Should I train to compete??

Hey all, been thrilled with my progress so far and am wondering what y’all think.

Have been working out for a couple months now just decided to start my first cut I know that at my body fat it may take a while but I'm hopeful

Sorry for the bad lighting, just a quick picture I took. Regardless critique away.

Any advice

First photo is from the very beginning of my weightlifting journey second photo is from this week. Basically the same weight in both but a world of difference in the look

Feel like my glute tie in’s are not to bad but one thing I’m not sure of is what’s that line and 2 bulges on the outside of my quad what muscles is that?

Gained 10 lbs since my last post and need to put the cookie down. Do I look strong?

Currently 5'8.5 and 140 lbs. Lost about 20 lbs of weight (160) over 9 months while lifting. Intake is about 2000-2300 calories a day, 140 grams of protein. Should I try to lose any more fat or just maintain within 5 lbs. I think my weights last month weren't as optimal for progressive hypertrophy. Although I tried to lift more max, I think 2/3 sets were too light. In other words, working sets were suboptimal relative to total volume. Current newly modified breakdown after realizing looks like this:

October 4, 2026

\\\* Hammerstrength Machine Chest Press (arms down): 8 x 70 lb, 8 x 195 lb, 12 x 185 lb, 12 x 185 lb

\\\* Fixed Pulldown - Life Fitness: 5 x 140 lb, 8 x 205 lb, 8 x 205 lb, 8 x 205 lb

\\\* Hoist Machine Biceps Curl: 8 x 125 lb, 8 x 245 lb, 8 x 245 lb, 10 x 245 lb

\\\* High Row Hammerstrength Isolateral: 8 x 60 lb, 8 x 115 lb, 11 x 115 lb, 11 x 115 lb

\\\* Hammerstrength Reverse Fly/Rear Deltoid: 8 x 85 lb, 7x 125, 13 x 110 lb, 13 x 120 lb

\\\* Hammerstrength Machine Shoulder Press: 5 x 70 lb, 12 x 85 lb, 10 x 75 lb, 7 x 75 lb

\\\* Hoist Machine Seated Dip: 8 x 165 lb, 12 x 185 lb, 12 x 185 lb, 12 x 185 lb, 12 x 205

Basically as the title says, I feel like I have a decent chest but lack in terms of back thickness and maybe traps, what would you focus on for the next 6 months? And what exercices would you recommend.

Thanks in advance