John Youssef: Why the IBFA Terminator Classic aims to raise the standard of regional bodybuilding

DIARY OF A PROMOTER: The former ACB Liverpool Classic is being rebuilt with an athlete-first backstage set-up, a sold-out trade foyer and a growing list of sponsors and rewards

John Youssef is putting his money, time and reputation behind a new vision for regional bodybuilding. Here, he explains why the ACB Liverpool Classic became the IBFA Terminator Classic – and what athletes and fans can expect when the show arrives in Liverpool next May.

By John Youssef

THERE IS a massive difference between sitting back complaining about the standard of regional bodybuilding shows and actually putting your own money, time and reputation on the line to change them.

For years I’ve operated on every side of this industry; as a competitive bodybuilder navigating prep, a gym owner, coach and a family man balancing real life. I know what it takes to step on stage and I know what’s missing from the regional circuit.

Formerly known as the ACB Liverpool Classic, I decided to rebrand and rebuild this show as the IBFA Terminator Classic (co-promoted with the WPC), because the old way of doing things simply doesn’t cut it any more.

An athlete-first approach backstage

Backstage flow is usually where local shows fall apart. Instead of pumping up on stairs, we’ve designed an athlete-first set-up: multiple dedicated changing rooms, proper facilities, a massive pump-up area and direct access straight to the spotlight. On top of that, we brought in Stage Ready Tan as our official backstage partner to ensure athletes don’t have to stress about their presentation on show day.

Delivering a true expo atmosphere, a show shouldn’t just be good for the athletes under the lights; it needs to be an event for the audience, coaches and families in the crowd. Within the first few weeks, our trade foyer completely sold out.

Walking into the Gladstone Theatre on May 16, 2027 won’t feel like a quiet lobby – it’s going to be a full-scale, high-energy expo. We’ve locked in major commercial partners, including Health Supply, SoPro, Black Doctrine, Oboi and Blood Brothers to take over the front of house.

Sponsorship goes back into athlete prizes

More importantly, every single partnership we secure goes directly back into elevated athlete rewards:

* Blood Brothers are providing full, comprehensive health and blood testing panels for our Overall Champions.

* Ink & Iron are supplying custom apparel packages for class winners.

* PCA Pro James Room (“The Spartan King”) is personally sponsoring and presenting the Best Poser Award.

* IFBB Pro Sara Bradley and PCA Pro Elliot Robinson are locked in as our featured guest posers.

We aren’t handing out generic plastic awards. We’re delivering custom Terminator class trophies and hand-forged steel Gatling guns for the overalls.

The road to the IBFA Terminator Classic

Moving forward, month one was about establishing the foundation: locking the venue contract, maxing out trade stalls, setting up our dual IBFA/WPC sanctioning and opening entries. With our first competitors already locked into the roster across Classic Physique and First Timers, the momentum is real.

As my own contest prep deepens, the standard for this show only goes up. We aren’t here to produce just another late-running regional show – we are here to set a new benchmark for North West bodybuilding.

Look out for next month’s update as we reveal the custom trophy builds, expand our class sponsors and feature our first athlete spotlights.

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