JUDGING CRITERIA

CRUCIAL TO
COMPETITOR SUCCESS

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

Nerea Salazar 2022 WNBF Pro Bikini Overall Champion WNBF Criteria

Featured WNBF Pro Athlete - 2X World Champion Nerea Salazar Ayestaran | Spain

Spain

JUDGING CRITERIA VARIES

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.

Scroll below to click the criteria tabs for each category

QUICK GUIDES

SCROLL BELOW FOR DETAILED JUDGING CRITERIA

INBF WNBF Bikini Criteria Front Pose (4)
INBF WNBF Bikini Judging Criteria Side Pose (1)
Bikini Criteria Back Pose
WNBF Bodybuilding Criteria for all
Criteria for Fit Body to participants
Figure Criteria for participants
Criteria for Physique Front Pose
INBF-WNBF-Mens-Physique-Criteria-Side-Pose-400x400
Criteria for Mens Physique Rear Pose

BODYBUILDING

Men and women in the Bodybuilding Divisions will be judged through a series of poses that will allow the judges to evaluate not only individual body parts but also "the most balanced physique throughout.”

Men wear a bodybuilding posing suit; women wear a two-piece bodybuilding suit with or without embellishments.

ATHLETES ARE JUDGED IN TWO ROUNDS

  • Symmetry – Encompasses the overall balance of the physique
  • Muscularity – Overall muscular development, size, proportion, conditioning, definition and striations throughout the physique

Click for full description of the bodybuilding judging criteria.

WEIGHT CLASSES

Weight Classes (5) - Men's Open Amateur Bodybuilding

  • Bantamweight
    • Under 150 lbs (Under 68kg)
  • Lightweight
    • 150-165 lbs (68.03-74.84)
  • Middleweight
    • 165.25 – 176 lbs (74.95-79.83 kg)
  • Light Heavyweight
    • 176.25 – 190 lbs (79.94-86.18 kg)
  • Heavyweight
    • Over 190 lbs (Over 86.18 kg)

Weight Classes (3) - Men's Open Amateur Bodybuilding

  • Lightweight
    • Under 165 lbs (under 74.84 kg)
  • Middleweight
    • 165.25 – 185 (74.95 - 83.91 kg)
  • Heavyweight
    • Over 185.25 lbs (Over 83.91 kg)

Women's Bodybuilding

  • 1 Class
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Featured WNBF Pro Athlete - 2X World Champion Bada Lekan | Nigeria/USA

Nigeria

WORLDWIDE MANDATORY POSES

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WHEELCHAIR BODYBUILDING

The Wheelchair Bodybuilding Divisions will be judged through a series of poses that will allow the judges to evaluate not only individual body parts, but also the “whole package.”

Athletes shall wear black sweat pants or “joggers”, black athletic shoes, and black socks

ATHLETES ARE JUDGED IN TWO ROUNDS

  • Symmetry – Encompasses the overall balance of the physique from the waist up through the shoulders and trapezius muscles.  1/4 turns will be executed on stage.  If athletes need help to manipulate their wheelchair they may receive support.
  • Muscularity – Wheelchair athletes will be judged on the size of muscles and conditioning/definition by executing a series of mandatory poses. Competitors will try and perform all mandatory poses in a timely manner. Judges are looking at the complete package examining all parts of the physique not just one body part at a time.

Click for the full description of the wheelchair bodybuilding judging criteria.

WHEELCHAIR BODYBUILDING MANDATORY POSES

Front Double Biceps, Front Lat Spread, Side Chest, Side Triceps, Rear Double Biceps, Rear Lat Spread, Most Muscular of Choice.

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CLASSIC PHYSIQUE

As a natural bodybuilding federation, the WNBF is not implementing Classic Physique as a less muscular category, as drug-free competitors do not carry mass at the expense of symmetry. Further, the WNBF is not implementing Classic Physique as a category where leanness is explicitly less than in the Bodybuilding category. The WNBF believes natural bodybuilding already exemplifies many aspects of Classic Physique and for that reason, care will be taken to introduce Classic Physique posing requirements and judging criteria without negatively impacting the Bodybuilding category.  WNBF Classic Physique emphasizes symmetry and presentation, specifically the artistry of posing.

Athletes shall wear black classic physique posing trunks up to 4.5" on the side. 

Bodybuilding trunks are not allowed.

ATHLETES ARE JUDGED IN TWO ROUNDS

  • Symmetry – Symmetry encompasses the overall balance and harmony of the physique on all sides and in all muscle groups. Athletes will have broad shoulders, pleasing lines, and a small tapered waist. The lower body will identically match the upper body completing a perfect X frame.• The lower body will match the upper body completing a perfect X frame. Having an exemplary muscle group in some cases can make a Bodybuilder stand out, however, Classic Physique competitors must have all muscle groups in proportion.
  • Musculature & Presentation – Athletes will be judged on the size, balance, and leanness of their musculature. Much like the Bodybuilding Category, athletes will be judged on the size, separation, and leanness of their musculature. Presentation of the athletes “classic physique” look is a focus for judging.  Smooth quarter turns and graceful classic posing is crucial for success.

Click here for the description of the classic physique criteria - NOTE: Criteria will gradually evolve as we have recently added the classic bodybuilding category

DIVISION CUTOFFS

For the 2025 season (until further notice) WNBF Classic Physique divisions in the USA will be split according to height.  Classes will be split as evenly and as competitively as possible based on the number of entries at each event.

MANDATORY POSES

  • Quarter Turns - front, left and right sides, and back symmetry poses
  • Asymmetrical front double biceps
  • Side chest - fists touching hips
  • Side triceps
  • Rear double biceps one hand open
  • Abdominals and thighs
  • 1-2 Favorite Classic Poses - Athletes should choose poses that accentuate their symmetry and muscularity
  • Optional Favorite Poses - Twisted Double Biceps, Side Mantis, Archer, Victory, Teacup, and Vacuum Pose.
Keith Hunter Jr Classic One Arm Bicep Pose (1)
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2023 Worlds3652

Featured WNBF Pro Athlete - World Champion Michelle Elliott | Canada

Canada

BIKINI

Bikini is a women’s physique division designed to find athletes with a fit and shapely body that is not heavily muscled or over-defined.

A traditional two-piece bikini posing suit is worn and may be multi-colored or solid, and embellishments and jewelry are permitted. Shoes are required, but the height of the heels is optional.

  • Bikini divisions are height based and split according to athlete numbers keeping events competitive but fair.

Competition Bikini Suits - Athletes should choose suits that best complement their physique.

COMPETITORS ARE JUDGED IN TWO (2) ROUNDS

ROUND 1

  • Fitness and balance in the Bikini division are achieved through a lightly muscled and not overly lean or hard appearing physique as compared to Figure, Fit Body, or Bodybuilding.
  • One hand placed on the hip in front and side poses.
  • One leg to the side, either leg is allowable
  • Hands shall be placed on the thighs or hip flexors on the back pose.
  • Hair shall be swept to the front, and lats lightly flared forward to display nice shape on the back pose.

ROUND 2

  • Physical Appearance refers to the overall appearance of the athlete. Stage presentation, hair, tanning, make-up, and suit choice are encompassed in this round.
  • Ties are broken in round 2

Click here for the full description of the bikini judging criteria

 

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FRONT POSE EXAMPLES

FIGURE

The figure is a class of physique competition judged equally on symmetry and muscle tone.

Athletes wear two-piece figure suits; thongs or T-back bottoms are not allowed. The suit may be embellished with rhinestones, sparkles, or sequins for added effect. High-heeled shoes are required. Jewelry and body piercing is allowed but must not be offensive or obscure the physique.

THE FIGURE DIVISION IS JUDGED
IN TWO (2) ROUNDS

  • Symmetry takes into account balance and proportion; physiques should be symmetrically balanced with no one body part overpowering the rest of the body.
  • Muscle Tone focuses on moderate muscle tone; leanness and muscle development are expected, however, competitors must not be over-conditioned as in the Bodybuilding or Fit Body divisions.
  • Presentation & Stage Walk are no longer scored. The athletes' overall stage presence, stage walk, hair, make-up, attire, and accessories that compliment and enhance the athlete’s figure are areas judges will focus on when breaking ties.

Click here for the full desctiption of the figure judging criteria

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Featured WNBF Pro Athlete - World Champion Pina Cirasola | Italy

Italy
WNBF Pro Anna Vourlioti Fit Body Criteria WNBF Website

Featured WNBF Pro Athlete - World Finalist Anna Vourlioti | Greece

Greece

FIT BODY

Fit Body judges are looking for an athletic physique but without the level of muscle mass of the bodybuilding division.

Athletes wear two-piece figure suits; thongs or T-back bottoms are not allowed. The suit may be embellished with rhinestones, sparkles, or sequins for added effect. High-heeled shoes are required. Jewelry and body piercing is allowed but must not be offensive or obscure the physique.

FIT BODY IS JUDGED IN TWO (2) ROUNDS

  • Symmetry is judged on balanced proportions; the upper and lower body should not overpower the other, and no one body part should overpower the rest of the physique.
  • Muscle Tone will focus on the overall conditioning of the body, not overly muscular, too striated, or hard looking. Competitors should not appear to be at the same overly lean physical level as a Bodybuilding competitor.

Click here for the full description of the fit body judging criteria

MEN'S PHYSIQUE

Physique Division competitors are lean, fit, and muscular yet do not have the muscle mass or extreme leanness required for the Bodybuilding Division.

Athletes wear conventional board shorts cut ABOVE the knee. 11″ inseam (28cm) or slightly shorter is allowable. Athletes wearing board shorts at mid thigh length may be scored down.”

Judges are looking for:

  • One hand on the hip in all poses
  • Nicely shaped and balanced muscle throughout
  • A small waist
  • Good V-taper
  • Abdominal definition
  • One hand shall be placed on the hip on all quarter turns to differentiate from bodybuilding
  • No bodybuilding poses are allowed
  • Physique divisions are height based and split according to athlete numbers keeping events competitive but fair.
Seung Hyeon Kim 2023 WNBF Pro Mens Physique Overall Champion South Korea

Featured Pro Athlete - World Champion Seung Hyeon Kim | South Korea

South Korea

MEN'S PHYSIQUE IS JUDGED IN TWO (2) ROUNDS

Round 1

  • Symmetry and Muscle Tone
  • The perfect V taper from the shoulders down to the small waist
  • Shoulders, chest, arms, upper back and lats should be balanced, consistent, or harmonious
  • The most complete package shall win this round

Round 2

  • Overall stage presentation. Ties are broken in round 2.
  • Tanning, grooming, and suit choice should accentuate the physique
  • Posing, stage walk, and overall aesthetic appeal is also evaluated

Click here for the full desctiption of the men's physique judging criteria

Below are some general stage walk guidelines for physique athletes. Many venues vary in accessibility, so athletes should reach out to prospective promoters about stage walk specifics so that they can prepare properly.

Mens Physique Stage Walk Options
Mens Physique Stage Walk Options
Stage Walk Design