Yesterday (18th July) was the BIG ONE – the TBJP International Pro Qualifier!
One of only a handful of opportunities in the UK to earn an IFBB Pro Card, the standard across the board was absolutely fantastic.
The biggest talking points heading into the show were the Super Heavyweight battle between Ben Bogdanovs and Samson (Courage), as well as the Classic Physique showdown between Rory Pickford and Leroy Wilson, and neither contest disappointed.
In the Super Heavyweights, Ben came out on top, bringing an improved package from the MK Regional and showcasing incredible size from head to toe, combined with outstanding conditioning for a big man.
Samson also made significant improvements from his regional outing in Wales, and his cartoonish upper-body size and fullness looked insane.
His conditioning was noticeably better too, but Ben was just that little bit more complete.
Ben deservedly went on to win the overall title and secure his IFBB Pro Card.
In Classic Physique Class B, Rory and Leroy both delivered their best physiques to date in an incredible head-to-head battle.
It was Leroy who came out on top thanks to his beautiful structure and the added size he has brought since earlier in the year.
It will be exciting to see how his professional career unfolds.
As for Rory, his conditioning was phenomenal, and he did everything he could to push Leroy all the way.
It was also great to see the respect and appreciation shown between all four of these athletes despite such intense stage battles.
Samson and Rory may have missed out on their Pro Cards this time, but both are undoubtedly Pro-card-worthy, and their time will come.
Other highlights from the show included Giovanni Leonelli winning the Natural Bodybuilding Pro Card with a very complete physique and an outstanding lower body.
The Natural Men's Physique overall was another fantastic battle between Obie Gueye, Kishan Patel, and Seno Udi.
Seno's tall, dominant frame earned him the overall win and the Pro Card, but both Obie and Kishan looked seriously impressive.
In the women's divisions, Uerica Bauer claimed the Wellness Pro Card and looked ready to step straight onto a professional stage.
In Bikini, although Amy Dinar was the only athlete in her class, she looked extremely impressive and went on to win a highly competitive overall title to earn her Pro Card.
She is another athlete who looks capable of stepping straight into a professional lineup.
In Natural Bikini, Heidi Marler backed up her overall victory from two weeks ago by bringing an even better package and taking both the overall title and the Pro Card.
As always, incredible work from every athlete who competed yesterday.
Congratulations to everyone who stepped on stage.
Please remember, this isn't a class-by-class show review, so if you don't see every athlete mentioned, don't come at me!
