Men's Physique

Official Category Rules

Discover the Men's Physique category in WNBF Bulgaria. Learn about judging criteria, posing requirements, and competition formats for this prestigious natural bodybuilding division.

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WNBF Bulgaria Men's Physique

Men's Physique Guide

Complete information about the Men's Physique category

Juniors

Where a Junior Physique category is offered, athletes must be under 23 years of age on the day of the national finals in Bulgaria.

Novice

(Please note that the Novice class is only available during qualifying events, not at finals.) Where a Novice Physique category is offered, a "Novice" is defined as an athlete who has never placed in the top 3 at a competition in a previous season. Your novice status applies for the entire season. Athletes who have won a regional or national title, or who have competed internationally in Junior, Masters, or bodybuilding categories, cannot be considered novices.

Open Class

This is the open class for Men's Physique. When there are more than 15 competitors, the physique category may be divided into the following height classes:

  • Short
  • Medium
  • Tall

Judging

Judges look for a refined, proportionate, muscular physique that is balanced and aesthetically pleasing. Athletes should be well-groomed with good muscle shape, a strong V-taper (emphasized by relatively broad shoulders and a narrow waist), and a well-developed midsection — all key criteria for the judges. Judges are not looking for maximum muscle mass.

Competition Formats and Attire

Competitions may be run as either a "Run Through" format (athletes appear on stage once and all rounds are judged) or a "Prejudging and Evening Round" format (athletes appear on stage twice and are judged in two separate sessions — morning and evening). Athletes must follow the attire rules, which depend on the competition format.

Attire Rules:

  • All competitors must be barefoot
  • Bodybuilding posing trunks or boxer briefs are not permitted
  • Shorts must be board-short style and loose around the thighs
  • We prefer a solid color of your choice, without excessive ornamentation
  • Shorts must cover the entire thigh area and end at or above (but not below) the knee
  • The waistband must sit no less than 5 cm below the navel

Judging Rounds

1
Fitness and Balance

A good silhouette with a V-shape, defined abs, and a narrow waist. A solid level of conditioning is expected, but depleted, overly hard or dry physiques, or excessive vascularity, will score lower.

2
Appearance / Stage Presentation

The athlete's overall appearance. Stage presentation, outfit choice, grooming, makeup, hair, and other factors are assessed in this round.

Performance — Posing

Front Pose:

  • Competitors face the judges
  • Feet may be shoulder-width apart or closer
  • Hips must face the judges
  • Back must be exposed
  • Excessive flexing and clenched fists are not preferred

Side Poses:

  • Competitors' hips must face directly to the side
  • Shoulders and upper body must face the judges
  • Head must face directly toward the judges
  • One leg may be stepped back
  • One arm should hang down, the other on the hip

Rear Pose:

  • Competitors turn their back to the rear of the stage
  • Feet should be shoulder-width apart or closer
  • Back should be extended to show the V-shape
  • Arms may be placed at the sides, but one arm must then be moved to the hip

Stage Presentation: Walkout

The stage presentation and walkout give the competitor an opportunity to further showcase their physique and confidence on stage in front of the judges. The stage appearance lasts 30 seconds from entering to exiting the stage.

Stage Walkout Diagram:

Important Rules:

  • Poses must be held for no more than 3 seconds
  • The entire walkout must be completed in 30 seconds or less
  • Competitors have the opportunity to demonstrate artistry through their transitions

Contact Information

To reserve your entry, obtain membership, or book hair, makeup, photography, or spectator tickets, visit:

Visit WNBF.BG