Does more IFBB Pro shows equal less quality of competitors?

[Parker]

It seems like now that they have more Pro shows, that the quality of winners is progressively going down, and we know that they aren't going to be top at the Mr. O, they will just litter the 15th, 16th, and 17th spots... yes there maybe some surprises, but it seems like, the more Pro shows came at the wrong time...

We know that this is a effort to come up with more money for the promoters, but it is becoming increasingly evident how the dilution of bbing has become. Even the bikini and the Men's Physique show how they are trying to gain more money at the gates at the expense of dilution. 

And so do having all these smaller shows.

[seCrawler]

I guess you need all the shows to maximize visibility of the lower tiered pros, given the surge in pro cards.  People on here have talked about it.  I think they are still building their base for the bikini division. 

[Parker]

The surge in Pro Cards is due to a certain someone and judges giving out Pro cards to unqualified competitors. Thus, sending a signal out to competitors that they don't have to come in their all time best- only come in good enough, and coozy up to judges, sponsors, and they'll win. Instead of tightening dwn on the quality, being in essence quality control for the Pro ranks, they have in turn helped the Pro ranks to die a slow death... all due to $$$$.

Greed, it strangles all when it has you in it's grasp.

[GHGut]

This is going to sound very disrespectful to the men who train hard, come correct with their nutrition & risk their lives with the supplementation, guys I will never look like, but the quality of the pro male bodybuilder physique is way down.

In the 90s you had Yates, Ray, Cormier, Wheeler, Francois, Levrone, Dillett, and a few others who were ALL legitimate Olympia threats. (Granted, the 90s was the silver age of bbing)

Today you have... Jay Cutler (who arguably wouldn't be winning Olympias if the 2001 Ronnie Coleman Arnold Classic physique was still stepping onstage), Phil Heath (one of the only pros whose physique I can get excited about), and Kai Greene.

Dexter isn't Dexter anymore and Branch, although a tremendous guy & work ethic, just doesn't have what I want to see in a bodybuilding champion.  So its interesting to see the "powers-that-be" trying to grow the sport at a time when the talent pool isn't what it used to be.

[Oldschool Flip]

I'm likening the current bodybuilding pro shows today like heavyweight pro boxing. Desperately in need of something to bring back the "good old days".

[MB]

These circuit shows give an opportunity for the new guys to have the spotlight.  The Tampa show looked like a dud on paper, but Marius Dohne turned out to be a good story.  The Olympia is definitely diluted though and should be no more than about 12 guys.  The top 3 qualifying at every show has to change.     

[Parker]

I'm likening the current bodybuilding pro shows today like heavyweight pro boxing. Desperately in need of something to bring back the "good old days".

I don't see too many of these guys looking like the good old days. Even Marius is good, he wouldn't even be top 15 in the heavyweight Division at a mid 90s USA or Nats.

Brandon Curry is a disappointment to me (as is Melvin), waiting on Big Bubba aka the new Flex to get his stuff together. Al Auguste may do some damage, but most of the guys winning these smaller shows only get exposure, and nothing else...because they are not, and probably will not be heavy hitters.

[DroppingPlates]

Maybe they rely too much on gear?

[Ron]

The problem is that many of the 'top tiered' guys are not not doing as many contests.  The Olympia and the Arnold. The rest are secondary.  Now, others would argue that is gives some of the lesser known competitors a chance to compete and get into the Olympia competition.

In the case of Tampa, hence - the surprise of the show. Out of nowhere, at least to the fans and press, someone came in and took the overall over the favorite Hide.  Granted, after the top 4 or 5, it was a non factor, but you never know what can happen.

In the past, there were various story lines on the competitors. Nowadays, we have the internet live, play by play, and other contracts that the top tiered competitors have.   Back then, it was differerent.

But yes, perhaps take out a few contests, and promote them more heavily.   

[MB]

The problem is that the cupboard is so empty right now that if Jay, Phil, Kai, Victor, Branch, or Dexter are not in the show, there is no draw.  Bodybuilding has to build up the hype for the second tier guys, but the talent is too thin.  How many people are going to attend their local pro show with Hide as the main draw?    

[Parker]

The problem is that many of the 'top tiered' guys are not not doing as many contests.  The Olympia and the Arnold. The rest are secondary.  Now, others would argue that is gives some of the lesser known competitors a chance to compete and get into the Olympia competition.

In the case of Tampa, hence - the surprise of the show. Out of nowhere, at least to the fans and press, someone came in and took the overall over the favorite Hide.  Granted, after the top 4 or 5, it was a non factor, but you never know what can happen.

In the past, there were various story lines on the competitors. Nowadays, we have the internet live, play by play, and other contracts that the top tiered competitors have.   Back then, it was differerent.

But yes, perhaps take out a few contests, and promote them more heavily.
   

Hide the favorite? Hide looks like the proverbial 10 pounds of...Marius win was a given if both are in shape.

[wes]

Rember back in the day all the top guys travelled the circuit doing the Grand Prix shows in Europe...........that`s the kind of thing they need today.

I like some of the up and coming guys:

Centopani
Jose` Raymond
Al Auguste
Flex Lewis
Marius
All have great potential to do damage if they are on point.

I like the 202`s so no need for the midget comments!