First, let me say that there are many guys in this lineup that are in fantastic shape. Ronnie and Jay are obviously 1 & 2, but overall Ronnie dominated the show.
In the front comparisons, Ronnie is just too dominant, his legs, too big for Jay, waist and stomach much smaller than Jay's - too me it looked as though Jay's legs flattened out too much - they were very flat and markedly smaller than his upper body. I think he probably flattened out and then tried to excessively carb back up because this was the first time I have ever seen Jay's stomach bloated - very surprising.
From the side is where Ronnie took over with complete domination as his side shots were in another league. What did surprise me was that this show was the first time Jay was able to hang with Ronnie (from the waist up) in the back shots. Jay's rear double bicep was impressive and has very much improved - but Ronnie's is still better. However, from the side and front - Ronnie is still just too overpowering for anyone at this point in time.
It was a good battle, but there is no doubt that Ronnie is clear cut. You can look at photos all you want, but in person at the show today - every person I spoke to still thinks Ronnie is light years ahead of the pack - just the total package and a look that is different from everyone else on stage. I'm not taking anything away from Jay- he's still a great athlete and the time off helped him to make several improvements, but he just didn't come out with the impact I thought he would have with taking the year off. I just would have liked to have seen his trademark abs and thighs - that would have made a real battle.
Gunter is right on the money - I would have liked to have seen him compared to Jay in the muscularity round. I think he is currently in 3rd and this is well deserved - his waist was trimmed down especially from his side shots - very impressive.
Gustavo Badell was very impressive - I will give him credit where it is due - I admit at the press conference he was not impressive to me - but he pulled things together for the pre-judging - his color was excellent - dry conditioning and much improved in the midsection - controlled it nicely.
5th & 6th battle is between Melvin Anthony and Victor Martinez - this is definitely the best Mel has ever been. His physique is just perfection - beautiful lines, full muscle and great conditioning - he is the second coming of Flex. He will continue to improve and better himself every show - and with this he will be sure to make his mark as one of the major contenders in whatever show he enters - and could possibly be the top guy very soon.
Same thing goes for Victor - great physique and he is markedly improved over recent appearances on stage. He is another athlete soon to be known as "one of the top guys", but a top 6 finish is going to be great for both these athletes.
Branch Warren looked great - freaky legs and just needs to bring up the detail in his back - but this was his first O lineup and a great job in such a talent packed lineup.
George Farah also a top 10 finisher - great conditioning and good
symmetry - looked very impressive from the back - a great overall showing for George.
Some who fell short...
Obviously Chris Cormier - a placement that should never happen to Chris - unfortunately he just missed the mark. Chris is a guy that should be vying for a top spot at every show - but as I have said - to do this he must eliminate the distractions in his life. He still has his base physique - he just needs to work things out from that point.,
Markus Ruhl - just missed the mark - he just needs to focus on being the "freakazoid" we all know and love.
