The 2024 212 Olympia has kicked off with an electrifying prejudging round, showcasing some of the best-conditioned athletes in the world of bodybuilding. Held on October 11 at 9:30 a.m. inside the Las Vegas Convention Center, the competition has already begun to shape up into a thrilling rematch between some of the top names in the sport.
As the stage lights shone on the athletes, four names quickly emerged as the frontrunners for the title: Keone Pearson, Shaun Clarida, Angel Calderon Frias, and Kerrith Bajjo.
A Stacked Line-Up: Who Stood Out?
This year’s competition is packed with talent, and all eyes have been on the returning stars of the 212 division.
The category itself is one of the most respected in the IFBB Pro League, producing legends like seven-time 212 Olympia champion Flex Lewis and the reigning Mr. Olympia, Derek Lunsford, who previously dominated this division.
Last year, Keone Pearson shocked the world by dethroning two-time champion Shaun Clarida, setting the stage for an epic rematch in 2024.
During prejudging, all four top contenders—Keone Pearson, Shaun Clarida, Calderon Frias, and Kerrith Bajjo—made their mark from the moment they hit the stage.
Each brought a package that not only showed improvement over last year but also added new layers of competition to the battle for this prestigious title.
Shaun Clarida: Vascularity and Density Take Center Stage
Shaun Clarida, often dubbed the “Giant Killer” for his ability to defeat larger opponents, came in with his usual dense and shredded physique. Shaun Clarida’s vascularity was immediately noticeable, with veins popping out in every pose, underscoring the hard work he put into his conditioning.
His muscle density was off the charts, and his powerful poses, especially his front double biceps, captivated the audience. Shaun Clarida’s ability to present such thickness and detail in a smaller frame has always been his hallmark, and it was clear he was ready to fight for his crown.
Keone Pearson: Shape and Aesthetics Reign Supreme
On the other hand, Keone Pearson’s return to the stage reminded everyone why he claimed the title last year. Keone Pearson’s aesthetic-focused physique set him apart with his near-perfect proportions, razor-sharp conditioning, and paper-thin waist.
His ability to present a balanced, flowing physique makes him a fan favorite. His back poses, in particular, displayed outstanding muscle separation and definition, showing just how much time he dedicated to refining his already elite physique.
If Clarida brought the density, Keone Pearson certainly brought the shape, and both competitors looked like worthy contenders for the top spot.
Angel Calderon Frias and Kerrith Bajjo: Ready to Challenge
Angel Calderon Frias and Kerrith Bajjo were no less impressive, rounding out the top four with stellar performances.
Angel Calderon Frias, a seasoned competitor, brought remarkable conditioning and symmetry. His posing was methodical, each movement designed to highlight his strengths.
Angel Calderon Frias’s back and leg definition was especially prominent, signaling that he could be a serious contender for the top three.
Kerrith Bajjo also left a lasting impression, pushing the limits with his muscularity and thickness.
His muscle separation and striations were clearly visible, and his front and side poses revealed years of hard work in the gym.
Bajjo’s appearance in the final callout solidified his place among the best, as he confidently stood alongside Clarida, Pearson, and Calderon Frias.
Prejudging Callouts: A Closer Look at the Competition
The prejudging round saw multiple callouts, allowing the judges to get a better comparison of the athletes.
The first callout included the top names: Ahmad Ashkanani, Kerrith Bajjo, Shaun Clarida, Angel Calderon Frias, Giuseppe Zagarella, and Keone Pearson.
These athletes set the tone for the competition, each one battling for a coveted spot in the top rankings.
The intensity of this round was palpable, with competitors flexing their strengths in every pose.
The second and third callouts brought out more talent, with athletes like Muzi Maluleke, Vitor Porto De Oliveira, Francisco Barrios Vlk, and Jordan Janowitz among those receiving their chance to shine.
Although they didn’t make the top four, these bodybuilders put forth commendable efforts, showing that the competition was fierce from top to bottom.
The final callout, featuring Kerrith Bajjo, Shaun Clarida, Angel Calderon Frias, and Pearson, gave the judges one last chance to compare the top contenders before heading into the finals.
Each athlete stood their ground, presenting their best poses with precision and control, knowing that every moment counted in the race for the title.
Looking Ahead to the Finals
With the prejudging wrapped up, the bodybuilding world now turns its attention to the finals, where these top athletes will have another opportunity to prove themselves.
While Shaun Clarida and Keone Pearson are clearly leading the pack, both Angel Calderon Frias and Kerrith Bajjo have shown that they are ready to challenge for the title.
The 2024 212 Olympia is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with no clear frontrunner just yet.
As fans and judges eagerly await the final showdown, one thing is certain—this year’s event will go down as one of the most exciting in the history of the 212 division.