Branch is hard to place, true. After seeing the predjudging pics and video I said it was Jay and Dex in 1st and 2nd. But other than them Branch impressed me the most. He was so heavily muscle and so ripped that it was obvious he should be at the top, despite some imbalance. It was not an obvious political call at all IMO. Just like tom Platz was 2nd in the O, while some thought he should've won. Very imbalanced but was so extreme he couldn't be denied a top placing.
I agree. Branch was very dry and it was very close between him and Dex, which the scores also reflected. And Ed, even people who were deadset against Cutler for years did a full 180 and agree that he deserved the title this year clearly.
Jay - was too big, conditioned, dry and thick, with great separation and taper. Clear winner.
Branch - huge, freaky bodyparts with enough flow and looked alright in most of the mandatories. Was also the most conditioned guy other than Jay.
Dex - not as good as we've seen him and it was very close between him & Branch. I don't think anyone would've complained if they swapped places.
Kai - not as dry as he was at the Arnold and didn't standout in a line up of this caliber.
Phil - wasn't as sharp and full on Friday night as he was on Saturday. Would have placed second if he'd been in Saturday's shape both nights.
Vic - conditioning and legs weren't as good as we've seen him in before, but still has potential to win it all if he improves his legs and peaks correctly.