Professional bodybuilding or pro bodybuilding is a term that is used in the sport of bodybuilding, and may refer to several different concepts.
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Professional may refer to a bodybuilder who earns his or her primary income from bodybuilding. It is possible, though difficult except at the highest level, to earn a reasonable income purely from competition winnings. It is more likely that a particular athlete will be sponsored by local companies and supplement manufacturers. Many bodybuilders use their new found fame and knowledge to pursue business ventures such as higher level personal training, or opening their own fitness centers. Guest posing and appearances also support income.
Qualification as a professional may require membership of a professional bodybuilding organization such as the IFBB. Many Natural Bodybuilding organizations such as the INBF (International Natural Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation), NPA (Natural Physique Association) and NANBF (North American Natural Bodybuilding Federation) also have professional ranks. For instance, the WNBF (World Natural Bodybuilding Federation), is the Professional division of its amateur affiliate, the INBF.
In 1946, Joe Weider and Ben Weider created the International Federation of BodyBuilders, known as the IFBB. Later on in 1965, Joe Weider went on to start the first IFBB professional competition – the Mr. Olympia. Originally, the Mr. Universe was known as the most prestigious and elite of competitions, however an individual could only win this contest twice, whereas the Olympia was created to be won on as many times as possible. The IFBB and the Olympia were created as a way for elite amateur athletes to further their competitive career and to earn money. In 1966, Larry Scott received $1,000 for his Mr. Olympia win. In 2006, there were over 40 IFBB professional competitions and the total prize money topped 1.6 million dollars.
In order to become an "IFBB Pro" you must first earn your IFBB Pro Card. A bodybuilder looking to do this must first win a regional contest weight class. When a bodybuilder wins or places highly they earn an invite to compete at their country's National Championships contest for that year. The winners of each weight class at the National Championships will then go head to head in a separate contest to see who is the overall Champion for the year. Depending on the federation, the overall Champion will be offered a pro card. Some federations offer Pro Cards to winners of individual weight class champions. This can mean that each year more than one bodybuilder may earn a Pro Card. A bodybuilder can also earn a Pro Card at the IFBB World Bodybuilding Championships. Eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman won his IFBB Pro Card at the World Bodybuilding Championships.
In the United States, The NPC (National Physique Committee) is affiliated with the IFBB and awards IFBB Pro Cards to the winners of its Heavyweight and Super Heavyweight weight category contest winners. There are three events held by the NPC where a bodybuilder can earn a pro card: The Nationals, The North American Championships, and The USA Championships contests.