By Gary Chappell
THE PCA has suggested that more than just overall winners at its new Masters Championship could be awarded pro cards.
The contest, to be held at the Connexin Live Arena in Hull on October 3, will be the federation’s first event dedicated exclusively to Masters competitors.
While it was already understood that this show would be a pro qualifier for the PCA's Masters Pro Division, the exact number of cards had not been clarified. However, the PCA has now made clear that there will be no fixed quota and that the final decision will rest with the judging panel on the day.
Speaking to Frontdouble, the federation said: “The total number of Pro Cards awarded will depend on the size of the event and the quality of the athletes competing. There is no set quota and the final decision will be made on the day by our head judges.”
The PCA also stressed that Pro status would only be awarded when the standard justifies it.
The federation added: “PCA is committed to maintaining the prestige and exclusivity of its Pro Status by awarding it only to the most deserving athletes. The Pro Card will never be granted automatically or by default.”
The wording suggests that Pro Cards may not be restricted solely to overall winners at the PCA Masters Championships, as is often the case at amateur bodybuilding shows. In fact, PCA Pro Cards are only usually awarded at its flagship events, such as the Universe, British Championships, Worlds and UK Open.
Instead, it appears that individual class winners could potentially earn Pro status if the standard is high enough, giving more Masters competitors a genuine opportunity to turn professional.
The PCA Masters Championships is expected to attract strong interest from older competitors across the UK – with the show already 25 per cent full.
With the number of Pro Cards ultimately dependent on the calibre of athletes who step on stage, the message from the PCA is clear: earn it on the day.
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