loader image

Categories, Divisions & Classes

WOrld Natural Bodybuilding Federation

Understanding worldwide WNBF categories & judging criteria will ensure that all athletes are properly prepared to compete in WNBF sanctioned events in any country.

Our new WNBF AI Helper is perfect if you have questions about competing, or need guidance on rules and regulations!
WNBF AI Helper

Category Criteria & Info

Each category in the WNBF has specific criteria; knowing what the judges are looking for will help competitors excel, particularly if they are competing in more than one category to see where their physique best fits.

Division Definitions

Open

Designed for athletes with some competitive experience, and their physique is at or near a level to vie for a WNBF Pro card and be competitive with other WNBF Professionals

Novice

Novice competitors are either first time competitors, or someone who has competed and has not placed. If you win a novice class with 5 or more you are then required to compete in an open division in that category.

Debut

1st time ever on stage in a paticular category in any federation.

Teen

Ages 15-19

Junior

Ages 15-23. An athlete may not be 24 on the day of the show.

Masters

Ages 40 Years and older

Grand Masters

Age 50 and older

Ultra Masters

Age 60 and older

Entry Crossovers

Crossovers may occur between an Age Division and Open & Novice, or between categories such as Figure & Fit Body, or Men’s Physique and Bodybuilding.

New in 2026, athletes may enter Novice & Open. 

Debut competitors may cross into Open & Novice divisions.

Open class is aimed at those who have competed before, and are working towards winning Pro status. Novice athletes should have a goal to gain competition experience, and do the best they can. By not allowing Open competitors to cross back into Novice, this gives people the best chance to compete with other beginners and makes for a fair playing field for newer competitors.

Open & Masters Pros

Open Pros are eligible to compete in any WNBF event worldwide except Worlds which requires qualification. Pros qualified in multiple categories may crossover in the same event (accept Pro Bodybuilding & Pro Classic Physique).

Open pros who are over the age of 40 are AUTOMATICALLY QUALIFIED for Pro Masters events. However, people holding Masters Pro cards with no Open Pro card MAY NOT compete in Open Pro classes.

Worlds Qualification
WNBF Italy Pro

Walk & Routine Guides

Many venues vary in accessibility, so athletes should reach out to prospective promoters about stage walk specifics so that they can prepare properly.