Are IFBB Pros Really Professionals or Are They Hobbyists?
If you follow the fitness and bodybuilding world, you know the ultimate goal for serious competitors is to become IFBB Pros. Earning that status means you’re recognized as one of the best, whether in bodybuilding, classic physique, fitness, figure, or bikini.
But that brings up a critical question I’ve kicked around for years. Are IFBB Pros truly professionals, or are they closer to being high-level hobbyists?
In my two decades as a certified coach and sports nutritionist, I’ve seen the incredible sacrifice that goes into reaching this level. Yet, the financial reality often doesn’t match the title. Let’s break down what it really means to be a “pro” in this industry.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before starting any exercise program, changing your daily nutrition, or adding any supplements to your regimen.
Table of contents
Key Takeaways
- The term “professional” implies being paid, but the vast majority of IFBB Pros do not make a living from prize money alone and often lose money competing.
- Unlike other professional sports leagues, IFBB pros must pay annual fees for their pro card and cover all their own expenses for travel, food, and coaching.
- Only the top tier of athletes, like Mr. Olympia contenders, earn significant prize money and secure lucrative sponsorships that provide a substantial income.
- The author suggests the IFBB should restructure to operate more like the NFL or NBA, with contracts and minimum pay for active competitors to legitimize the “professional” status.
Are IFBB Pros Really Professionals or Hobbyists?
The dictionary definition of a professional is someone “engaged in a specified activity as one’s main paid occupation rather than as a pastime.” A hobbyist, on the other hand, is simply a person who pursues a hobby. The problem is, many IFBB pros seem to fit both descriptions.
Related Article: There Are No Leaders in the IFBB
If you call yourself a professional, you expect to get paid for your work. But how many IFBB pros are actually making a living off of competing in the industry? The answer is very few. Only the absolute elite earn significant prize money. For example, the 2025 Mr. Olympia winner, Derek Lunsford, took home $600,000, and the 2026 Arnold Classic winner, Andrew Jacked, earned a record-breaking $750,000. These are life-changing sums, but they are outliers.
Most pros outside the top five at major shows earn little to no prize money. A mid-tier pro might only pull in $30,000 to $100,000 a year, and that’s usually from a combination of sponsorships, coaching, and social media, not contest winnings. Many newcomers or lower-level pros actually lose money each year.
What’s worse is the financial burden placed on the athletes. Every single year, these pros have to pay a fee just to maintain their pro card status, which is around $200 annually. They also have to cover all their own expenses for travel, hotels, coaching, and food. Who pays their employer for the right to show up to work? It makes absolutely no sense.
A newly minted IFBB pro often holds a full-time job to pay the bills while trying to build their fitness brand on the side, sometimes earning less than $20,000 a year from bodybuilding-related activities.
And let’s talk about sponsorships. Many people assume a pro contract means a huge salary, but for most, it’s often just free supplements. A company gets to use an athlete’s image to build its brand, and in return, the athlete gets some protein powder. It feels like a slap in the face.
What Should Be Done?
The IFBB Pro League is a professional sports organization, so why isn’t it run like one? The first issue is the sheer number of pro cards being awarded. Some reports from a few years ago noted that over 900 pro cards were awarded in a single year. When the title becomes so common, it starts to lose its prestige. Maybe the NPC needs to make it more difficult to turn pro, making the card more meaningful.
Next, the business model needs a complete overhaul. The league should operate more like the NFL or NBA. All active competitors who step on stage should be paid. There should be contracts in place requiring athletes to compete in a certain number of shows each year to maintain their status and salary. If they fail to compete, they don’t get paid and could be fined or cut, just like in any other professional sport.
Imagine if Lebron James told the NBA commissioner he was only going to show up for Game 7 of the finals. It would never happen. So why do we allow top bodybuilders to compete just once a year at the Olympia? Being a professional means performing consistently. Showing up “in shape” for one weekend a year doesn’t fit that description, it feels more like a hobbyist’s approach.
The big prize money at the Olympia and Arnold is great, but perhaps that money could be spread more evenly among the competitors throughout the year. This would incentivize top athletes to compete more often, giving fans a better experience and making the sport more competitive year-round.
If you aren’t performing at a high level, you shouldn’t get to compete in the big leagues. There are countless talented minor league baseball players who never make it to the MLB. That’s just how competitive sports work. The IFBB shouldn’t be like the Oprah show, where everyone gets a pro card.
But in the Grand Scheme of Things, Who am I?
At the end of the day, I’m just a businessman and a coach who has dedicated his life to the fitness industry. This sport has been my passion for decades, and I want to see it thrive.
While the IFBB has done a great job adding new divisions to increase participation, the fundamental structure feels broken. The idea that athletes must pay to work is fundamentally flawed.
I never had to pay my previous employers for the privilege of working for them. Athletes in the NFL, NBA, NHL, and UFC don’t pay entry fees or annual dues to compete, they get paid for their performance. It’s time for our industry to make some serious changes and build a structure that truly supports its professional athletes.
I’m sure some will argue that not everyone can become a bodybuilder, and they’re right. But not everyone can be a Stephen Curry either, and he gets paid every time he steps on the court without any out-of-pocket expenses. I’m just questioning a system that doesn’t make sense and hope it encourages others to speak up too.
FAQs About IFBB Pros
How much does an IFBB pro card cost?
While there are costs associated with competing in amateur shows to earn the card, the annual fee to maintain your IFBB Pro status is around $200. This does not include any of the other costs like show registration, travel, coaching, or supplements.
What is the average salary of an IFBB pro?
There is no set salary. The income of an IFBB pro varies dramatically. Top contenders for the Mr. Olympia title can earn six or seven figures annually from prize money, sponsorships, and business ventures. However, a mid-tier pro might make between $30,000 and $100,000, while many new or lower-ranked pros actually lose money each year after expenses.
How much do IFBB pros win at the Olympia?
Prize money has increased significantly. At the 2025 Mr. Olympia, the Men’s Open winner, Derek Lunsford, received $600,000. The prize money decreases for lower placings, with second place taking home $200,000 and fifth place earning $30,000. Winners in other divisions, like 212 or Classic Physique, earn less, with top prizes around $50,000 to $100,000.
Do all IFBB pros have sponsorships?
No, and the quality of sponsorships varies greatly. Top-tier athletes like Chris Bumstead have lucrative six-figure deals that cover expenses and provide a salary. However, many up-and-coming pros receive product-only sponsorships or small monthly stipends that don’t cover the high costs of competing.
*Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links or ads, which means we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through these links. These commissions help support the operation and maintenance of our website, allowing us to continue producing free valuable content. Your support is genuinely appreciated, whether you choose to use our links or not. Thank you for being a part of our community and enjoying our content.
PLEASE CONSIDER SHARING THIS ON YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA TO HELP OTHERS LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS TOPIC.
