The first two rounds of our Sports Stud 2012 Showdown have wrapped up, with two new finalists being added to the final showdown. In Round 1, Lance Parker took the top spot, with who happened to be my first Sports Stud of the year in 2012. In second place was sexy volleyball player, J.P. Calderon whom you know best from Survivor. Last week, the voting for Round 2 was in full swing, with Olympic gymnast Jake Dalton taking the lead and diver David Boudia just barely making it into second ahead of some close competition.

Check out all of the Sports Studs from the third round below. Whichever two studs get the most votes will move onto the final round, kicking off a week from today. Happy voting!

Sports Stud Showdown Dates:
The Top 2 from each round automatically advance to the finals. Four wildcard spots will be given to the athletes who garnered the four highest vote totals from all rounds tabulated (winners excluded).

• Round 1: Dec 15-21, 2012 (click here for contestants) 1st Lance Parker, 2nd J.P. Calderon
• Round 2: Dec 22-28, 2012 (click here for contestants) 1st Jake Daldon, 2nd David Boudia
• Round 3: Dec 29-Jan 4, 2012 (results announced Jan 5)
• Finals: Jan 5-11, 2013 (Final Results announced Jan 12, 2013)

Danny Care

Original Feature: Aug 25, 2012
Sport: Rugby
Why I Chose Him: Having modelled for the Rugby’s Finest Calendar, it was a no brainer to feature him as a Sports Stud. Woof!

Ashley Sexton

Original Feature: Sept 1, 2012
Sport: Boxing
Why I Chose Him: I thought he’d be great because he’s young, not the usual body type that we feature, and has the most striking eyes. Also, a naked “weigh-in” always helps. ;)

Francesco Totti

Original Feature: Sept 1, 2012
Sport: Soccer
Why I Chose Him: I was intrigued by the fact that he and his wife are known as the “Italian Beckhams” and after looking at his photos, was sold by his bulgie beach attire. Hubba hubba!

Caine Eckstein

Original Feature: Sept 15, 2012
Sport: Ironman
Why I Chose Him:

Rob Gronkowski

Original Feature: Sept 22, 2012
Sport: Football
Why I Chose Him: He’s hot, but it was his comment about taking Tim Tebow’s virginity that sold me on him. LOL.

Dan Carter

Original Feature: Oct 6, 2012
Sport: Rugby
Why I Chose Him: Super handsome, sexy underwear modelling pictures, a kilt… need I say more?

Ben Foden

Original Feature: Oct 13, 2012
Sport: Rugby
Why I Chose Him: A naked modelling picture, a naked scandal… what more could I ask for?

Steven Gerrard

Original Feature: Oct 20, 2012
Sport: Soccer
Why I Chose Him: He has the most incredible washboard abs and I had read that in the past he was voted by gay football/soccer fans in the UK to be the “hottest football player.”

David Pocock

Original Feature: Oct 27, 2012
Sport: Rugby
Why I Chose Him: I’m pretty sure it was his bootylicious butt that sold me, but I also loved that he speaks out as a gay ally as well.

Luke Campbell

Original Feature: Nov 3, 2012
Sport: Boxing
Why I Chose Him: He won a gold medal at the 2012 Olympics and had also just signed on to compete in Stars On Ice.

Gavin Henson

Original Feature: Nov 10, 2012
Sport: Rugby
Why I Chose Him: I felt like tackling a rugby player that week and Henson’s sexy pictures (including some naughty Christmas ones) lured me in.

Mattia Destro

Original Feature: Nov 17, 2012
Sport: Soccer
Why I Chose Him: He had recently made headlines for being penalized for almost taking off his shirt. Yup, that’s a rule.

Ryan Sheckler

Original Feature: Nov 24, 2012
Sport: Skateboarding
Why I Chose Him: I hadn’t picked an athlete from skateboarding before and Sheckler is a pretty big deal in the sport. He’s got gorgeous eyes too!

Lance “Buddy” Franklin

Original Feature: Dec 1, 2012
Sport: Football
Why I Chose Him:

Campbell Brown

Original Feature: Dec 8, 2012
Sport: Football
Why I Chose Him: This one was actually a suggestion from a reader and was definitely a great addition to this year’s Sports Studs.

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Related Stories:
• 2012 Sports Stud Showdown
• 2011 Sports Stud Showdown: The Winner Is…
• Weekly Sports Studs