By Rodney Jang, Editor in Chief, Status Fitness Magazine
When you think of the perfect blend of professionalism, passion, and prestige in bodybuilding, the Van Pro Show 2025 sets the benchmark. This year’s event, hosted at the luxurious River Rock Casino Resort, delivered an experience that can only be described as world-class. From the dazzling million-dollar lighting and sound production to the seamless stage flow, everything about the Van Pro screamed excellence.
As the official media partner, Status Fitness Magazine had the privilege of interviewing every single athlete, from those chasing their first pro card to established IFBB champions eyeing the Olympia stage. Trust me when I say, the energy backstage was electric, and the level of physique conditioning was among the best I’ve seen.
The Venue & Vibe
Walking into the River Rock Casino ballroom, you couldn’t help but feel like you’d entered the Super Bowl of Canadian bodybuilding. The lighting? Flawless. The sound production? Cinematic. Every athlete had their hard work showcased under the perfect spotlight.
And let’s not forget the vendor expo, a buzzing hub of fitness innovation where fans could sample the latest supplements, gear, and health tech. It wasn’t just a competition; it was an immersive fitness experience for everyone who attended.
The Heart Behind the Show, Michelle Krack
No article on the Van Pro would be complete without recognizing the incredible woman who makes this all possible, Michelle Krack.
I’ve known Michelle for almost 20 years, and from day one, her passion for bodybuilding and her unwavering dedication to athletes have set her apart. The Van Pro isn’t just an event; it’s her vision brought to life, built with heart, precision, and care for every competitor.
Michelle’s white glove approach, ensuring every detail, every athlete’s experience, every backstage moment, is a big reason why this show is regarded as one of the best in the world. Her team of volunteers is a direct reflection of her leadership, organized, positive, and always athlete-first.
“For me, it’s about creating an unforgettable experience for the athletes and fans. They put in so much hard work, and they deserve nothing less than the very best.” – Michelle Krack
Van Pro isn’t just a show, it’s a launching pad for careers and a celebration of our industry’s highest standards.
The Voice of the Show, Cory “Pool Boy” Ossum
Energy drives a show, and Cory Ossum, better known by his fun nickname “Pool Boy”, brought it in spades. From the moment the lights came up to the final trophy presentation, Cory’s energy was infectious. His ability to hype the crowd while keeping things professional elevated the event into something truly special.
“Van Pro isn’t just a competition, it’s a celebration. You could feel that energy from the first call out to the last standing ovation.” – Cory Ossum
Pro Division Showdowns: Who Took Home the Titles?
The competition was fierce across all three pro divisions, and the winners delivered Olympia-worthy performances:
Classic Physique: Kellen Wilson (Canada)
“This is the win I’ve been grinding for all season. That one point difference shows how competitive this division is; it makes me hungrier for the Olympia stage.” – Kellen Wilson
Men’s Physique: Sotiris Gatsis (Greece)
“I came all the way from Greece for this moment. The Van Pro stage feels like home now, and I’m ready to bring my best to Olympia.” – Sotiris Gatsis
Bikini: Ashley Kaltwasser (USA)
“Every win still feels special. Van Pro always has an amazing atmosphere, and to make this my 53rd title is surreal.” – Ashley Kaltwasser
New IFBB Pros Crowned, Dreams Realized
One of the most inspiring aspects of Van Pro is the Pro/Am component, where dreams become reality. This year saw several athletes earn their IFBB Pro Cards, including:
- Carl LePage – Men’s Bodybuilding
- Nicolas Filiatrault – Classic Physique
- Shane Noel – Men’s Physique
- Audreanne Gagnon – Figure
- Kyla Kinna – Bikini (and later a Pro top three finisher!)
- Lauren Smith – Women’s Physique
- Kaley Rees – Wellness
- Carla Krikorian – Fit Model
“When they called my name, I froze. I’ve dreamed of being an IFBB Pro for years, and today it became real.” – Audreanne Gagnon
“The Van Pro experience is unmatched. Everything, the production, the volunteers, made this the best show I’ve ever been part of.” – Shane Noel
Why Van Pro Matters
As someone who’s covered the biggest stages in the world, I can confidently say the Van Pro Show belongs in the conversation with the top international bodybuilding events. Its meticulous organization, athlete-first approach, and incredible production value make it a must-attend for fans and competitors alike.
From the intimate athlete interviews we conducted, one theme was crystal clear:
Van Pro isn’t just a show, it’s a launching pad for careers and a celebration of our industry’s highest standards.
Congratulations to all the champions, new pros, and the entire team behind this phenomenal event.
Status Fitness Magazine is proud to stand alongside you as the official media partner, and we can’t wait to see many of these athletes take the Olympia stage this year.
Stage Photos: David A
