Bodybuilding World Bashes IFBB Pro Show Organizers Amidst Tonio Burton’s Mr. Olympia 2024 Qualification

The California IFBB Pro Show ended with a magnificent showdown, and Tonio Burton emerged victorious. Burton not only clinched the State Championship, but he also earned his 2024 Mr. Olympia invitation. While fans were excited about his win, they were disappointed with the organizers, as complaints about the lighting that have persisted since the 2023 Olympia trials found no respite this time either.

A few days after he competed at the NY Pro show, where he fell short and placed third behind Nick Walker and Martin Fitzwater, Tonio Burton showcased impressive progress and a jaw-dropping physique at the State Champion event clinching the top spot.

Moreover, in a congratulatory post shared by the bodybuilding page ‘Bis and Tris’, they wrote in the caption, “Congratulations to @tonio_burton for winning the 2024 @musclecontest California State Pro!” The 2024 California IFBB Pro Show happened on May 25th in Anaheim, CA.

After the New York Pro event, it was a big deal for many Men’s Open competitors like Tonio Burton, Tim Budesheim, and Stuart Sutherland. Moreover, Burton won and earned his invitation, followed by Emir Omeragic, Krystian Wolski, Stuart Sutherland, and Pablo Llopis Munoz. After the officials posted the winner, fans discussed the show, and it was clear that the stage, lighting, and music were significant issues.

Even previously, in a podcast episode of the Cutler Cast, Jay Cutler, Matt Daniels, and IFBB Pro Bodybuilding coach Milos Sarcev talked about Mr. Olympia 2023. Cutler mentioned the poor lighting on stage, saying, “What was going on at the time? There wasn’t smoke or anything in the prejudging right?” Sarcev emphasized the importance of lighting, stating, “This is a physique show, so you have to emphasize your physique. And the lights are the most important things and you know the black curtain behind.” The same problems existed this time at the California IFBB Pro Show, too.

Despite the issues, fans were happy for Tonio Burton’s win

A fan expressed frustration with the overall quality of the event. They mentioned the absence of a live stream, and poor lighting, and raised eyebrows about the results. “Wacky show. no live stream, bad lighting, questionable results,” wrote the user. Another reflected confusion and dissatisfaction with the decisions made during the competition, saying, “Wtf is this judging.”

Another fan wondered and questioned the results. They mentioned their favorite athlete, Stuart Sutherland, and asked why Stu hadn’t won despite performing well. “Didn’t Stu end up with the same results last year? Dude put together an incredible package in NY and in Cali this year and can’t seem to get a W,” wrote the fan.

Amidst the criticism, one praised the young bodybuilder Emir Omeragic, who placed second at the California IFBB Pro Show. A fan highlighted his impressive physique and predicted that he would challenge experienced competitors in the future. The fan’s comment read, “All eyes on Emir if you ask me. Only 25 years old and ~125kg stage weight, he is gonna disturb a lot of veteran guys at the Mr. O in a few years.”

Another fan was happy with the fact that Tonio Burton had won. “I’m happy for this dude, he deserves the W,” wrote the fans expressing happiness for Burton’s win. Despite the event’s flaws, fans celebrated Tonio Burton’s victory, while expressing hopes for improvements in future competitions.