Roberto Serna is back in action.

Roberto “Bobby” Serna just won the overall bodybuilding title at the NPC Idaho Cup Championships in Garden City. The 25 –year old has been competing since 2013, he said that winning the overall title as a light-heavyweight was especially gratifying.

“It was a surreal experience. There was so much emotion on my face,” Serna told Idaho State Journal. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Serna’s coach, Lloyd Welch, seemed less surprised that his pupil won.

“Bobby is one of those guys who you tell them what to do and lay out the plan and he just executes it 100 percent. It was just awesome to see his hard work pay off.”

Since the victory, Serna has already signed a sponsorship deal with “Feast Mode,” which is a food seasoning brand marketed to bodybuilders.

“There are a lot more doors that are open for me now,” he said.

This victory was also particularly sweet as it came after two serious injuries to Serna’s left knee. In 2010, he tore his ACL and MCL playing soccer in 2010. Then in 2013 he re-tore the ACL and MCL, along with the LCL and required a meniscus transplant after a mishap while training cheerleaders at Idaho State University.

Serna put his recovery time to good use and earned a certificate in personal training. After two years on the sidelines he was clear to train again

“The knee feels great,” he said. “It’s never been better.”

Next, Serna’s focus is powerlifting. He understands the extra risks associated with training.

“I know how my body works now,” Serna said. “I test my limits, but I know where my limit is.”

This win also qualified him for an IFBB contest, which he will attempt in 2019. A good performance there will earn him his pro card and a real shot at a career in bodybuilding.

For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.