Eligibility
Competitors are required to be current members of the World Physique Alliance (WPA) to compete in WPA sanctioned events.
In addition, competitors must pass a drug test administered in the form of a urine screening in
order to be eligible. Competitors should be sure to thoroughly read the WPA Drug Testing Policy prior to obtaining a
WPA membership.
Classes
WPA Classes are based or age, category status, and level of experience.
WPA Pro Qualifiers
Select events are designated as World Physique Alliance Pro Qualifiers. Open division
overall winners at these events become eligible for WPA Pro Competitions and Overall Masters
division winners become eligible for WPA Pro Masters Competitions.
If the urinalysis test reveals Adverse Analytical Findings for an overall winner at a Pro Qualifier,
the competitor who was ranked 2nd in the Overall will be recognized as the Overall Champion
and become eligible for WPA Pro Competition.
Scoring and Tie Breakers
WPA sanctioned events require a minimum of 5 judges for amateur shows and 7 judges for WPA
Pro events.
Each judge takes all criteria for a category into account and assigns one overall score for each contestant in the form of rank during the group comparison rounds. A highest and lowest rank
for each competitor is dropped as a safeguard against human error and/or bias, whether intentional or on a subconscious level. The remaining judges’ placements are summed, and the
competitor with the lowest sum total receives 1st place in the class. Second lowest sum receives 2nd place, and so on.
In cases of a tie, the Head Judge will decide who is awarded the higher placement.
World Physique Alliance (WPA) Men’s Bodybuilding Division consists of Group Comparisons, Individual Presentations, and Overall
Comparisons (if needed).
Competitors must be 15-19 years of age for Teen class and 18+ for Debut, Novice, Open classes.
For Master’s categories (40+, 50+, etc.), competitors must be within the age restrictions the day of competition.
Competitors cannot also compete in Men’s Physique in the same show.
Judges will evaluate competitors on the following criteria:
Round 1: Quarter Turns
Round 2: Group Comparisons
Each class is brought out to front center stage as a group and guided through quarter turns to
display their physique from all sides. After the quarter turns competitors will be directed through
the mandatory poses which consist of:
Round 3: Individual Presentation
Competitors will perform a 60 second posing routine to music of their choice (Pros are allowed up to 90 seconds). Costumes and/or props are permitted, but are not required. If costumes or
props are utilized, they should still allow presentation of the physique.
World Physique Alliance (WPA) Women’s Physique Division consists of Group Comparisons, Individual Presentations, and Overall
Comparisons (if needed).
Competitors must be 15-19 years of age for Teen class and 18+ for Debut, Novice, Open classes.
For Master’s Categories (40+, 50+, etc.), competitors must be within the age restrictions the day of competition.
Competitors cannot compete in Figure or Bikini in the same show.
Women’s Bodybuilding Judging Criteria
The Women’s Bodybuilding judging criteria is based on the competitors’ degree of symmetry, overall muscular development and conditioning.
Group Comparisons
Each class is brought out to front center stage as a group and guided through quarter turns to display their physique from all sides. After the quarter turns competitors will be directed through
the mandatory poses which consist of:
Individual Presentation
Competitors will perform a posing routine to music of their choice. Costumes and/or props are permitted, but are not required. If costumes or props are utilized, they should still allow presentation of the physique.
World Physique Alliance (WPA) Men’s Physique Division consists of Group Comparisons, Individual Presentations, and
Overall Comparisons (if needed).
Competitors must be 15-19 years of age for Teen class and 18+ for Debut, Novice, Open classes.
For Master’s categories (40+, 50+, etc.), competitors must be within the age restrictions on the day of competition.
Men’s Physique competitors wear board shorts, are shirtless, and there is no footwear.
Judges will evaluate competitors on the following criteria:
Round 1: Quarter Turns
Round 2: Individual Presentation
Competitors walk out to music of their choice and perform a “T” walk (amateurs are allowed up to 60 seconds while Pros are allowed up to 90 seconds). A T-walk consists of walking out to rear center stage and pausing briefly in a pose of choice. Competitors then walk up to front center stage to pose briefly, then walk to stage left and pose briefly, then walk to stage right and pose briefly, then walk to the front center of the stage and pose briefly, and finally walk off stage diagonally to the side (as instructed by staff). The walk resembles a “T”, which is how it got its name.
World Physique Alliance (WPA) Women’s Physique Division consists of Group Comparisons, Individual Presentations and Overall
Comparisons (if needed).
Competitors must be 15-19 years of age for Teen class and 18+ for Debut, Novice, Open classes.
For Master’s categories (40+, 50+, etc.), competitors must be within the age restrictions on the day of competition.
Competitors cannot compete in Figure or Bikini in the same show.
Women’s Physique Posing Criteria
Judging criteria is based on muscularity, conditioning, symmetry (balanced proportions), poise, and presentation. Striated muscle will not be marked down in this division.
Group Comparisons:
Each class is brought out to front center stage as a group and guided through quarter turns to display their physique from all sides. After the quarter turns competitors will be directed through
the mandatory poses which consist of:
Individual Presentation:
Competitors perform a posing routine to music of their choice. Costumes and/or props are permitted, but are not required. If costumes or props are utilized, they should still allow presentation of the physique.
World Physique Alliance (WPA) Classic Physique Division consists of Group Comparisons, Individual Presentations and Overall
Comparisons (if needed).
Competitors must be 15-19 years of age for Teen class and 18+ for Debut, Novice, Open classes.
For Master’s categories (40+, 50+, etc.), competitors must be within the age restrictions on the day of competition.
Judges will evaluate competitors on the following criteria:
In this division an emphasis on symmetry and aesthetics will take priority over sheer size or an extreme conditioned and overly dieted appearance. The judges will be looking at the competitor’s
overall symmetry with balance and proportion in all areas of the body. No one body part should overpower the rest of the physique.
The athlete should be well conditioned but not to the degree where muscle striations are evident.
Round 1: Quarter Turns
Round 2:
Mandatory Poses
Classic Poses
Round 3: Individual Presentation
Competitors will perform a 60 second posing routine to music of their choice (Pros are allowed up to 90 seconds). There will be a Best Posing / Presentation Award given to the Classic Physique Competitor who not only presents his physique to its fullest potential but also brings an energy and excitement to the stage. Confidence is key here along with displaying aesthetic muscularity & poised stage presence.
Competition Attire: Classic Physique style trunks must be worn (colors are allowed if desired, but no logos)
World Physique Alliance (WPA) Figure Division consists of Group Comparisons, Individual Presentations and Overall
Comparisons (if needed).
Competitors must be 15-19 years of age for Teen class and 18+ for Debut, Novice, Open classes.
For Master’s categories (40+, 50+, etc.), competitors must be within the age restrictions on the day of competition.
Judges will evaluate competitors on the following criteria:
Posing/Presentation – how well the competitor presents herself and displays their physique on stage as well as adherence to WPA posing guidelines. Competitors should present themselves with poise, good posture and confidence and should utilize posing that enhances their physique (i.e. no overly pointed elbows, arms too far from midline of body, or inability to display symmetry. Competitors should be able to quickly and smoothly transition between poses.
Symmetry – evenness of development of the competitor’s physique and how well the parts of the physique flow together. It includes the balance and proportion of the competitor from side to side, top to bottom and front to back. Symmetry is a measurement of evenness of development between all muscle groups and proportion when viewed from all sides. No body part or muscle group should stand out from the rest.
Muscularity – muscle size and development relative to the competitor’s frame, including shape and size. The level of muscularity is determined by the extent of development in relation to the size of the competitor’s skeletal structure. Also to be considered is the shape and contour of the developed muscle and muscle groups.
Figure competitors should display:
Conditioning – the level of differentiation between adjacent muscles delineating sections or fibers within the same muscle group and the degree of firmness (hardness) of muscle tone. Leanness is important but an overly dieted appearance is neither
advantageous nor desirable.
Figure competitors should display:
Note: Figure competitors should not display deeply drawn-in faces or stringy-looking muscularity (an emaciated look).
Round 1 – Group Comparisons:
Each class is brought out to front center stage as a group and guided through quarter turns to display their physique from all sides.
Front Quarter Turn – This front pose should have the competitor facing front with hands near her side and the heels together. Toes can angle out slightly. Hands should remain at the side.
Side Quarter Turn – Hips should face the side of the stage, upper body can have a slight twist enough to show the rear shoulder. Eyes and toes and should face the side of the stage. Both feet must be flat on the floor. Hand should extend away from the body. The head judge can correct over exaggeration.
Rear Quarter Turn – Same as the front pose except the competitor is facing the rear or back of stage. Competitor may want to move hair as not to block the judges view of the competitor’s back.
Round 2 – Individual Presentation:
Competitors walk out to music of their choice and perform a “T” walk (Amateurs are allowed up to 60 seconds while Pros are allowed up to 90 seconds).
A T-walk consists of walking out to rear center stage and pausing briefly in a pose of choice. Competitors then walk up to front center stage to pose briefly, then walk to stage left and pose briefly, then walk to stage right and pose briefly, then walk to the front center of the stage and pose briefly, and finally walk off stage diagonally to the side (as instructed by staff).
The walk resembles a “T”, which is how it got its name.
World Physique Alliance (WPA) Figure Division encourages a fit physique with muscular development and leanness. Overly bulky and/or striated muscles will be marked down as will an overly soft physique.
The objective is to showcase a toned physique, overall symmetry with proportion, femininity and poise. A decorative one piece suit is required for this division.
Group Comparisons:
Each class is brought out to front center stage as a group and guided through quarter turns to display their physique from all sides.
Front Quarter Turn – This front pose should have the competitor facing front with hands near her side and the heels together. Toes can angle out slightly. Hands should remain at the side.
Side Quarter Turn – Hips should face the side of the stage, upper body can have a slight twist enough to show the rear shoulder. Eyes and toes and should face the side of the stage. Both feet must be flat on the floor. Hand should extend away from the body. The head judge can correct over exaggeration.
Rear Quarter Turn – Same as the front pose except the competitor is facing the rear or back of stage. Competitor may want to move hair as not to block the judges view of the competitor’s back.
Individual Presentation:
Competitors walk out to music and perform a “T” walk.
A T- walk consists of walking out to rear center stage and pausing briefly in a pose of choice. Competitors then walk up to front center stage to pose briefly, then walk to stage left and pose briefly, then walk to stage right and pose briefly, then walk to the front center of the stage and pose briefly, and finally walk off stage diagonally to the side (as instructed by staff).
The walk resembles a “T”, which is how it got its name.
Each competitor will be allowed to perform any poses of her choice (in addition to the quarter turns) which accent her physique and enhance stage presentation. There will be a Best Posing / Presentation Award given to the Figure competitor who not only presents her physique to its fullest potential but also brings an energy and excitement to the stage.
World Physique Alliance (WPA) Bikini Division consists of Group Comparisons, Individual Presentations and Overall Comparisons (if needed).
Competitors must be 15-19 years of age for Teen class and 18+ for Debut, Novice, Open classes.
For Master’s categories (40+, 50+, etc.), competitors must be within the age restrictions on the day of competition.
Judges will evaluate competitors on the following criteria:
Posing/Presentation – how well the competitor presents herself and displays their physique on stage as well as adherence to WPA posing guidelines. Competitors should present themselves with poise, good posture and confidence and should utilize posing that enhances their physique (i.e. no overly pointed elbows, arms too far from midline of body, or inability to display symmetry. Competitors should be able to quickly and smoothly transition between poses.
Symmetry – the evenness of development of the competitor’s physique and how well the parts of the physique flow together. It includes the balance and proportion of the competitor from side to side, top to bottom and front to back. Symmetry is a measurement of evenness of development between all muscle groups and proportion when viewed from all sides. No body part or muscle group should stand out from the rest.
Muscularity – muscle size and development relative to the competitor’s frame, including shape and size. The level of muscularity is determined by the extent of development in relation to the size of the competitor’s skeletal structure. Also to be considered is the shape and contour of the developed muscle and muscle groups.
Bikini competitors should display:
Conditioning – the level of differentiation between adjacent muscles delineating sections or fibers within the same muscle group and the degree of firmness (hardness) of muscle tone. Leanness is important but an overly dieted appearance is neither advantageous nor desirable.
Bikini competitors should display:
Group Comparisons:
Each class is brought out to front center stage as a group and guided through quarter turns to display physique from all sides. Stances should be fairly relaxed and competitors should not appear to be flexing. Excessive twisting is NOT allowed and both feet must be pointed forward and remain on the main comparison line during the front pose. Excessively leaning forward is NOT allowed during the back pose.
Competitors will also be asked to walk to the back and front of the stage to further assess comparisons.
Individual Comparisons:
Competitors walk out to music of their choice and perform a “T” walk (Amateurs are allowed up to 60 seconds while Pros are allowed up to 90 seconds).
A T-walk consists of walking out to rear center stage and pausing briefly in a pose of choice. Competitors then walk up to front center stage to pose briefly, then walk to stage left and pose briefly, then walk to stage right and pose briefly, then walk to the front center of the stage and pose briefly, and finally walk off stage diagonally to the side (as instructed by staff).
The walk resembles a “T”, which is how it got its name.
Note: Competitors are allowed to choose a suit cut that best compliment their frame/structure/physique.
With that said, thongs, T-Back and “Micro Pro Cut” suit bottoms are prohibited.
WPA Division division consists of Group Comparisons, Individual Presentations and Overall Comparisons (if needed).
Judges will evaluate competitors on the following criteria:
A Wellness physique displays more lower body muscle development (compared to the upper body) through the hips, glutes, hamstrings, and quads. The upper body is developed but less than the lower body. Judging is based on having an overall toned physique with muscle fullness, shape and proportion along with posing, poise, confidence, and stage presence. Excessive muscularity, striations and vascularity will be marked down. Other factors that can affect overall appearance are suit fit, hair and make-up, tan, and complexion.
Quarter Turns:
Front Pose: Competitors will face front, quads relaxed (not flexed). One thigh will be placed slightly forward, knee bent with the opposite hand on the hip and one arm straight down.
Side Pose:
From the side the thigh facing the judges will be straight with the arm extended down, the torso will be bent slightly towards the judges with the leg facing away from the judges bent slightly and hand on hip. The head will be turned towards the judges.
Back Pose:
Competitors will face the rear with lower back arched. Hair should be pulled aside, if needed, to avoid obstructing view of the back in the rear pose and with hands on the front thighs (competitors may arch their backs but leaning forward is not permitted).
Group Comparison:
Each class is brought out to front center stage as a group and guided through quarter turns to display their physique from all sides. Stances should be fairly relaxed and competitors should not appear to be flexing. Excessive twisting is NOT allowed and both feet must be pointed forward & remain on the main comparison line during the front pose. Excessively leaning forward is NOT allowed during the back pose. Competitors will also be asked to walk to the back and front of the stage to further assess comparisons.
Individual Presentation:
Competitors walk out to music of their choice and perform a “T” walk (amateurs are allowed up to 60 seconds while Pros are allowed up to 90 seconds). A T-walk consists of walking out to rear center stage and pausing briefly in a pose of choice. Competitors then walk up to front center stage to pose briefly, then walk to stage left and pose briefly, then walk to stage right and pose briefly, then walk to the front center of the stage and pose briefly, and finally walk off stage diagonally to the side (as instructed by staff). The walk resembles a “T”, which is how it got its name.
Please Note:
Competitors are allowed to choose a suit cut that best compliment their frame/structure/physique. With that said, thongs, T-Back and “Micro Pro” suit bottoms are prohibited.
World Physique Alliance (WPA) Angel Division consists of Group Comparisons, Individual Presentations and
Overall Comparisons (if needed).
Judges will evaluate competitors on the following criteria:
An overall healthy-looking toned body with good symmetry, shape, fullness, balance and proportion rewarding poise, posture,
individuality, confidence, and stage presence. Angels are shapely, toned and exhibit a slight degree of definition (visible athletic abs, slightly visible glute-hamstring tie-in) but should not display an abundance of muscle size, deep muscle separation, or muscle striations.
Group Comparisons:
Each class is brought out to front center stage as a group and guided through half turns to display physique from all sides. Stances should be fairly relaxed and competitors should not appear to be flexing. Excessively twisting is NOT recommended during the front pose. Excessively leaning forward is NOT allowed during the back pose. Competitors will also be asked to walk to the back and front of the stage to further assess comparisons.
Individual Comparison:
Competitors walk out to music of their choice and perform a “T” walk.
A T-walk consists of walking out to rear center stage and pausing briefly in a pose of choice. Competitors then walk up to front center stage to pose briefly, then walk to stage left and pose briefly, then walk to stage right and pose briefly, then walk to the front center of the stage and pose briefly, and finally walk off stage diagonally to the side.
Required Suit:
Note: Competitors are allowed to choose a suit cut that best compliment their frame/structure/physique. With that said, thongs, T-Back and “Micro Pro Cut” suit bottoms are prohibited.
Men and Women will be in separate classes
Judging Criteria:
Based on presentation, symmetry, proportion, personality, athletic conditioning, and marketability.
Round 1:
60 second T-walk to music of your choice.
A T-walk consists of walking out to rear center stage and pausing briefly in a pose of choice. Competitors then walk up to front center stage to pose briefly, then walk to stage left and pose briefly, then walk to stage right and pose briefly, then walk to the front center of the stage and pose briefly, and finally walk off stage diagonally to the side (as instructed by staff).
The walk resembles a “T”, which is how it got its name.
Round 2:
30 second speech on the competitor’s philosophy of fitness.
Round 3:
Quarter Turns
Required Suit:
Sports theme outfit or fashionable gym wear. Personality and Creativity may be displayed in outfit. Props are allowed but not required.