2025 IFBB Pro Women’s Divisions: What’s at Stake in Victoria, BC?
Three IFBB Pro League women’s divisions will be featured at the 2025 Vancouver Island Showdown on Saturday, April 19 in Victoria, BC, inside the Victoria Conference Centre. Promoter Corey Swiergosz will once again host three Olympia-qualifying categories for Women’s Bodybuilding, Women’s Physique, and Wellness.
Unlike last year, there are no returning champions in any of the three divisions—meaning each title is up for grabs. The stage is set for an exciting weekend on Vancouver Island!
Women’s Bodybuilding
This division brings some returning faces to the Victoria stage, including Lena Betka, who placed runner-up at this event last year. That finish could give her the momentum she needs to take home her first Pro win. But she won’t have it easy.
Coming off a very strong showing at the recent Triple O Dynasty Pro, Chelsea Dion turned heads with her balance of size and conditioning. If she brings the same or better look to this show, she could be the one walking away with the Olympia qualification.
Also in the conversation is Gabriela Vega, who competed at the same Triple O event and has been steadily rising in the ranks. Depending on how the final peak goes, this could be a very tight battle between three deserving contenders.
Women’s Bodybuilding Competitors List:
- Chelsea Dion
- Lena Betka
- Gabriela Vega
- Kyna Squarey
Women’s Physique
This year’s Women’s Physique division features a stacked lineup of 14 incredible athletes—one of the biggest turnouts in this category for the Vancouver Island Showdown. With last year’s winner Marianne Von Gierke not returning, the door is wide open.
Julie Schultz, who was runner-up in 2024, looks to be the frontrunner heading into this weekend. With her elegant lines and refined presentation, she’s aiming to move up one spot and secure her Olympia invite.
Keep an eye on local favorite Emilija Martic. She’s taken the past year to add quality size to her frame, and based on recent physique updates, her conditioning is already dialed in. This could be her breakout moment.
While we haven’t yet seen the full competitor list, online buzz around the division suggests a deep and competitive field, with several international athletes also expected to shake up the top callouts.
Women’s Physique Competitors List:
- Marika Beal
- Georgina D’abreo
- Jenaya Hofer
- Yin Hsuan Huang
- Cara Kerluck
- Tori La Rock
- Emilija Martic
- Barbara Menage
- Karrisa Otero-Hardgrove
- Nadine Phoenix
- Michelle Polanik
- Janessa Roy
- Julie Schultz
- Paola Viveros
Women’s Wellness
Last year’s champion Emily Azzarello will not be returning to defend her title, which means we’ll see a new face crowned the 2025 Vancouver Island Showdown Pro Wellness winner.
This year’s lineup is stacked with talent, and in our opinion, Kassandra Gillis is the clear favorite. She’s already secured her 2025 Olympia qualification after winning the Samson Showdown Pro on March 29, but is looking to continue building momentum heading into the Olympia.
Jasmine Payne also returns to the Victoria stage, where she placed second last year. With added fullness and refined shape, she’ll be looking to improve on that result and earn her qualification the hard way.
One of the most anticipated appearances is Whitney Lobreau. Recent progress photos show she’s made dramatic improvements to her lower body development and overall symmetry—this could be her best package to date.
Wellness Competitors List:
- Tea Bibeti
- Kassandra Gillis
- Michelle Ibata
- Jasmine Payne
- Whitney Lobreau
- Sarah Riche
- Nadina Schaniel
Stayed Tuned In For All The Action!
This weekend’s event will also feature Canadian Physique Alliance Regional 1 amateur shows. For more details, check out the official promoter website. If you’re not able to attend in person, the full event will be available via pay-per-view livestream. Be sure to check back with Muscle Insider to see how our predictions turn out and catch exclusive athlete interviews, behind-the-scenes photos, and more.
Our coverage of the 2025 Vancouver Island Showdown is proudly sponsored by Iron Kingdom Nutrition. Check out their full lineup of high-performance supplements—including BCAA Plus, Pre-Workout, and the Sleep + Build Stack—at www.ironkingdom.com, and follow them on Instagram at @ironkingdomnutrition.
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