Divisions
Athletes may compete in multiple divisions at the same event (for example Classic Physique and Men's Physique). The Open class is the only class that qualifies you for Open National contests, which often award pro cards.
Men's Divisions
- Bodybuilding
- Classic Physique
- Men's Physique
Women's Divisions
- Women's Physique
- Wellness
- Figure
- Fitness
- Bikini
Mr & Ms South Bend
A special hometown division — one title for the men and one for the women of the Bend.
- Military
Active or retired competitors with an Armed Forces ID.
- First Responder
Active or retired competitors with a First Responder ID.
Experience & age classes
- True Novice
- Competitors have never competed in the NPC before.
- Novice
- Must not have placed Top 10 at a National show, must not have won an Overall (Novice, Masters, or Open), and must not have won an Open Class with 3 or more competitors.
- Masters
- Must be the age shown or older on contest day. May compete in multiple age classes and may cross over to Novice, True Novice, or Open when eligible.
- Open
- Any NPC athlete of any age or experience level may compete.
To enter an age class (Teen, Junior, or Masters), you must meet the cutoff on contest day — the minimum age for a “35 and over” class, or under the maximum for a “23 and under” class.
Qualify for nationals
The NPC Battle of the Bend is open to all NPC athletes and is an NPC National Qualifier — it can qualify you for national events such as NPC Teen Collegiate Masters Nationals, NPC North American, and more.