Know how each IFBB Pro League bodybuilding division works and how it is judged.
Competitive bodybuilding is slowly but surely entering the mainstream. The Olympia Fitness and Performance Weekend, arguably the most prestigious competitive bodybuilding event, has been steadily growing over the years.
There is a rise in the number of competitors at the Olympia every year, and the 2026 edition features 322 athletes across 12 divisions. The prize money has grown sharply in recent years. Fans line up in bigger numbers at the meet and greet every year, while the online coverage of contests reaches a larger audience.
Notably, the number of divisions in bodybuilding shows has gone up significantly over the last few years to accommodate athletes with different body types. The newest, Fit Model, crowns its first Olympia champion in 2026.
However, the influx of new divisions and blurring of lines between the older ones can be confusing, especially if you are new to pro bodybuilding.
If you recently watched your first pro bodybuilding contest, similar-looking bodybuilders competing in different divisions could have probably left you feeling overwhelmed.
Furthermore, a few pro bodybuilders switch divisions, adding to fans’ confusion. Former Classic Physique Olympia champion Breon Ansley, for example, now competes in 212.
Although there are several major bodybuilding organizations (NPC, IFBB, WBFF, ICN, NABBA, ANB), we will be focusing on the IFBB Pro League and NPC for the sake of this article. The NPC and IFBB Pro League are arguably the biggest, most popular, and most reputed bodybuilding organizations. They organize various amateur and pro bodybuilding contests, including the prestigious Mr. Olympia.
Types of Bodybuilding
The IFBB Pro League currently consists of 12 bodybuilding divisions:
- Men’s Open Bodybuilding
- 212 Division
- Classic Physique
- Men’s Physique
- Wheelchair
- Women’s Bodybuilding
- Fitness
- Figure
- Bikini
- Women’s Physique
- Wellness
- Fit Model
All 12 crown a champion at the Olympia. In this article, we will be going over how the 12 bodybuilding divisions differ and how they are judged and scored according to the IFBB Pro League rules.
Must Read: Understanding How Men’s Open Bodybuilding Competitions are Judged and Scored
Different IFBB Pro League Bodybuilding Divisions Explained
Most pro bodybuilding contests consist of men’s and women’s divisions.
Men’s Bodybuilding Divisions
The IFBB Pro League includes five men’s divisions:
1. Men’s Bodybuilding / Men’s Open Division
The Men’s Open division is usually the main event of every bodybuilding show. The open division contest is designed to be a freak show as there are no weight or height restrictions.
It comprises the largest and most conditioned athletes. Competitors focus on presenting a big, hard, dry, vascular, and striated physique on the stage.
Men’s Open competitors are scored based on two rounds: judging and finals.
The judging round includes performing eight mandatory poses and callouts.
The eight mandatory poses comprise of:
- Front double biceps
- Front lat spread
- Side chest
- Back double biceps
- Back lat spread
- Side triceps
- Abdominals and thighs
- Most muscular
[Read More: Eight mandatory bodybuilding poses]
The finals include a posing routine of up to three minutes, more callouts, and a 60-second posedown. IFBB Pro League uses the scoring system to assess a competitor’s muscle proportion, symmetry, quality, and size. The judging and final rounds weigh equally in the final score, which is unusual. In most other divisions, the judging round decides the placings.
The winner of the Men’s Open division at Olympia weekend earns the Mr. Olympia title, the coveted Sandow, and a hefty cheque. Additionally, the Mr. O champion is considered the best bodybuilder in the world. Lee Haney and Ronnie Coleman share the record with eight titles, and Derek Lunsford is the reigning two-time champion.
Read also: Every Mr. Olympia Champion Since 1965
2. 212 Division or 212 Olympia
The 212 division was put in place for shorter individuals who could not accumulate the same muscle mass as their taller counterparts. It held its first Olympia in 2008. The weight limit was cut to 202 pounds after that first contest, then raised to 212 pounds (96.2 kg) in 2011.
The 212 rules and poses are the same as Men’s Open division, with the main difference being that a competitor has to weigh 212 pounds or less to compete in the division. The other difference is scoring. The judging round decides a 212 contest, unless the head judge turns the finals callouts into a scored confirmation round.
Flex Lewis holds the record with seven 212 Olympia titles, and Keone Pearson has won the last three.
Read also: Every 212 Olympia Winner
3. Classic Physique
The Classic Physique division started in 2016 as a middle ground between the open and Men’s Physique divisions. Athletes in this division are not as big as those in the Open division but are considerably bigger than competitors in Men’s Physique division.
This division has fast become one of the most popular contests and is promoted by bodybuilding legends like Arnold Schwarzenegger. The Classic Physique division focuses on bringing back the golden era aesthetics (the 1960s to 1980s): broad shoulders, narrow waist, muscular legs, and overall conditioning, symmetry, and size.
Classic Physique competitors step on stage wearing solid black trunks and perform five mandatory bodybuilding poses, plus an individual posing routine of up to two minutes during the finals. Judges look for mass, but more so conditioning and symmetry.
The five poses include:
- Front double biceps
- Side chest
- Back double biceps
- Abdominals and thighs
- Favorite classic pose (no most muscular)
Athletes have a weight limit based on their height. The IFBB Pro League uses the same kind of table for Men’s Physique, with a lower cap at every height. Each figure is the most an athlete may weigh at that height:
| Height (up to) | Classic Physique | Men’s Physique |
|---|---|---|
| 5’4″ (162.6 cm) | 177 lb (80.3 kg) | 167 lb (75.7 kg) |
| 5’5″ (165.1 cm) | 182 lb (82.6 kg) | 172 lb (78.0 kg) |
| 5’6″ (167.6 cm) | 187 lb (84.8 kg) | 177 lb (80.3 kg) |
| 5’7″ (170.2 cm) | 192 lb (87.1 kg) | 182 lb (82.6 kg) |
| 5’8″ (172.7 cm) | 197 lb (89.4 kg) | 187 lb (84.8 kg) |
| 5’9″ (175.3 cm) | 204 lb (92.5 kg) | 194 lb (88.0 kg) |
| 5’10” (177.8 cm) | 212 lb (96.2 kg) | 202 lb (91.6 kg) |
| 5’11” (180.3 cm) | 219 lb (99.3 kg) | 209 lb (94.8 kg) |
| 6’0″ (182.9 cm) | 227 lb (103.0 kg) | 217 lb (98.4 kg) |
| 6’1″ (185.4 cm) | 234 lb (106.1 kg) | 224 lb (101.6 kg) |
| 6’2″ (188.0 cm) | 242 lb (109.8 kg) | 232 lb (105.2 kg) |
| 6’3″ (190.5 cm) | 249 lb (112.9 kg) | 239 lb (108.4 kg) |
| 6’4″ (193.0 cm) | 256 lb (116.1 kg) | 246 lb (111.6 kg) |
| 6’5″ (195.6 cm) | 263 lb (119.3 kg) | 253 lb (114.8 kg) |
| 6’6″ (198.1 cm) | 270 lb (122.5 kg) | 260 lb (117.9 kg) |
| 6’7″ (200.7 cm) | 277 lb (125.6 kg) | 267 lb (121.1 kg) |
| Over 6’7″ | 284 lb (128.8 kg) | 274 lb (124.3 kg) |
Chris Bumstead won six straight Classic Physique Olympia titles from 2019 to 2024, and Ramon Dino is the reigning champion.
Read also: Every Classic Physique Olympia Winner
4. Men’s Physique
The Men’s Physique division made its Olympia debut in 2013 for bodybuilders (and fans) who thought the bodybuilding divisions pushed the athletes to get too big. This division combines the muscular, lean look with athleticism and overall aesthetics.
The Men’s Physique division has quickly become one of the most popular divisions for men. Bodybuilders in this division are trying to nail the beach body (model look) and step on stage wearing board shorts that sit one inch below the navel and end two inches above the kneecap.
Because the shorts cover the thighs, the judges do not consider a competitor’s leg development in this division. They focus more on the upper body structure, the shoulder to waist ratio, and arms, chest, back, and shoulders development.
Posing in the Men’s Physique division is different from the other three conventional bodybuilding divisions. Each competitor has to perform a series of back and front turns on stage. The athletes are prohibited from performing the eight mandatory bodybuilding poses on a Men’s Physique stage.
A Men’s Physique contest consists of two rounds: judging and finals. The athletes are scored on their muscle mass, conditioning, proportions, and stage presence. Like Classic Physique, Men’s Physique now has a weight cap for every height (see the table above).
Jeremy Buendia holds the record with four Men’s Physique Olympia titles, and Ryan Terry has won the last three.
Read also: All Men’s Physique Olympia Winners
5. Wheelchair
The Wheelchair division is for athletes who use a wheelchair for at least 99% of their daily mobility and have a documented disability that affects it. Wheelchair athletes can earn IFBB Pro cards and compete at the Wheelchair Olympia, first held in 2018.
The wheelchair bodybuilders wear solid black pants on stage (black shorts are allowed for medical reasons) and are scored based on their upper body muscle mass, conditioning, and symmetry. Athletes with extended abdominal muscles are marked down.
The eight mandatory poses for wheelchair bodybuilders include:
- Front double biceps
- Front lat spread
- Side chest
- Back double biceps
- Back lat spread
- Side triceps
- Abdominals
- Most muscular
The finals include a posing routine of up to 90 seconds.
Harold Kelley won the Wheelchair Olympia six times, more than anyone else. James Berger is the reigning champion.
Women’s Bodybuilding Divisions
There are a total of seven women’s bodybuilding divisions in the IFBB Pro League:
1. Women’s Bodybuilding (Ms. Olympia)
The Women’s Bodybuilding division is similar to Men’s Open Bodybuilding division. Women’s bodybuilding is one of the most controversial and arguably the least popular divisions. It was dropped from the Olympia after 2014 before returning in 2020.
Women’s Bodybuilding competitors are scored based on their size, muscle symmetry, and definition. Competitors perform seven mandatory poses and an individual posing routine of up to three minutes.
The seven mandatory poses include:
- Front double biceps
- Front lat spread
- Side chest
- Back double biceps
- Back lat spread
- Side triceps
- Abdominals and thighs
Iris Kyle holds the record with 10 Ms. Olympia titles, and Andrea Shaw is the reigning six-time champion.
Read also: All Ms. Olympia Winners
2. Fitness
The Fitness division is one of the most dynamic divisions in the sport. This division usually consists of athletes who are bodybuilders, gymnasts, cheerleaders, and dancer hybrids.
The competitors display incredible muscle size, definition, strength, and agility. Fitness athletes go through two rounds: judging and finals. In the judging round, competitors perform four quarter turns while wearing a two-piece bikini and high heels.
The finals include two rounds. In the first round, the competitors perform a fitness routine of up to two minutes wearing a costume. The objective of the fitness routine is to show off an athlete’s physical fitness level and strength.
After the fitness routine, the competitors are summoned for a confirmation round wearing a bikini. The fitness routine must contain the following mandatory movements:
- Push up (of any kind)
- High kick
- Straddle hold
- Side split
Fitness is the only division where the finals count for more than the judging round: 67% against 33%.
Adela Garcia’s eight Fitness Olympia titles remain the record, and Michelle Fredua-Mensah is the current champion.
3. Figure
Competitors in the figure division do not perform conventional bodybuilding poses. Instead, they perform a series of four quarter turns in a two-piece suit and high heels.
A Figure contest consists of two rounds: judging and finals (comparison round).
Judges are looking for an overall developed physique with good muscular symmetry and proportions. Competitors should display good muscularity and muscle separation but should not be excessively lean. Deep musculature and striations are marked down in the contest.
Hamstrings, glutes, shoulders, and back are the most important muscle groups in the contest.
The Figure division is the right fit for individuals with genetically wide shoulders and a narrow waist. Additionally, women who have more muscle mass or a tendency to put on muscle easily often do well in the division.
Cydney Gillon has won the Figure Olympia a record eight times. Rhea Gayle is the reigning champion.
4. Bikini
Bikini is arguably the most popular women’s division. They are nothing short of a fashion show. Bikini contests usually have the highest number of competitors in a show.
Until Fit Model arrived, Bikini competitors carried the least muscle mass of any women’s division.
Bikini contestants focus on nailing the beach body (model look). Hence, the athletes are required to build less muscle mass, making it more appealing to a wider variety of women. The division is perfect for women with a small waist, curvy structure, and long, shapely legs.
In the judging round, competitors perform front and back poses, an individual routine of up to 45 seconds, and the model walk in the callouts. They compete in a V-cut two-piece suit and high heels.
Judges score the competitors based on their muscle balance, shape, and overall physical appearance, including complexion, hair, skin tone, poise, and overall presentation.
No one has won the Bikini Olympia more than Ashley Kaltwasser’s three times. Maureen Blanquisco is the reigning champion.
5. Women’s Physique
The Women’s Physique division made its Olympia debut in 2013, the same year as the Men’s Physique division. However, the division is closer to Men’s Classic Physique division in that aesthetics and shape are valued more than mass.
Judges look for symmetry, shape, proportion, muscle tone, poise, and stage presence in the division.
The Women’s Physique division is perfect for women who pack on muscle easily and can develop better muscle conditioning, definition, and separation.
Interestingly, unlike bikini and figure competitors, Women’s Physique contestants are barefoot on stage instead of wearing high heels.
Women’s Physique competitors perform the following five mandatory poses:
- Front double biceps, with open hands (no flat-footed full front pose but instead, some type of front twisting pose)
- Side chest, with arms extended
- Back double biceps, with open hands
- Side triceps, with leg extended
- Abdominal and thighs
The Women’s Physique competitors also perform a series of quarter turns and an individual posing routine of up to two minutes along with the mandatory poses.
Sarah Villegas and Juliana Malacarne share the record with four Women’s Physique Olympia titles each, and Natalia Abraham Coelho is the reigning champion.
6. Wellness
The first Wellness Olympia was held in 2021. The division is built for women with athletic physiques who carry more mass in the hips, glutes, and thighs, with an upper body that is developed but less so than the lower body.
The Wellness competitors need to perform a series of quarter turns, an individual routine of up to 45 seconds, and a model walk. Judges look for conditioning almost on par with the bikini athletes, but the Wellness competitors need to display more muscle mass. Additionally, the athletes are expected to have a little body fat with slight separation but no striations.
Francielle Mattos holds the record with three Wellness Olympia titles, and Eduarda Bezerra is the reigning champion.
7. Fit Model
Fit Model is the latest addition to the IFBB Pro League. It was announced in December 2024 as an entry-level division, ran at NPC shows in 2025, and joined pro shows in 2026. Fit Model makes its Olympia debut in 2026.
IFBB Pro League vice president Tyler Manion said the division should look like “what you would see on an old-school fitness magazine cover of a fitness model.” He pointed to Ashley Kaltwasser at the 2015 Bikini Olympia as the peak look.
Competitors carry less muscle than bikini athletes. Judges look for balance between the upper and lower body and firm glutes, but they do not want to see muscle separation, capped delts, or an etched midsection.
Each competitor performs a front pose and a back pose, and the judges can ask the group for a model walk in the callouts. Suits must be solid in color with moderate coverage on the bottoms.
Wrapping Up
Now that you understand the different competitive bodybuilding divisions, you’ll know what the judges are looking for in a competitor during a contest.
Also, if you want to compete but are not sure about the division, this article will help you choose the right division according to your body type and goal physique. And if you want to see how the fields stack up, check out our 2026 Olympia predictions for every division.
The Open Weight is, in my opinion, the best division aside from the Classic Physique. It`s the ultimate upgrade of manly shape.
Men`s Physique is a cool division, very aesthetic, but I am aiming to become a monster like the real huge monsters in Open Weight.
Well summarized. I tried to find these information from the official website but that website is a total junk of mess.
You literally nailed it, the Men’s Open Division has become a total-freak-show.
Adding a more variety of categories has helped the sport. but it literally took almost 30 years to realize it.
Glad to hear that you found our article helpful. More categories have definitely helped the sport to grow.