In 2020 I went to the "Europa Pro Championship". Even in the special circumstances due to Covid-19, the success of the Show seemed to reach a level difficult to match. Difficult but not impossible, because this year I enjoyed once again an exceptional Show in terms of organization and number and quality of competitors. This is the story behind the pictures.
This time the “Europa Pro Championship” moves from IFA to the modern multi-space “VB SPACES“, a location that multiplies the impact of the Show.
It’s a huge incentive for the competitors to know that the top two places in each division get direct pass to Mr. Olympia. 18 chances to live a dream. In addition, athletes from ten categories can fight for their medal.
– Medals are the reward –
It’s important that a championship like this is organized in Europe, but having it in Spain is a real luxury.
During the morning 5 categories will go on stage. First thing in the morning, the hairdressing and makeup team is already working, taking care of some competitors. The good climate of the area allows them to do it outside the building.
– Outdoor makeup –
Backstage, the MEN’S PHYSIQUE division gets ready for the first fight on stage.
The judges and the master of ceremonies are prepared. The Master of Sound begins the tests, the security team is taking positions, the streaming cameras are ready and the stores in the entrance hall finish placing their products.
– David Catena Dj, music and show –
After the introduction video on the giant screen, Gabriel Opare announces the official start of the show.
– Gabriel Opare announces the start of the show –
MEN’S PHYSIQUE division appear on stage. In a professional championship everyone looks incredible.
– Difficult task and great responsibility of the judges –
– The stage full of competitors, a success of participation –
The next division is WOMEN´S BODYBUILDING PRO. A division that once looked to be residual, has its place again in the big events thanks to the efforts of some promoters.
MEN´S CLASSIC PHYSIQUE PRO division is ready on the side of the stage. Professional athletes level is very high. It’s not easy to win the title. In this division there are athletes from Brazil, Germany, Romania, Spain, United Kingdom, France, Ireland, Italy, Czech Republic, Austria and Iran.
– Ready for the stage –
– From any angle they look amazing –
– On the backstage screen you can see what happens on stage –
– Officers are essential –
– When leaving the stage, competitors can already predict their place –
Two more categories complete the intense morning program: WOMEN’S PHYSIQUE PRO and WOMEN’S FIGURE PRO.
– Gian Enrico Pica and Emilio Martínez –
Now is time to know the names of those who will achieve the dream of competing on the Olympia stage.
– Barbara Bagnuolo and Youcef Djoudi Anava –
– Sponsors and promoters, always essential –
– WOMEN´S BODYBUILDING PRO Finalists –
– MEN’S CLASSIC PHYSIQUE –
– Emotions in every corner of the stage –
– The masks remind us that we are living different times –
The afternoon brings us five more categories:
- WOMEN´S FITNESS PRO
- WOMEN´S WELLNESS PRO
- WOMEN´S BIKINI PRO
- MEN´S 212 PRO
- MEN´S BODYBUILDING PRO
– The first call to the stage is a special moment for athletes and spectators –
– Streaming allows you to see the show live –
– Backstage, everyone wants a memory –
– After days of work the team doesn’t lose their smiles –
– Emotion and dedications –
Fans of male bodybuilding are looking forward to the last two categories:
- MEN’S 212 PRO
- MEN´S BODYBUILDING PRO
– MEN´S 212 PRO Finalists –
– MEN´S BODYBUILDING PRO –
– Nathan De Asha, MEN´S BODYBUILDING winner –
A show like this can be done thanks to the support of IFBB PRO ITALY, IFBB PRO SPAIN, NPC WORLDWIDE and the IFBB Professional League, as well as an extraordinary team of people.
But there always has to be someone who doesn’t limit his dreams and who fight for this sport.
Below, three pictures give me the answer to how it’s possible, in a still complicated health situation, to carry out an Show of this magnitude.
– Respect and affection –
– Recognition –
– Charisma –
Someone combines the respect and affection of the competitors and the recognition of his own team and other promoters.
Emilio Martínez has a special charisma thanks to his simplicity and hard work.
Anything is possible with effort and vision. We just have to wait and stay tuned for new surprises that come out of Emilio Martínez’s mind.
2021 IFBB Europa Pro Championship Results: NPCNEWSONLINE