Empro Classic 2024: Michal Križánek failed to win, how many times did he finish? Results and report

The competitions in Alicante, Spain, are of a very high standard every year and besides the fact that they are in our backyard, they also host big names of the bodybuilding world. And to make matters worse, both Czechs and Slovaks are doing really well there. Last year's edition was dominated by the fantastically prepared Michal Križánek and this year, the Czech competitor Jana Jeřábková got her pro card at the associated amateur competition. What did the pro competition offer? And did Križo defend last year's triumph? We've been watching it for you!

Pre-competition predictions and start list

Although foreign commentators have not been giving the Czech and Slovak competitors much chance for a long time, the mighty Križo could not be left out. And the fact that he will be one of the favourites even in a packed starting list was already proven by the recent video of Michal' s chest and shoulder training in preparation for the Empro Classic 2024. On the other hand, this time he is facing a number of pros - like the legendary William Bonac, who has already won the Arnold Classic twice in the past and who would be taking to the boards of Olympia for the tenth time with this win!

Behrooz Tabani, who dominated the Arnold South America last year, was also expected to finish in the top three. However, he did not show up at the subsequent Mr. Olympia due to visa problems, so the direct duel between these two greats has not yet taken place. However, the starting list in the open category consisted of 15 names, and due to the location, the vast majority of the competitors were from Europe. The only exception, apart from the aforementioned Behrooz from Iran, was Samir Troudi from the United Arab Emirates.

Course of open category

Despite the aforementioned large starting field, it was clear from the very first moment that three elite athletes would be released from the rest of the competitors. And it was of course none other than Michal Križánek, William Bonac and Behrooz Tabani, who were easily rotated by the judges in the most prestigious middle position during each semi-final call-up. However, as the time grew longer, it was clear that Križo was slightly losing to the two mentioned fighters and therefore it was to be expected that he would not repeat his triumph from last year.

And although the originally mentioned starting field was eventually joined by the promising-looking winner of the attached amateur event, Patryk Galimksi, it was evident that he still had some catching up to do compared to the professionals. And also he was "up to" the eighth place in the end. Finally, William Bonac earned his tenth qualification for the Olympia, showing a combination of years of experience, great muscularity and ideal readiness that made him give his competitors no chance. Second place went to Behrooz Tabani, with Križo finishing third. Fourth position belonged to Sasan Heirati and the top five was rounded off by Anthony Jehl, a French rider who is one of the newcomers among the pros and clearly has a lot to say in the future.

Top 5

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How did the other categories turn out?

Apart from the most watched open category, competitors in many other divisions competed in Alicante, Spain. For example, in the popular classic physique category, the sovereign and well-prepared José Manuel Munoz Quiles won in front of the home crowd. However, he will not use the qualification for Mr. Olympia too much, as he already qualified for this bodybuilding festival with his triumph at this year's California Supplements Pro.

Nadia Capotosto won the women's bodybuilding after a thrilling battle, Sandra Knezevic dominated the women's physique, Lena Ramsteiner won the figure and in the wellness category, the Moldovan competitor Leonida Ciobu, who also secured her ticket to the Olympia thanks to her triumph at this year's Arnold Classic UK, took the well-deserved victory.

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