We all have to pay our dues.

Paying dues. It’s a reality faced in every sport. You can’t get to the top by just having talent. Winning one basketball game doesn’t guarantee that you’ll get to the play offs and professional bodybuilding is no different. In order to get to the very top you need to put your time in and perform at a high level for long enough period of time to be given the proper recognition. But bodybuilding isn’t like every other sport. If you have the goods shouldn’t that mean that you’re worthy of receiving the grand prize? If you look at Olympia as the Superbowl – aren’t the other 364 days of the year enough dues to gain recognition?

Bodybuilders compete in a number of contests before they have the privilege of competing in the Olympia. For instance, Phil Heath competed in and won numerous contests before being invited to the bigger shows. In his first Arnold Classic he came in fifth place, in his second and third appearance he took runner up. In his first Olympia appearance he took third place and fifth in his second appearance. Suffice to say, Phil Heath wasn’t handed anything during his rise up the ranks. When he finally won the Olympia in 2001, Phil was no longer an up and comer, but an experienced competitor. There’s no one out there that would question his pedigree. He put his time in and eventually came out on top.

There are constant examples – especially when you look at the top Olympia champions. Jay Cutler had to land 2nd to Coleman for four years before he became a champion. Was this because Coleman was truly better than Cutler? Or were the judges and the world not ready to let go of one of their favorite champions? Had Cutler not proven himself through his dues to change the minds of the judges?  A huge part of paying dues is psychological. When are the people judging you mentally ready to see you as a champion?

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But that brings us to another competitor. One that has all the potential in the world to make some waves in the world of bodybuilding. Mamdouh “Big Ramy” Elssbiay is on the rise on the pro scene and everyone is taking notice. Though he took fifth at this year’s Olympia, many felt that he should have been placed higher. The thing is, Big Ramy’s pro track record doesn’t have that many competitions under his belt. He’s still new to the pro circuit, yet he has the potential and ability to challenge any of the competitors in the top five.

So why did he come in fifth at the Olympia? It all comes back to the idea of paying dues. Big Ramy needs to win more events, build his competition experience and he’ll eventually get the notoriety he deserves, just like the champ Heath. Just like any job – experience is vital. If you’re going for the top spot you’re going to need the history to support your claim as champion. Knowing the right people and having them in your corner can’t hurt, and may get you a seat at the table, but putting in your dues with mental toughness, training, and working harder than your competition is the only path to greatness.

Are paying dues a part of the sport that can’t be avoided? Let us know in the comments below and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.