The Wellness division at the Empro Classic delivered a high-quality showdown between two of Brazil’s rising stars, with Juliana Mota securing the fourth professional victory of her career after edging out an impressive Camila Costa in one of the most competitive line-ups of the weekend.
Coming into the contest as the pre-show favourite, Juliana carried both expectation and momentum. Having recently finished as runner-up, it was clear she was closing in on a return to the winner’s circle, and in Spain she finally broke through to claim her first professional victory in nearly two years. Her previous win came in Portugal in 2024, making this triumph a particularly significant moment in her Olympia qualification campaign.
While Juliana left with the trophy, she was pushed every step of the way by fellow Brazilian Camila Costa. Competing in just her second-ever IFBB Pro League contest, Camila delivered a phenomenal performance that immediately established her as a serious threat within the Wellness division. Possessing outstanding shape, conditioning, and stage presence, she forced Juliana to bring her very best package to secure the win.
In the end, it appeared that Juliana’s greater overall muscle density and size may have been the deciding factor. Her trademark fullness and commanding stage presence gave her the edge in a contest that was far closer than many anticipated. Camila‘s performance, however, left no doubt that she has the potential to become a future champion, and she undoubtedly had the favourite working hard throughout the comparisons.
With the victory, Juliana now turns her attention toward the remainder of the season knowing she is just one win away from securing a return to the Olympia stage. After coming so close in recent outings, this result provides both momentum and confidence as she chases bodybuilding’s biggest event.
Portugal’s Sara Pereira claimed third place with another polished and consistent showing, earning a well-deserved spot on the podium. Spain’s Cherry Calix delighted the home crowd by securing fourth place, continuing her steady rise within the professional ranks and proving she can be competitive against some of the division’s strongest athletes.
Completing the top five was Brazil’s Simone Cavalcante, whose balanced physique and stage presence ensured another respectable finish in a highly competitive field.
The Wellness division once again showcased why it remains one of the fastest-growing categories in the IFBB Pro League. Juliana may have emerged victorious, but Camila‘s breakout performance was one of the stories of the weekend, setting the stage for what could become one of the division’s most exciting rivalries in the seasons ahead.
