Chad: We peaked Fouad perfectly – has a much harder, grainier look than the others in the first callout. From the front – close among Fouad, Lionel and Ben; from the side, Fouad possesses standout detail, hardness and separation. From the back, Fouad is extremely grainy and conditioned – we were able to keep Fouad full while maintaining fantastic conditioning and he appears to be in the driver’s seat right now.
DJ: Had similar conditioning to last year, but a tad better – much fuller – looked much bigger on stage from the added fullness this time around – very impressed with his conditioning – I currently have him in first.
LIONEL BEYEKE
Chad: Unbelievable overall structure. From the front he possesses great detail in the quads and has crazy, full and round muscle, but lacks quite a bit of conditioning from the side and the back. When he dials everything in, he will be a force at any show. Currently, I see him in 3rd place.
DJ: A tall athlete, but has beautiful shape and a tremendous amount of muscle for his frame – didn’t come in with the conditioning he needs to take the show and his skin looked a little thick from water and lack of condition. You could see he was hard but not dry. If he would have brought the conditioning he could have won today.
BEN PUKALSKI
Chad: Biggest guy in the lineup and one of the hardest – incredible detail; legs are hard and shredded from every angle. We were able to bring up his back tremendously; overall great fullness and standout conditioning. At prejudging I think Ben has edged out Lionel for 2nd place and will battle with Fouad later tonight for the top spot.
DJ: Very impressive – conditioning spot on – you could see he has filled out in the areas that were lacking last year – chest fuller though still not quite where I would like to see it, but much better – very hard, heavier than everyone else on the stage – extremely wide shoulders and size made him stand out – the best conditioning I’ve seen him in.
SHAWN RHODEN
Chad: Beautiful structure – not the biggest guy on stage, but when he poses, everything comes to life. He possesses Flex Wheeler type lines – just beautiful from every angle. I’d like to see a bit more size added to his overall physique, but at this show his conditioning is just lacking. He is probably 15% off the mark and I have him as a lock for 4th place currently.
DJ: Absolutely beautiful physique – reminds me of a smaller Flex Wheeler. After seeing him at the 2011 Olympia I thought he lacked that dry conditioning today. His physique/structure carries him through the show even though he was one of the softer guys in the top 4. I would like to see him drop 4-5 more pounds to compete with the guys at this show. I have him in 4th place right now, but really needs to step up the conditioning for the Arnold and drop 4-5 more pounds to make an impact.
EDUARDO CORREA
Chad: Definitely one of the hardest guys in the show and has the super “crisp” conditioning that I love to see on stage. In the comparisons he handled himself tremendously amongst the larger guys even though he probably gave up about 25-30 pounds. His conditioning has definitely moved him up the ladder, but he still needs more size to battle with the open guys. My main complaint is that he needed better color – would have made him look even harder. I can see him in 4th, but I believe he is probably in 5th right now, based off the callouts.
DJ: Unbelievable conditioning – in such great conditioning he makes others athletes in good condition look soft – made great improvements since his last contest. Still needs a bit more leg thickness. Would have liked to have seen him compared with the top 3 to see how far his conditioning could have taken him. When he was called back toward the end I thought he could have moved up in the top 3, but for now I see him 5th. At this show I would love to see a comparison among Eduardo, Fouad and Lionel as I think Eduardo could be a true “giant killer”.
MARK DUGDALE
Chad: Good overall muscle and structure just didn’t bring his trademark conditioning – I’m guessing he’s peaking for the 212’s next week and he will definitely be a force there. If he ends up in 6th tonight, still a great placement.
DJ: Color good, conditioning was nice, but just looked small compared to the rest of the top 5. I currently have him in 6th.
