There’s never a dull day in the sport of bodybuilding. In a recent Instagram post published on January 28, 2025, fans reacted to an unlikely showdown at the 2025 NPC Musclecontest Challenge, which saw a trans athlete compete in the Classic Physique category.
This competition sanctioned by the NPC in Los Angeles took place on January 25 over the weekend. Standing out in Classic Physique requires a delicate balance of proportions and size, alongside conditioning to highlight the symmetry and aesthetics that define the division.
At the event, this competitor who now identifies as a male, made history in the NPC as one of the first trans athletes to compete on stage. Below, you can check out their performance as well as what fans and other bodybuilders had to say about the event.
Trans Bodybuilder Competes in Men’s Classic Physique at 2025 NPC Musclecontest Challenge, Fans React
In a recent Instagram post, a trans athlete was shown competing in the Classic Physique category.
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Fans were quick to offer their opinions on the event:
“I Dont understand ? This is a woman ? And she is competing against men ?” said one commenter.
“well that’s a first!” said Antoine Vaillant.
“Oh fuck no” said another person.
“Gyno final boss” one person wrote.
“And looking amazing! All the best for his future🙌” replied another onlooker.
“Nope I’m done. The promoter is a joke to let this happen” said one person.
“Sister forgot the bra back home WTF” said one commenter.
“I assume this is a biological female transitioning to male in general terms FTM it’s usually the other way around so this is shocking 😳” another wrote.
This isn’t the first time where the status quo was challenged in bodybuilding. Previously, controversy ensued after a Men’s Wellness division took center stage in early 2024. While fans were quick to question if the division would become a part of the IFBB Pro League, Vice President Tyler Manion (at the time), confirmed the league had no plans to add any additional categories.
Transgenderism in bodybuilding remains controversial, with some for and against the concept. Trans Men’s Physique competitor and coach Cody Harman went into detail on why they believe bodybuilding is the ‘perfect’ sport for trans men. They also emphasized how the sport can help serve as an exceptional confidence booster since it offers a structured environment where hard work, discipline, and self-improvement are directly reflected in physical progress.
As for former seven-time Mr. Olympia Phil Heath, he believes trans athletes should have their own division. Speaking with news host Piers Morgan, they tackled the controversy behind trans athletes competing in bodybuilding.
“It’s a form of cheating though, isn’t it [trans competing in sport]?” asks Piers Morgan.
“I think so. I think so,” says Heath. “But I don’t understand why you wouldn’t want to as a competitor, I’m thinking I’m a very competitive person, right, well just say, ‘I’m trans, I want to go against trans people.”
Transgender athletes have also tested the waters in powerlifting as of late. Recently, Lee Priest touched on the topic, revealing that it’s ‘ridiculous’ that biological males can compete against biological females in various athletics.
Since this contest was sanctioned by the NPC, it stands to reason that trans athletes could potentially compete in the IFBB Pro League. Do you think trans athletes should compete in contests based on the gender they identify with? Let us know in the comments!
RELATED: Ben Fordham Blasts Transgender Olympian Getting ‘Sportswoman of the Year’ Award
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