1). Phill Heath: not just hype, they guy can is the real deal. The guy was undefeated as an amateur, won his first 2 pro shows and placed 5th at the Arnold. He has been in shape a while and looks like its his show to lose.
2). Tony Freeman: Last years Iron Man winner showed up out of shape most recently in October at the olympia and placed 14th behind a bunch of these competitors, He will have to be spot on just to claim this spot. If not, i have him out of top five.
3). Silvio Samuel: I believe he will battle it out with Gustavo for this spot like he battled for 7th and Gus 8th at the Olympia. Silvio is under rated. Full, round, and thick has very little weakness. He looks much heavier than his 210ish weight. He could use a bit more detail in his thick as fuck quads. The guy is fairly humble and a nice guy in my opinon as well. Interesting fact, he competed 8 times in 2007 and his lowest placing was 7th, at the Olympia, This has to be a record for a 21st Century bodybuilder.
4). Gustavo Badell: Gustavo place 3rd at the Olmypia twice and won this show in 2005. His placings are fading but still strong enough for 4th place here. He needs every bit of his prep time to dial in, but it seems to be working.
5). David Henry: Henry needs to be shredded to claim this spot. If not, he could place much lower. He showed up soft last year( for David Henry) and placed 6th and the line up was no were near this good.
Keep an eye out for Will Harris. I believe he could place as high as second if he is ripped and that is not likely going to happen. He pushed Silvio at the Europa and placed second, and looked great at the Olympia but still placed out of top ten.
I would like to see will peeled, with his structure and size he could do some damage and beat Freeman. Judges do not seem to reward his physique.
Other sleepers include: Desmond Miller and Armin Sholtz.
