Show day started early, as always.
I woke up feeling good. The first coat of tan was done, carbs were in, and physically everything was responding the way I wanted. Mentally, I felt calm. Going into the day, I already knew this had been one of the most balanced and sustainable preps I’ve done, especially considering how much I had been traveling.
Backstage, it was the usual routine — final checks, small adjustments, pump-up. Nothing rushed, nothing chaotic, just focused. At that point, there’s not much to change. You just try to stay present and be ready for the moment you step on stage.
When I got out there, I felt confident in the package I brought.
After prejudging, the first feedback started to come in. From the front, the impact was very strong — structure, presence, overall look. That’s where I stand out the most right now. But at the same time, the feedback was consistent: the back is not yet at the same level.
It’s not a big difference, but at this level, even small gaps matter. When the front is at a certain standard, the back has to match it to create a complete package.
In the end, I finished 6th in a very competitive lineup.
Of course, I would have liked to place higher, but I’m satisfied with the condition I brought and the way I showed up. More importantly, I left with clear feedback and a very specific direction for what needs to improve.
On the way back, I had a conversation with a taxi driver that stayed with me. We spoke about discipline and lifestyle, and he thanked me in a way that felt very genuine. Moments like that remind me that this journey is not only about competing, but also about what you can share with others.
Now it’s time to move forward.
I know exactly what needs to be improved — bringing the back up to the same level as the front, while keeping the structure and tight waist that define my physique. That’s the focus going into the next phase.
If you want to see the full show day — from the final prep to the stage and the feedback — you can watch the full video here: