This past weekend, two major IFBB Pro events shook the bodybuilding world—the Tsunami Pro (France Pro) and the Legion Sportsfest—featuring top-tier competitors vying for crucial wins and Olympia qualifications. Here’s a detailed breakdown of both events and what they mean for the athletes and their paths toward future competitions.
France Pro: Samson Dauda Dominates
Samson Dauda, one of the most anticipated names heading into the Olympia, made waves at the France Pro (Tsunami Pro). While opinions varied on whether it was a good move for him to compete so close to the Olympia, Samson delivered a decisive victory, reaffirming why he’s considered a top-five Olympian.
Samson, standing large and dominant, showcased his impressive physique, leaving his competitors in the dust. Andrea Presti finished second, and Theo Leger placed third, both of whom looked phenomenal but couldn’t match Samson’s size and conditioning. The debate around Andrea Presti’s Olympia qualification is one of frustration—he has narrowly missed a win numerous times, and this show was no exception. Without a points system or multiple qualification spots, athletes like Presti face the tough reality of winning outright to earn a place at the Olympia.
While Samson’s win was clear-cut, his conditioning sparked some conversation. Although he displayed a fuller, harder look than in previous competitions, particularly from the front and side, his glute and lower-back areas raised some concerns. His hamstrings looked solid, but his glute separation seemed lacking compared to elite-level competitors like Ronnie Coleman. Some speculate that it could be a muscle mass issue rather than conditioning. Nevertheless, with two weeks left before the Olympia, Samson still has time to refine these small details and bring his best package to the Olympia stage.
The takeaway from Samson’s performance is clear: the Tsunami Pro was a smart strategic move. Competing allowed him to get feedback from judges and adjust accordingly for the Olympia, where his goal is not just a top-three finish but to win outright. Samson has a few more pounds to lose and needs to focus on further tightening his physique, but this competition provided him with valuable insights to elevate his performance for the main event.
Legion Sportsfest: Brett Wilkin Edges Out Bruno Santos
Over at the Legion Sportsfest in Nevada, Brett Wilkin clinched a much-needed victory, qualifying him for the 2025 Olympia. He faced stiff competition from Bruno Santos of Brazil, who recently secured his own Olympia qualification. The battle between Brett and Bruno was fierce, with both athletes presenting balanced, well-conditioned physiques.
Brett Wilkin’s victory was a testament to his improvements over the past year. Known for his work ethic and steady progress, Brett displayed better conditioning, particularly in his side leg poses, back double bicep, and overall symmetry. His glutes and hamstrings stood out, giving him the edge over Bruno, especially from the back. Although Bruno carries immense mass, his physique wasn’t as sharp as when he won his previous show.
Brett’s rear lat spread posed one area for improvement, as it didn’t open up as fully as desired. However, his overall presentation, coupled with solid conditioning, gave him the win in a close contest. This marks a significant achievement for Brett, as he’s been working tirelessly to improve his physique and compete at the highest level. This win not only serves as a morale boost but positions him as a rising force in future competitions.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Olympia
With the Olympia just around the corner, both Samson Dauda and Bruno Santos are primed and ready to showcase their best on bodybuilding’s grandest stage. For Brett Wilkin, the Legion Sportsfest win is a stepping stone, ensuring he’ll be a threat in the 2025 season.
Samson’s decision to compete at the France Pro has proven to be a strategic masterstroke. It allowed him to assess his physique, get feedback, and sharpen the final details before facing the world’s best. While his conditioning isn’t quite where it needs to be, he has time to make adjustments and come in shredded for the Olympia stage.
For Bruno Santos, the Legion Sportsfest served as another opportunity to fine-tune his physique for the Olympia. Although he didn’t secure a victory in Nevada, he’ll be taking valuable feedback from this show to make necessary improvements.
As the bodybuilding season heats up, all eyes are now on the Olympia, where the world’s best will battle for the coveted Sandow trophy. With Samson Dauda looking to make a statement, the next two weeks will be crucial for his final preparations.
Stay tuned for more updates as we head into the biggest show of the year—the Mr. Olympia!
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