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This marks the third show in 3 weeks after the Olympia it seems that pro bodybuilding has come back to Europe with a bang! With shows all over the continent popping up, it’s good to see the post-Olympia Grand Prix’s coming back. But what about this event? It’s second year back after it left the UK when Ronnie Coleman won the 2004 British Grand Prix, the show has grown into a pro show with a sizeable expo. This year we have the newly added class of pro bikini along with Men’s Open and 212 Division.

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Rarely do 212 shows outshine the Open men’s. Even with all the talent stacked in that class, it simply DID! The battle we all expected between Sami and Flex was of EPIC proportions - much like the two gents it was all about. I’m rarely one to sit on the fence, but this came down to the wire, folks! Flex was up to 211 pounds, opposed to his Olympia winning 205 pound form.

They traded shot for shot, and one moment I was giving it to Sami, the next – Flex. Then down, we had a much improved Jose Raymond who is constantly bombarded with criticism for his lack of separation, here tonight though - that was a thing of the past. Perfect color, separation, and condition, Jose could be a very possible contender for third place. That is unless 212 newcomer, William Bonac, upsets the applecart and sneaks into that place. In some shots, like the side chest and rear double bicep, not even Flex or Sami were that much further ahead of the ultra-impressive William.

Third placed Olympia 212 competitor Eduardo Correa didn’t disappoint either. Not the prettiest shape or structure by any means, but boy does he make up for it with incredible, freaky, shredded, thick, and gnarly mass. From where I was sitting, and going by my own physique preferences, I’d have had Eduardo in fourth or fifth, but, I’d say third will more than likely be where he’ll end up going by the callouts.

Hmm, now this was interesting to watch. We had a handful of some of the biggest names, but were they at their best? In a word – No! It’s not exactly a shocker to realize that three-time pro winner for 2012, Shawn Flexatron Rhoden, would be the favorite here. But credit has to go where credit is due, when we saw that he had actually improved over his Arnold Europe win just a week previous. I say credit as to even maintain his look over the week’s previous is no easy task by any means. With possibly one of the most stunning front double biceps I think of ALL time, Shawn had this in the bag the moment he lifted up those arms to hit that all important first pose. To nit-pick, you could argue that he could be drier from the back, but too many boxes are not just ticked but smashed! Breathtaking is the best way to describe him, and I see a VERY bright future ahead of this amazing, relatively new talent in the IFBB. And you know what? I’ve a feeling he’s not even BEGAN to hit his stride yet. Phil, Kai, don’t turn your back on this hot-shot or you might be choking on his dust VERY soon.

Next up in the ranking, as in second place, I think is definitely locked in for a mighty impressive Johnnie Jackson. Again, he could still be a smidge tighter, but the mass and shape of that upper body with the detail of his adequate quads is enough to snag second here. This might surprise many, but I feel Robert Piotrkowicz deserved third here tonight, based upon the showing he gave us all in the pre-judging. Not getting the best of callouts, he WAS called out right at the very end of the round, so that could be mean he is safe to get a good placement, or rather, a DESERVED placement.

Toney Freeman is always a front runner, and even though I have seen him 5% better, he will make top four or five. Up in the first and penultimate callout was Roelly Winklaar. He’s taken a lot of flak in the last couple of shows for what many feel are underserved placings. Well, folks, it’s not his fault. He is only accepting what he feels is what the judges think HE deserves. Now, Roelly, in my opinion, is a true phenomenon of the sport. Potential-wise, he is limitless, and like ANY athlete, he has good days and bad. This, today, was a bit of both. He was better than I expected, but not as good as he should have been. In truth, he needs rest to grow and come back bigger and better, and fulfill that top five Olympia destiny.

Other standouts that I feel deserve good mention are a massively improved Eric Fankhouser, with Mr. Olympia legs and a better than average upper body, he needs more time but in this game it’s all about progression and that deserves credit.