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.
Featured WNBF Pro Athlete - 2X World Champion Nerea Salazar Ayestaran | 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
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
Featured WNBF Pro Athlete - 2X World Champion Bada Lekan | Nigeria/USA
WORLDWIDE MANDATORY POSES
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 must perform all mandatory poses in a timely manner. Judges are looking at the complete package from all parts of the physique not
just one body part at a time.
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.
WHEELCHAIR BODYBUILDING MANDATORY POSES
Front Double Biceps, Front Lat Spread, Side Chest, Side Triceps, Rear Double Biceps, Rear Lat Spread, Most Muscular of Choice.
Featured INBF Amateur Athlete - Mike Infante | USA
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.
Featured WNBF Pro Athlete - World Champion Michelle Elliott | Canada
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 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
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.
Featured WNBF Pro Athlete - World Champion Pina Cirasola | Italy
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.
Featured WNBF Pro Athlete - World Finalist Anna Vourlioti | Greece
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.
Featured Pro Athlete - World Champion Seung Hyeon Kim | 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
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.
