2010 Phoenix Pro Review by Juan Carlos Lopez

The first ever Pro show in a state that has many quality competitors, the show was well run as experienced expeditors were hired but being a first year show it might just fall under the same category as the Atlantic City pro which is now defunct. A private investor put down all the money to run this show, a very expensive show that might not come back next year if they don't change a few things. The ticket prices were $48 for prejudging and starting at $73 for finals and up to $198. The lack of people at the show reflected such prices, also booth space for a one day show at 10x10 for $3000 is rather expensive. The Arnold Classic charges $2000 for 3 days for 10x10 space and the traffic they provide is amazing. Making a return in a first ever show is not easy but the expenses must be kept low.

Mindi Smith

Mindi Smith kept her winning streak and in her debut show she won the whole thing. Second place was for local competitor Amy O'Neill, 3rd for Australian Rosa Maria Romero, 4th for local Felicia Romero and with a statuesque physique in 5th Jodie Minear.

Julie Palmer

For Fitness Julie Palmer won the category, Tanji Johnson in second, Camala Rodriguez in third, amazing Oksana Grishina in 4th and Bridgette Murray from Colorado in 5th. The show only had 8 competitors which was a small number compared to the other 2 categories.

Yaxeni Oriquen

Bodybuilding was for Yaxeni Oriquen, Betty Pariso took second, Zoa Linsey in third, Jeannie Paperone in 4th and Dena Westerfield in 5th. Having this been one of the few pro shows for women's bodybuilding the amount of competitors was good. But again it will be very hard for a show like this to offer so many categories if it don't do well financially. The Atlantic City show is no longer alive, 3 years of throwing money left and right got them nothing but debt.

Back to Issues