25.05.2025 | San José, Costa Rica. The first-ever FinalRep competition in Central America marked a major milestone for the Latin American Streetlifting scene. Hosted at MC Gym Training Center in San José and organized by Silverbacks Academy in collaboration with King of the Jungle, the Costa Rican Open 2025 brought together 14 athletes from 6 countries for a day filled with passion, records, and raw strength.
Supported by local sponsors like Drasanvi Costa Rica, Active Zen, Still Grip, and King of Weighted, the event set a new standard for Streetlifting in the region—and hinted at an even bigger future.
Event Overview
From 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, lifters from Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama, Mexico, Chile, and the United States competed under official FinalRep rules across all four disciplines: muscle-up, pull-up/chin-up, dip and squat.
The atmosphere was vibrant and international. Judges upheld strict standards, ensuring every lift met the mark. Behind the scenes, a dedicated team of volunteers and coaches worked seamlessly to deliver a smooth event experience.
The day was full of surprises: underdogs hitting PRs, lifters competing for their country’s pride, and an energized crowd that stayed vocal and supportive until the very last rep.
Highlights and Athletic Performances
While the roster was compact, the level of performance was world-class. The competition brought together 14 athletes from 6 countries—Costa Rica, Guatemala, Panama, Mexico, USA, and Chile—making it a powerful international showdown for the region.
Some standout performances included:
- 🇨🇱 Fabian Ortega set what should be both national and continental records in the -66 kg category with a massive 37.5 kg muscle-up and a 96.25 kg pull-up.
- 🇺🇸 Aaron Gonzalez set a USA national back squat record with an impressive 215 kg in the -80 kg category.
- 🇬🇹 Gabriel Ortiz from Guatemala hit a Central American record with a 90 kg pull-up in the -80 kg category.
- 🇨🇷 Jose David Torres broke a Central American dip record with 125 kg in the -73 kg class.
- 🇨🇷 Javier Mesen set a 120 kg dip record in the -87 kg category for Costa Rica.
Athletes and spectators alike were hyped—making this event not just memorable but a key milestone for the Central American Streetlifting scene.
Organizational Insights
The event ran smoothly thanks to the synergy between Silverbacks Academy and King of the Jungle. The venue—MC Gym—provided the perfect balance between functionality and atmosphere. Equipment setup, weighing procedures, and judging flowed with professional rhythm.
Feedback highlighted how inclusive and supportive the competition felt—especially for those competing internationally for the first time. Judges maintained high standards without sacrificing encouragement and fairness.
The only notable challenge was minor delay in scheduling transitions, which the team adapted to efficiently on the spot.
Community Response & Future Outlook
The buzz didn’t stop after the final lift. Social media coverage from athletes, coaches, and sponsors extended the hype, with video recaps and athlete spotlights already circulating online.
The organizers confirmed they are planning a Costa Rican Open 2026, aiming for a larger lineup and stronger international outreach. There’s talk of a Latin American Streetlifting tour, and Costa Rica is set to be a key hub.
As more countries in the region engage with the FinalRep standard, the foundations laid in San José could spark a whole new era of Streetlifting across Latin America.
Conclusion
The Costa Rican Open 2025 was more than a regional debut—it was a statement. From record lifts to unforgettable firsts and cross-border camaraderie, the event embodied everything FinalRep is about: excellence, heart, and global growth.
Welcome to the stage, Central America. We’ll see you again soon.
Let’s keep pushing the limits together!
— Your FinalRep Team 🧡
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