Benjamin "Ben" Pakulski (born March 18, 1981, in Toronto, Ontario),[1] nicknamed the Pak-Man, is a Canadian IFBB professional bodybuilder and winner of the 2008 Mr. Canada competition.
Pakulski also credits the deceased Peter Chiasson, a health professional with a background in Engineering and human biomechanics, for leading him toward and intelligent approach to muscle building early in his career.
On his website, he attributes his relationship with Peter Chiasson and Tom Purvis, as well as his relentless commitment to mastery for making his name "synonymous with an intelligent and healthy approach to bodybuilding."
A 2009 feature story on Pakulski alongside Fouad Abiad, entitled "The Canadian Invasion", publicized them on entering the pros internationally.
The writer justified his prediction by the lack of an incumbent champion, as leading pros Branch Warren (the 2011 and 2012 Arnold winner), the reigning Mr. Olympia Phil Heath, Jay Cutler, Kai Greene, Evan Centopani, and Victor Martinez would be out of the competition.
In the article, Dexter Jackson was reasoned to be a serious contender, but his performance in a grueling Masters Olympia contest weeks before would make him vulnerable to a fresh competitor like Pakulski.
"[16] Welch defended the change in decision, saying that amazing bodybuilders would need to be recognized and he felt that Pakulski was not far from winning the Mr. Olympia crown someday.