In the very beginning, there was skepticism that a bodybuilding contest judged primarily online through photos would attract any higher quality than your run-of-the-mill amateurs and wannabes who wouldn't stand a chance on a real stage. The premier edition of the MD Cyber Classic blew that crap out of the water, and the competitors this year proved that not only could this be the next evolution of bodybuilding competition, but it could also be a wiser choice for many athletes looking to gain recognition and exposure. After all, what other bodybuilding contest guaranteed both substantial cash prizes and a spot on the cover of the world's biggest and best bodybuilding magazine?

The contest began in the fall of 2007, as submissions began to come in literally from around the globe. MD staff painstakingly scrutinized each entry and managed to narrow the field down to four finalists: Eduardo Correa, Karouani Johan Fehd, Chris Jalali, and Tarek El Setouhi. The MD forum members would choose the fifth finalist out of twenty additional entries. Votes very neck and neck between American Dan Serota and James Llewellyn of the United Kingdom, with Serota edging him out to become ‘The People's Champion.' The final phase of the Cyber Classic would take place on stage at the MD booth, smack dab in the middle of the Arnold Sports Festival expo floor on Friday afternoon, February 29. Shawn ray emceed the finals as judges Steve Blechman, Dave Palumbo, and John Romano did their best to sort out the best of the best amidst what could only be described as pure chaos on the part of hundreds of screaming muscle fans.

In the end, Brazil's Eduardo Correa was awarded first place, a check for $7,000, the cover of MD, and a three-month supply of supplements courtesy of Gaspari Nutrition. Correa was an easy choice, with a phenomenal physique that would have been competitive on the men's pro stage that same weekend. With a total package of size, shape, symmetry, amazing condition and muscle maturity, Eduardo had actually qualified for a pro card with a middleweight class win at last year's IFBB World Championships, but chose to retain his amateur status for the time being. He also went on to win the middleweight class at the Arnold Amateur the next day, so it's safe to say that Eduardo's trip from Brazil to Ohio was well worth it.

In second place was the enormous Tarek El Setouhi, an Egyptian living in Germany. For his efforts, Tarek received two grand and a month's supply of Gaspari products. I had just watched him hours earlier at the judging for the Arnold Amateur, where it had been obvious he would sweep the Super Heavyweight division. Not only did he do that the next day, but he also beat out Correa for the Overall. Though his waist was on the wide side and his color was too light, apparently the international team of NPC and IFBB judges were thoroughly impressed by his raw mass. The MD Cyber Classic judges saw it a bit differently, but as they say, "vive le difference."

California's Chris Jalali was the third-place finisher, and walked away with a thousand dollars and a month's supply of Gaspari supplements. Last year's NPC Orange Country Classic overall champ has a supremely marketable look that has already garnered him several magazine covers. As for his physique, he had the largest arms in the contest relative to his body, and you know that our sport loves huge guns. Though he still needs to bring up his chest to match those cannons and his melon delts, rest assured this a young star on the rise and you'll be seeing a lot more of him.

Karouani Johan Fehd came all the way from France, the youngest finalist at just 22 years old. The fourth-place man had impressive arms and arrived in granite-hard condition, rivaling only Correa in the striated glutes department. He also had some of the freakiest vascularity I have ever seen, and I would put him on the short list of all-time Kings of Vein that would also have to include Rich Gaspari, the late Curtis Leffler, and Paul Dillett.  Unfortunately, Fehd's lower body was surprisingly weak compared to his upper and he also appeared quite narrow compared to the top three. But the kid has time and youth on his side.

Fifth went to Dan Serota, the People's Champion and the only other American in the finals along with Jalali. Dan had a very respectable physique with good overall proportions, though he was also on the narrow side and could stand to add a lot more mass. But his condition was spot-on, showing that he had taken the Cyber Classic seriously and dieted his ass off.

The second annual MD Cyber Classic was a rousing success. You can bet that the quantity and quality of entries is only going to get better and better. Look for Eduardo Correa on the cover of MD in a few months. To all the loyal fans that showed their support both online and at the actual finals, MD thanks you. See you all again next year!