Europe Pro Championship 2020
Ten years ago, I photographed a bodybuilding competition for the first time. I was thrilled by the possibilities these events offered for a fitness and photography enthusiast.
Imagine that a historic event, never seen before, was about to be held in Spain for the first time. A championship open to all professional athletes, where the top three finishers in the ten categories qualify directly for the coveted Olympia. Furthermore, it was supported by IFBB PRO ITALY, IFBB PRO SPAIN, NPC WORLDWIDE, and the IFBB Professional League.
Add to that the global challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic and the organizational challenges of an international competition of such magnitude.
Although it may seem incredible, thanks to promoters Emilio Martínez and Gian Enrico Pica, and under the direction of Barbara Bagnuolo, the event took place in Alicante (Spain).
Emilio Martínez offered me the opportunity to create a personal photographic project and use images to tell the story of a spectacle where a multitude of stories belonging to each of the competitors intertwine. It’s not often that you get the chance to photograph an IFBB Professional League championship.
Needless to say, it was impossible to turn down.
Early in the morning, October 11th arrived at IFA (Institución Ferial Alicantina). Some athletes headed to the back entrance to begin their preparations. As soon as they received their accreditation and official masks, my camera began searching for moments on what would be an important day in the lives of many athletes.
Next to the stage, the medals await their new owners. Meanwhile, backstage, rollers tint bodies, rubber bands and bars help pump up muscles, trainers offer the latest tips, mirrors reflect focused faces while hair and makeup professionals enhance the beauty of their bodies even more. In the age of social media, cell phones broadcast the athletes’ experiences in real time. Content creators, with increasingly sophisticated and professional video equipment, record every movement.
Despite everything, an air of tranquility and concentration reigns in the spacious backstage. Promoters take calls and oil the machinery in the final minutes.
It’s time. The doors open for the audience to take their seats, following the measures that will ensure everyone’s safety. Billy Garnon takes the microphone for the first time and hands it over to the promoters. A team behind the cameras is responsible for streaming the excitement of the event to the homes of family and friends who couldn’t come to cheer on the athletes.
The MEN’S PHYSIQUE PRO category is the first to take the stage. All the athletes look impressive. The sight of the stage packed with professionals and the large crowd and fans confirms the success of the event.
Let’s let the images speak for themselves…
The IFA venue empties quickly, leaving a very special event in the memory. I’m fortunate to have been able to capture it in images so I can relive it at any time.
This story doesn’t feature all the protagonists, but it attempts to convey—from my personal perspective—the ins and outs of a professional competition. Each athlete experiences an intense and extensive experience, compared to the small fraction of time the fans see on stage.
Congratulations to the participants, congratulations to the entire organization, and thanks to Emilio Martínez for making those dreams that take so much effort to build a reality.
Alberto Durán
Photographer & Storyteller