Northern Ireland Grand Prix 2025

BPA Irish champs scoop £1,000 — and two of bodybuilding’s coolest trophies by John Plummer

A total of £1,000 was awarded to the overall champions of the BPA Irish Grand Prix in Belfast on Saturday (May 24) — plus two of the coolest trophies in the sport.

The BPA’s trophies are among the reasons why it has become such a fast-growing physique organisation. The class winners often need a hand to carry their prizes, which also include vouchers, flowers and tiaras and flowers as well as trophies, off-stage.

But promoter Steve Graham goes even further by presentingthe unique Finn McCool and Irish Warrior Princess trophies to the overall male and female champions at the end of the show each year.

This year’s recipients were both competing in only their second ever shows.

Brazilian-born mechanic Felipe Arboleya, who lives in Cork, overcame a horrendous final week of prep in which his mum fell seriously ill and almost died to win classic physique and then the overall. Felipe also has two children, including an eight-week old, and when his partner gave birth he continued to prep his meals for the labour ward so he could be with her.

Felipe’s tough prep explained why he sunk to his knees in tears after he was announced the overall champion. He is nowhere near his full potential yet, but Felipe has the kind of structure that stands out and he did just that in an overall line-up that included no fewer than 10 competitors.

Martyna Ratkiewicz was the female champion of champions, having made the long trip from Gravesend in Kent. She, too, is not the finished article — her lower body will need more muscle for wellness but again she has a structure and stage presence that catches the eye, even against other class winners.

The personal trainer and online coach, who had been on prep since January, overcame Michelle McKinley in wellness and then took the overall.

Here are the other highlights from a fantastic event in County Antrim.