Olympia dreams advance as Chelsea Dion, Barbara Menage, and Kassandra Gillis Shine at the 2025 Vancouver Island Showdown IFBB Pro Show
The Vancouver Island Showdown Pro returned for another exciting year of bodybuilding excellence, once again hosted at the picturesque Victoria Conference Centre in beautiful Victoria, BC. Under the expert direction of promoters Corey Swiergosz and Andrew Kersten, this year’s contest featured a trio of IFBB Pro League Women’s divisions — Women’s Bodybuilding, Women’s Physique, and Wellness — and included a Canadian Physique Alliance (CPA) amateur show, making for a full day of action for athletes and fans alike.
The buzz around the 2025 edition of the show started weeks in advance, and with good reason. Not only were Olympia qualifications on the line, but the stage was wide open in all three divisions — with no returning champions from the 2024 event. That meant every competitor came in hungry, with a point to prove, and the results didn’t disappoint.
Women’s Bodybuilding: Chelsea Dion Makes Her Mark in Victoria
In the Women’s Bodybuilding division, Chelsea Dion delivered a performance that left no doubts about who deserved the top spot. Coming off a strong appearance at the Triple O Dynasty Pro just weeks earlier, Dion brought crisp conditioning, dense muscle, and polished presentation to the stage. From the moment she hit her first pose, it was clear she had elevated her game.
This win marks Dion’s first IFBB Pro victory, and with it, she punches her ticket to the 2025 Olympia. Dion’s dominance was evident, especially in the rear double biceps and side chest poses where her balance and detail stood out.
Runner-up Lena Betka — last year’s second-place finisher — brought improved separation and fullness but couldn’t quite match Dion’s completeness. Kyna Squarey rounded out the top three with a physique that showed promise and impressive stage presence.
Final Placings – Women’s Bodybuilding
- Chelsea Dion
- Lena Betka
- Kyna Squarey
- Gabriela Vega
Women’s Physique: Barbara Menage Delivers an International Statement
The Women’s Physique division was one of the most competitive of the day, with 14 athletes representing a mix of Canadian and international talent. In the end, it was Barbara Menage of France who took top honors, bringing a striking blend of symmetry, muscle maturity, and posing finesse.
Menage’s physique was both classic and powerful, with sweeping quads, capped delts, and a small waist that emphasized her proportions. Her routine was elegant, confident, and crowd-pleasing — a major factor in her earning the win.
Taking second place was Nadine Phoenix from the UK, who also brought a standout physique with dense back development and fantastic transitions. Emilija Martic, a local favorite from British Columbia, impressed the judges enough to land a third-place finish. Martic’s improved muscle size and sharper conditioning from last year showed she’s a real contender in future shows.
Final Placings – Women’s Physique
- Barbara Menage
- Nadine Phoenix
- Emilija Martic
- Tori La Rock
- Georgina D’abreo
- Cara Kerluck
- Paola Viveros
- Julie Schultz
- Karrisa Otero-Hardgrove
- Janessa Roy
- Michelle Polanik
- Jenaya Hofer
Women’s Wellness: Kassandra Gillis Remains Untouchable
Fresh off her victory at the 2025 Samson Showdown Pro, Canada’s own Kassandra Gillis returned to home soil and once again stole the show in the Wellness division. With two pro wins under her belt this season, Gillis is not only qualified for the Olympia — she’s building serious momentum heading into bodybuilding’s biggest stage.
Gillis was flawless in her presentation, with standout lower body density, balanced glute-to-quad proportions, and tight conditioning that stood out in every pose. Her posing was confident and fluid, showing the poise of a champion already in Olympia form.
In second was Brazil’s Michelle Ibata, who brought incredible shape and flair but lacked just a touch of the razor-sharp definition that Gillis showcased. Jasmine Payne, last year’s runner-up at this show, placed third this time around. Her stage charisma remains undeniable, and with a few refinements, she’s a major threat in any lineup.
Final Placings – Women’s Wellness
- Kassandra Gillis
- Michelle Ibata
- Jasmine Payne
- Sarah Riche
- Tea Bibeti
- Nadina Schaniel
- Whitney Lobreau
A Showcase of Canadian Bodybuilding Culture
This year’s Vancouver Island Showdown was more than just another regional show — it was a celebration of bodybuilding in Canada. With enthusiastic crowds, excellent lighting and sound production, and a smooth, well-paced show, promoters Corey Swiergosz and Andrew Kersten once again proved why their events are a must-attend on the Canadian Physique Alliance circuit.
In addition to the pro show, the CPA amateur competition provided a platform for local talent to shine, with several athletes showing true future potential to earn their way to the national stage — and eventually, the IFBB Pro ranks.
The Victoria Conference Centre offered a professional and welcoming venue, with beautiful backstage space and excellent accommodations for athletes. The city of Victoria, British Columbia continues to be a great host for events like this, bringing in fans from across Canada and around the world.
Looking Ahead: Olympia-Bound
With Olympia qualifications now secured for Chelsea Dion, Barbara Menage, and Kassandra Gillis, all eyes turn toward their preparation for Las Vegas this October. Of the three, Gillis appears to have the most momentum, having won back-to-back shows and displaying a physique that stacks up well with the best in the world.
Menage, though newer to the North American stage, will be a dark horse to watch, especially if she continues refining her already impressive presentation. Dion, with her blend of power and structure, will bring an exciting new element to the Olympia’s Women’s Bodybuilding lineup.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Vancouver Island Showdown once again lived up to its reputation as one of the top contests in Canadian bodybuilding. With world-class athletes, a strong showing of amateur competitors, and a team of organizers dedicated to excellence, this year’s edition was a clear success.
Coverage of the 2025 Vancouver Island Showdown Pro is proudly sponsored by Iron Kingdom Nutrition. Check out their full lineup of high-performance supplements — including BCAA Plus, Pre-Workout, and Sleep + Build — at www.ironkingdom.com or follow them on Instagram @ironkingdomnutrition.
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