IN a landmark development for bodybuilding in Guyana, the highly anticipated ‘Stage of Champions’ event has officially attained International Federation of Fitness and Bodybuilding (IFBB) Pro Qualifier status.
This prestigious recognition means the competition will now award three coveted IFBB Pro Cards annually, starting with the June 7, 2025, event.
This historic achievement marks a significant turning point, providing a direct pathway for Guyanese and regional athletes to earn professional status and compete on the global stage of the IFBB Pro League. The three Pro Cards will be awarded in Bodybuilding, Men’s Physique, and Bikini categories.

An IFBB Pro Card is the ultimate qualification for aspiring professional bodybuilders, allowing them to compete in the elite IFBB Pro League. Earning this card typically requires athletes to achieve top placements or victories in recognised National Physique Committee (NPC) contests, which serve as crucial stepping stones towards professional status.

The Stage of Champions, the brainchild of dedicated trainer Videsh Sookram, has grown significantly, garnering immense support within the local fitness community. Its elevation to Pro Qualifier status underscores the event’s quality and the potential within Guyanese bodybuilding.

This ground-breaking status was officially confirmed on Saturday evening, following a meeting held at the ongoing Roger Boyce Classic event in Barbados.
Key figures instrumental in making this a reality were present at this pivotal meeting: Dr Rafael Santonja, President of the IFBB; Tony Peña, President of the Central American & Caribbean Bodybuilding Federation (CAC); Roger Callender, President of the Guyana

Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation (GBBFF); and Videsh Sookram, National Coach of Team Guyana and CEO of Stage of Champions.
The Stage of Champions will now attract higher levels of competition and provide local athletes with an unprecedented opportunity to achieve their professional dreams on home soil.