Shaun Clarida dominated the 2026 IFBB Pro League Poland Pro in the open bodybuilding category. This is just one of a collection of open pro wins for The Giant Killer, and it’s sparked more talk of the need of the 212 Division. Outspoken pundits like bodybuilding great Lee Priest have sounded off. Priest, who competed in open bodybuilding during the 1990’s and 2000’s, had great success without competing in a lighter division. Lee has often said that he was able to hold his own with far taller, heavier guys. He not only was able to give the top guys a run for their money, he was able to place Top 6 at the open Olympia.
Supporters of The 212 have doubled down, saying the division continues to offer shorter, lighter guys more opportunities. Wins like Poland; however, really put the need for the lighter division to the test. This is because Poland was a slaughter. Although Shaun was far shorter and lighter, he buried the competition. No one on the judging panel or with the media or with the fans was surprised that he won. And no one had an issue with him winning. Now granted, the guys Shaun beat weren’t top guys at any of the Big 3 shows (Olympia, ASC, NY Pro), but they were IFBB Pro League bodybuilders and they were in shape and they had great condition. They also posed hard, but they just couldn’t stop Clarida.
The question of The 212 and it’s future has become a topic for debate all throughout the bodybuilding world. You can hear the discussions at bodybuilding shows, on the Facebook groups, and all throughout the message boards. The fact is, The 212 is not offered at the Arnold Classic and while it is at the Olympia and other contests, the division does struggle in terms of bringing in the money. The good thing is that the division has as longstanding champion in Keone Pearson. That’s been a stark contrast to champions like Derek Lunsford, who won the title and left shortly thereafter. Pearson won the title and has defended it with his all. And what’s interesting is that with Shaun looking as impressive as he did at the Poland Pro, it’s conceivable that GK can win the title back. That rivalry sells tickets and creates buzz, but it’s not a toxic one. Shaun and Keone are great friends; they just so happen to be cutting-edge competitors as well. Neither guy ever sleeps on the other.
With regard to Lee Priest’s point, what say you? I think The 212 is here to stay, but the debate is certainly an interesting one. Congrats to Shaun on yet another OPEN, PRO WIN!! You totally deserved it, brother!!
