Professional bodybuilding

Professional bodybuilding, often known as pro bodybuilding, may refer to bodybuilding for a living and/or obtaining certifications such as an International Federation of Bodybuilders (IFBB) or Wabba International Pro Card.

The term "professional bodybuilder" refers to someone who makes his or her main living via bodybuilding. It is possible to generate a good living only through competition victories, albeit it is difficult to do so until at the top levels of competition. An athlete's sponsorship by local businesses and supplement makers is far more common than not. Many bodybuilders take use of their newfound reputation and skills to launch their own businesses, such as higher-level personal training or the establishment of their own gyms. In addition, cash is generated via guest posing and public appearances.

The International Federation of Bodybuilders was founded in 1946 by two Canadian brothers, Joe and Ben Weider, who were also bodybuilders (IFBB). Joe went on to create the Mr. Olympia competition, which was the first professional competition sanctioned by the International Federation of Bodybuilders (IFBB). Although Mr. Universe was formerly regarded as the most prestigious and elite of contests, a person could only win it twice, whereas the Olympia was designed to be won as many times as possible. The International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) and the Olympia were established as a means for top amateur athletes to develop their competitive careers while also earning money. Larry Scott was awarded $1,000 in 1966 for his victory in the Mr. Olympia competition. In 2006, there were more than 40 IFBB professional tournaments, with a total prize money of more than $1.6 million awarded to winners.

A bodybuilder must first receive their IFBB Pro Card before they can advance to the next level of competition. A bodybuilder who wishes to pursue this goal must first win a regional event in his or her weight class. An invitation to participate in their country's National Championships contest for the next year is earned by a bodybuilder who wins or ranks well in a competition. Each of the weight classes' champions will compete in a separate event to determine who will be crowned overall champion for the year after winning their respective weight classes' titles at the National Championships. The overall winner will be granted a Pro Card, which may vary according on the federation. Some federations award Pro Cards to the champions of specific weight classes, while others do not. Because of this, depending on the event, it is possible for more than one bodybuilder to achieve a Pro Card in a single competition.

The National Physique Committee (NPC) of the United States is linked with the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB Pro League) and awards IFBB Pro Cards to the winners of its finest competitors. Nationals, the North American Championships, the Universe Championships, and the USA Championships are some of the NPC tournaments where a bodybuilder may receive a professional card.