First, athletes qualify for the 202 Showdown by placing in the top five of one of the three 202-pound shows held this year … at the New York Pro held on May 10, the Pro Bodybuilding Weekly Championships on August 9 or the Europa Super Show on August 15-16.

Second, the Olympia Committee will also give special consideration to inviting athletes who have competed in one of these three contests but who did not place among the top 5.

Third, athletes who qualify for the Mr. Olympia competition and who meet the weight limit will be allowed to compete in the 202 Showdown on Saturday afternoon.

QUALIFIED ATHLETES [as of August 16, 2008]
1. Ray Arde, USA [Houston Pro]*
2. Jason Arntz, USA [New York Pro]
3. Curtis Bryant, USA [Europa]
4. Eric Castagnet, France [Houston Pro]*
5. Charles Dixon, USA [New York Pro]
6. Kevin English, USA [New York Pro]
7. George Farah, USA [Europa]
8. David Henry, USA [New York Pro]
9. Jaroslav Horvath, Slovakia [Tampa Pro]
10. Richard Jackson, USA [Houston Pro]*
11. James Lewis, Wales [Tampa Pro]
12. Jeffrey Long, USA [Houston Pro]*
13. Roc Shabazz, USA [New York Pro]
14. Nathan Wonsley, USA [Houston Pro]*

*event added after initial press release