms of sheer muscle mass, Presti’s conditioning, particularly from the back, allowed him to hold his own in the top callout.

One of the highlights of Presti’s physique was his lower body conditioning. His glutes and hamstrings were noticeably tighter than Labrada’s in back poses, with striations clearly visible, which impressed both fans and judges. This kind of razor-sharp conditioning was a testament to Presti’s dedication to bringing his best look to the stage.

However, despite his superior conditioning, Presti’s overall size was not enough to compete with Labrada’s impressive mass. In side poses and front shots, Labrada’s legs and upper body dwarfed Presti’s, making it clear that while Presti was dialed in, he still had some ground to cover in terms of size to match up against elite-level bodybuilders like Labrada.

Final Thoughts: Labrada Secures Victory, Presti Impresses

While Hunter Labrada is expected to secure the win at the 2024 Italy Pro, Andrea Presti’s performance should not be overlooked. Labrada’s overall mass and dominance from a size standpoint made him the clear winner, but his midsection distension raised questions about his conditioning, especially when compared to Presti’s tighter appearance.

Presti, though outmuscled, made a strong case for himself with his impressive conditioning, especially from the back. If Presti can add more muscle to his frame while maintaining his current level of conditioning, he has the potential to challenge the top athletes in future competitions.

In the end, the 2024 Italy Pro was a showcase of two athletes at different stages of their careers. Labrada continues his ascent to becoming a potential Mr. Olympia contender, while Presti is steadily rising through the ranks, refining his physique and building a reputation as one of the most conditioned athletes in the sport. Fans of both athletes will be eagerly awaiting their next appearances on the competitive stage.