In mid-February 2025, social media bodybuilding star Sam Sulek won his amateur bodybuilding debut at the NPC Legends Classic in Las Vegas, NV.
“No one expected [Sulek] to get on stage except for those who really follow him,” said former champion bodybuilding coach Hany Rambod.
Sulek earned his shot at a pro card at the Arnold Classic Amateur on Feb. 27, 2025, in Columbus, OH. He’d be wise to heed Rambod’s advice on key areas to improve, which Rambod shared in his Truth podcast.
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Upper Body Excellence
Sulek’s front double biceps pose highlights his exceptional arms, notably his biceps fullness and peaks.
However, Rambod says Sulek’s triceps should be slightly bigger, noting, “I’m being super picky.”
Coach’s fix? Single-arm reverse grip triceps pushdowns.
Hit those fibers to get the triceps to barge out in the front relaxed pose. It makes the drop more dramatic in the front double biceps pose.
—Hany Rambod
Rambod praised Sulek’s lat-to-waist ratio and “really good X-frame” despite not having the narrowest waist. Sulek’s deep chest fibers and round, 3D delts were spot on.
Legs & Conditioning
Sulek’s legs were solid but lacked separation and definition — a consequence of dropping from 231 to 217 pounds in a week despite nailing conditioning.
“I’m guessing he tried to drop that weight [and] flattened out,” Rambod said.
While Sulek consumed carbs to fill out before stepping on stage, his body couldn’t utilize all of it in time. Staying around his Classic Physique weight will help retain a full look and detail.
Rambod believes Sulek will look better heavier but needs his pro card to compete in a higher weight category.
Sulek earned points with matching arms and calves, but more glute development is needed.
“Through his glutes…we want to see more striation,” Rambod said, recommending Bulgarian split squats and hip thrusts.
Backside and Posing
Sulek’s back double biceps pose received high marks. Per Rambod’s expertise, “He could use a little bit more V-taper, but that can’t come in until he turns pro.”
The lower back erectors stood out, “An amazing Christmas tree,” Rambod lauded. Leaning back slightly more will make his upper back really pop, and more hamstring size will enhance his rear and side poses.
Physique Rating: 9.5 out of 10
On an amateur scale, Rambod rated Sulek’s rookie physique a near-perfect 9.5 out of 10, with minor flaws in his quads and glutes. “I think Sulek’s going to get really close to getting that 10 in two weeks,” granted Sulek makes the necessary adjustments.
A pro card seems clearly within reach for Sulek. “He’s got a ton of potential. I think he knocked it out of the park,” Rambod asserted.
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Featured image: @sam_sulek on Instagram
