The 5th Annual Shaye Best Classic Cements Its Legacy as Cape Town's Premier Bodybuilding Extravaganza
The iconic Shaye Best Classic celebrated a milestone this past weekend, marking its fifth annual edition with what many are calling its most spectacular show to date. Held in Cape Town, the show has grown from a passionate project into an unmissable fixture on the South African bodybuilding calendar, a testament to the vision of founder and bodybuilding mogul Shaye Best. This year, the stage was set not just for competition, but for a celebration of five years of cultivating the Western Cape's most formidable physiques.
As always, the event served as a powerful platform for non-affiliated athletes, drawing the region's biggest talents and, this year, offering a prize purse that reflects the show's growing status. Each of the four overall division winners was awarded a ZAR 20,000 for their victories.
The headline-making moment of the evening came from the Open Bodybuilding division, . The line up was dominated by heavy hitters, including the colossal "Andre the Giant" and the exceptionally conditioned Lloyd Gobelani, who made the journey from the Eastern Cape seeking victory. However, it was Elroy Salie who stood tallest, claiming the Open Bodybuilding Champion title.
The victory was sealed in a nail-biting head-to-head pose-down against Gobelani, a clash of titans that showcased unparalleled conditioning, symmetry, and sheer will. Salie’s triumphant pose marked the culmination of a flawless package, earning him the unanimous decision.
The glamour and aesthetics were on full display in other categories.
Chris Strachan mesmerised the judges with his impeccable V-taper and commanding stage presence to be crowned the Overall Men’s Physique Champion.
The women’s categories shone brightly, with Elana Jacobs taking home the Bikini Champion title with her perfect blend of muscle, shape, and grace.
Meanwhile, Colette Benjamin delivered a masterclass in density and classic physique to be named the Overall Bodybuilding Champion, a truly dominant performance.
Beyond the overall champions, the depth of talent was clear.
Notable victories included Jaco Jonker, who charmed the audience and judges to win first place in the always-popular Mr. Denim category, and Morne Marais, who demonstrated that peak condition knows no age by winning the Men's Physique Masters 35+ division.
Then the audience was treated to a guest posing performance for the ages. South African young bodybuilding icon PW Van Heerden took to the stage and delivered an outstanding posing routine. In a display of otherworldly balance, awareness and showmanship, Van Heerden performed a significant portion of his posing blindfolded, leaving the entire auditorium in a state of stunned awe and providing the perfect exclamation point on an incredible night.
The 5th annual Shaye Best Classic celebrated a legacy of passion, a commitment to athletes, and an unwavering dedication to the growth of bodybuilding in the Cape Town. Much bigger than the NPC or IFBB shows hosted down there. As the curtain fell on this landmark event, one thing was certain: the Shaye Best Classic is not just growing; it is thriving, and with it, a rise of a different breed champions.
The Shaye Best Classic: A Celebration of Excellence
An annual event that brings together enthusiasts and professionals for a weekend of competition and camaraderie
The Shaye Best Classic has established itself as one of the premier events in the industry, attracting participants from across the country. This year's edition, held at the picturesque Riverside grounds, was nothing short of spectacular.
With over 200 competitors and thousands of spectators, the atmosphere was electric from start to finish. The event showcased not only top-tier competition but also emphasized community, sportsmanship, and the shared passion that brings everyone together.
From the opening ceremony to the final awards, every moment was memorable. New records were set, friendships were forged, and the spirit of the Shaye Best Classic was alive and well throughout the weekend.
Below, we've captured some of the most memorable moments from this year's event. Browse through the photos to relive the excitement and highlights of the Shaye Best Classic.
Event Photos
