THE sixth edition of the ‘Stage of Champions’ bodybuilding event has officially been granted International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB) Pro Qualifier status.
This groundbreaking development marks the first time such a prestigious event will be held on Guyanese soil, offering local and regional athletes a direct pathway to the professional ranks.
The ‘Stage of Champions’ is set to electrify the National Cultural Centre (NCC) in Georgetown on June 7. Earning an IFBB Pro Card is the ultimate goal for aspiring bodybuilders, as it unlocks the door to the elite IFBB Pro League, where athletes can compete for lucrative cash prizes and reach the pinnacle of the sport globally.
Videsh Sookram, the visionary founder of the event, reflected on the journey to this monumental achievement, expressing his fervent hope that Guyanese competitors will seize this unprecedented opportunity to secure their pro cards on home turf.
The event is poised to showcase a stellar lineup of elite physiques from across the Caribbean and beyond, with top athletes confirmed from Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, and Barbados, among other nations. The competition will be judged by a panel of highly respected IFBB and CAC-certified international officials, ensuring fairness and adherence to global standards.
Three highly coveted IFBB Pro Cards will be awarded across the bodybuilding, men’s physique, and bikini categories. The stakes couldn’t be higher, with the overall bodybuilding champion set to pocket a massive GY$600,000 (approximately US$3,000), while the Men’s Physique champion will take home GY$300,000. In the traditional bodybuilding weight classes, winners will receive GY$200,000 for first place, GY$100,000 for second, and GY$60,000 for third.
The ‘Stage of Champions Edition Six’ has garnered significant support from key corporate sponsors, including Twins Manufacturing, Fitness Express, Camille’s Academy, and Linkin Technology. Furthermore, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport has thrown its full backing behind the event, underscoring its national importance.
The action is scheduled to commence at 19:00 hours local time on June 7, with tickets available for GY$5,000.
This promises to be a landmark night for bodybuilding in Guyana and the wider Caribbean.