This is a "sport" that thrives by way of support from its fans. The fans buy the supplements that the bodybuilders work hard to promote. The money from said supplements allows for supplement companies to sponsor the "athletes" and the various shows. Without the fans, this cult would cease to exist.
I don't know if such a thing as an expert/qualified judge truly exists within bodybuilding. If so, why do we continue to have so many years of bad judging?
I think we should mix it up a bit and allow for the fans, the ones who support this industry with their hard-earned money, to have a say.
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I'm a bit ambivalent about this. On one hand you make a great point that it's the fans that support this industry and having them have a say
is not such a bad idea. There are objective criteria such as muscle size and conditioning but there is that ineffable quality regarding how it all comes together.
But, as you say, it's so subjective. And this goes beyond just physique. You tend to see a person with a more positive eye if you simply like them as a person. I really liked Ruhl. His personality. Always seemed upbeat and happy. I may unconsciously over look some details simply because I like him. Gunther would have been a Mr. O that one year if I had a say. I've always liked him
Also, is the general audience as sophisticated as the judges? Do they see qualities and subtle details as someone who has spent a life time in the sport? People talk about Wolf and Rhoden's back not being thick and lacking somewhat. I don't see it. People use to say the same thing about Nasser. I never saw his back as a weakness. And the whole striated glutes thing mean nothing to me.
The majority or this board sees synthol and gyno in everything. Ramy is just full of oil. I would have chosen Flex over Ronnie just because I liked his looked better with the oil though Ronnie was the better bodybuilder.
Then again the judges -- the experts -- aren't above subjectivity and politics. No way should Jay have placed higher than Ramy and the powers that be obviously love Branch.
I don't know. Maybe it should be mixed up. Audience has a say, judges has a say. But I don't want it to become like the women's division. You just pick whoever is the hottest.
But I don't think it will ever happen. The IFBB isn't going to be giving up any power.
