Bodybuilding championships are the events that athletes take part in to show all their progress and results from their routine dedicated to the sport.
Bodybuilding is a sport that requires discipline and dedication to achieve success.
Athletes spend tireless hours in the gym, sculpting their bodies for competitions that emphasize not only strength, but also symmetry, muscle definition and stage presence.
All this, of course, goes hand in hand with adequate water consumption, a tailored diet and a good night’s sleep.
And to show the results of all these efforts, athletes compete in a series of bodybuilding championships around the world, where they show off their physical and aesthetic skills to a passionate audience.
So, let’s explore the main bodybuilding championships and understand what makes each one so special?
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Official bodybuilding championship federations
Before mentioning bodybuilding championships in Brazil, it’s important to note that official national competitions are governed by two federations:
IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness
The International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) is one of the leading organizations in the world of bodybuilding and fitness.
Founded in 1946 by Joe Weider, the IFBB aims to promote and develop bodybuilding and fitness worldwide, setting standards of excellence and leading international competitions.
The IFBB is responsible for regulating and organizing a variety of competitions in bodybuilding, fitness and other related disciplines.
In addition, the federation also works to promote health and well-being through the practice of physical activities, including bodybuilding, strength training, aerobic fitness and other forms of exercise.
The federation is made up of several national branches around the world, each responsible for organizing competitions and events in their respective countries.
To top it off, the IFBB establishes judging criteria and rules for competitions, guaranteeing consistency and integrity throughout the world of competitive bodybuilding and fitness.
Among the main events organized by the IFBB are the Mr. Olympia, the Arnold Classic and a series of professional and amateur competitions around the world.
These events provide a platform for athletes to showcase their sculpted bodies, physical skills and stage presence, while competing for recognition and prize money.
NABBA (National Amateur Bodybuilding Association)
The National Amateur Bodybuilding Association (NABBA) is also one of the oldest and most respected organizations in the world of bodybuilding.
Founded in 1950 in the UK by Oscar Heidenstam and Rowland Colman, the NABBA aims to promote amateur bodybuilding on a national and international level.
NABBA is dedicated to providing a platform for amateur bodybuilders to compete in high quality and prestigious events.
The association offers a variety of competition categories, including men’s and women’s bodybuilding, classic bodybuilding, athletic physique, and other age- and weight-specific categories.
One of NABBA’s distinctive features is its focus on the athletic and aesthetic aspects of bodybuilding. Although competitors are judged on the basis of their muscle mass, definition and symmetry, NABBA also takes into account the beauty and overall harmony of the athlete’s physique.
NABBA holds a number of events around the world, including national championships in different countries, as well as the prestigious NABBA Universe, which is considered one of the largest and oldest amateur bodybuilding events in the world.
In fact, the NABBA Universe attracts competitors from all over the world, offering a platform for the best amateur bodybuilders to showcase their talents and compete for the title of world champion.
Brazil’s main bodybuilding championships
Now that you know more about the federations responsible for holding bodybuilding championships, it’s time to find out what these competitions are on Brazilian soil:
Campeonato Brasileiro de Fisiculturismo Estreantes (Brazilian Bodybuilding Rookie Championship) – IFBB/SP
Dedicated to beginner athletes who are taking their first steps in bodybuilding competition, the Brazilian Beginner Bodybuilding Championship acts as a platform for launching new talent in the sport.
In fact, in order to compete, the athlete must not have reached the podium in any beginner competition.
The championship has been held in São Paulo since 2010, in March, and is a gateway for those wishing to enter the bodybuilding career, allowing new athletes to show off their bodies and skills.
Campeonato Brasileiro de Fisiculturismo (Brazilian Bodybuilding Championship)
Known as the first competition held in Brazil, it continues to this day and has 4 categories:
- Male Bodybuilding;
- Female Bodybuilding;
- Senior Male Bodybuilding;
- Wellness Fitness.
Arnold Classic Brasil
The Arnold Classic Brazil is one of the main bodybuilding, fitness and strength sports events held in Brazil. Named after legendary bodybuilder Arnold Schwarzenegger, the event is an extension of the Arnold Sports Festival, which began in Columbus, Ohio, in the United States, and has expanded globally to several cities around the world, including São Paulo, Brazil.
The Arnold Classic Brazil offers a variety of competitions and activities, including:
- Bodybuilding: the bodybuilding competition is one of the event’s main attractions, with athletes from all over Brazil and other parts of the world competing in various categories, including men’s and women’s bodybuilding, classic bodybuilding, fitness and figure;
- Fitness and Strength Sports: in addition to bodybuilding, the Arnold Classic Brasil features a variety of other fitness and strength competitions and demonstrations, such as weightlifting, strongman, powerlifting, crossfit and other disciplines;
- Expo Fitness: the event also includes a large fitness exhibition, where attendees can try out the latest in training equipment, nutritional supplements, sportswear and other products related to health and fitness;
- Lectures and seminars: the Arnold Classic Brazil often features lectures and seminars with influential personalities from the world of bodybuilding, fitness and health, offering participants the chance to learn from the best experts in the field.
Bodybuilding championships around the world
In addition to the bodybuilding championships on Brazilian soil, we’re also going to highlight some of the main bodybuilding events taking place in other countries:
Mr. Olympia
Mr. Olympia can be considered the pinnacle of professional bodybuilding. Founded by Joe Weider, it brings together the best athletes in the world in a competition to determine who is Mr. Olympia.
The event takes place in Orlando, USA, and in this high-level competition, competitors are judged not only on their muscle mass, but also on their symmetry, definition and stage presence.
Arnold Classic
As well as the Arnold Classic Brazil, which we mentioned above, there is also the “original” Arnold Classic, which takes place in Ohio (USA) and is one of the most prestigious events in the bodybuilding calendar. In addition to the bodybuilding competition, the event includes other disciplines such as fitness and weightlifting.
Musclemania
Musclemania has existed since 1992 and has become the most popular natural bodybuilding competition in America. In fact, several federations base their competitions on the rules of WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency), which every year releases a guide to banned substances and updates doping regulations.
In addition, it is important to note that any athlete who wants to achieve their results naturally must follow these changes and analyze their supplements before taking them, so as not to be banned from natural or competitive bodybuilding.
IFBB Pro League Shows
The International Federation of Bodybuilding & Fitness (IFBB) organizes a series of competitions around the world, known as IFBB Pro League Shows.
As such, these events are important for professional bodybuilders to accumulate points to qualify for the Mr. Olympia. In addition, many of these shows offer opportunities for amateur athletes to compete and progress to the professional level.
NPC National Championships
Finally, the National Physique Committee (NPC) is the leading amateur bodybuilding organization in the United States.
Its national championships are highly prestigious and serve as a stepping stone for amateur athletes who want to become professionals.
Now you know more about the main bodybuilding championships! But how about delving even deeper into this impressive sport?
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