Est. 2026 — Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Natural
Power. Pure
Dedication.

Natural Bodybuilding Federation Bulgaria — Drug-Free Sport, Lifetime Values

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Who We Are

Bulgaria's Premier Natural Bodybuilding Body

The Natural Bodybuilding Federation Bulgaria (NBFB) was founded to provide Bulgarian athletes with a fair, drug-free competitive platform rooted in integrity. We believe the human body, trained through discipline, nutrition, and relentless work, is extraordinary on its own.

From Sofia to Plovdiv, Varna to Burgas — we unite competitors, coaches, and fans across the nation under one banner: natural sport, pure achievement. Our federation is officially registered and operates in full compliance with national sports law and international anti-doping standards.

Whether you are stepping on stage for the first time or a seasoned champion, NBFB is your home.

Become a Member
01

Integrity Above All

We uphold the strictest anti-doping protocols. Every competitor is tested, every title is earned cleanly.

02

Inclusive Community

Men, women, juniors, and masters — every Bulgarian has a division and a stage to compete on.

03

Education & Growth

We provide seminars, coaching certifications, and nutritional resources to elevate the sport nationwide.

04

International Representation

NBFB athletes represent Bulgaria in INBA, WABBA, and NANBF international championships.

2026 Season

Competition Calendar

Coming Soon
2–3
October 2026
NBFB National Championship
"Boris Hristov" House of Culture, Plovdiv
NBFB Event All Categories Entries close 15 Sept
Coming Soon
17–18
October 2026
NBW Championships — Rotherham
Rotherham, England
Partner Event NBW England
Compete

Our Categories

Men's Bodybuilding
The Most Muscular Men's Category

The most muscular of the men's categories, scored evenly on symmetry and muscularity across two rounds. Because athletes are compared throughout, posing stamina and holding a complete, balanced, conditioned physique matter from start to finish.

Weight Classes
Bantam –68kg · Light –75kg · Middle –80kg · Light-Heavy –86kg · Heavy 86kg+
Rounds
Symmetry 50% + Muscularity 50%
Judging Focus
Symmetry, Muscularity, Conditioning
Attire
Solid V-cut posing trunks
Judging Criteria
Symmetry (50%)
Capped delts, wide lats and sweeping quads that create a small-waisted X-frame; balanced, separated development front to back and top to bottom.
Muscularity (50%)
Full, dense muscle with complete separation, striations and cross-striations — the best combination of size and leanness, nothing flat or under-conditioned.
Two-Round Format
Round 1 scores three symmetry poses; Round 2 scores the muscularity poses. Both rounds carry equal weight.
Posing Routine
A 60-second individual routine to edited music — counts toward Best Poser, not final placings.
Mandatory Poses — Symmetry Round
01
Front Symmetry
Face the judges, torso upright, arms at the sides, lats open to show the V-taper — the X-frame, not individual muscles.
02
Side Symmetry
Quarter turn to the right; upright and side-on with a slight twist to reveal the rear shoulder and V-taper.
03
Rear Symmetry
Quarter turn to the right; back to the judges, lats spread to show the V-taper from behind.
Mandatory Poses — Muscularity Round
01
Front Double Biceps
Elbows wide, fists at ear level, biceps and forearms flexed; legs set to hold symmetry.
02
Front Lat Spread
Fists anchored on the obliques, elbows and lats spread forward, chest high, quads flexed.
03
Side Chest
Away hand pulls the near wrist to flex the chest, biceps and delt; front heel spiked to show the calf.
04
Side Triceps
Rear hand grasps the front arm behind the back; front arm extended, triceps flexed, calf spiked.
05
Rear Double Biceps
Fists at ear level, elbows rotated toward the judges, hamstrings flexed and one calf spiked.
06
Rear Lat Spread
Fists on the obliques, lats spread from behind, hamstrings and calf displayed.
07
Abdominals & Thighs
Hands behind the head, abs fully crunched, quads flexed (may work one leg at a time).
08
Most Muscular
Hands-on-hips or crab flex for peak overall muscularity in the comparison round.

Criteria, rounds and poses are summarised from the 2026 WNBF Judging Criteria and Rules. NBFB events are run to WNBF natural standards; exact classes and format for each show are confirmed in the official athlete packet.

Register for This Category
Classic Physique
Symmetry & the Artistry of Posing

A tribute to bodybuilding's golden era — not simply a smaller category. Symmetry leads at 50%, with the rest split between muscularity (25%) and directly-judged presentation (25%), so an expertly presented, symmetrical physique will beat a bigger one.

Height Classes
Short –170cm · Medium –178cm · Tall 178cm+
Rounds
Symmetry 50% · Muscularity 25% · Presentation 25%
Judging Focus
Proportion, Flow, Artistry
Attire
Black classic-cut trunks (no BB trunks)
Judging Criteria
Symmetry (50%)
Paramount — proportional development, a clean X-frame and visible separation so balance can be judged.
Muscularity (25%)
Not explicitly smaller than bodybuilding, but condition, hardness or vascularity that harms symmetry is marked down, as is leanness at the expense of fullness.
Presentation (25%)
Directly scored: posing artistry, statuesque holds without shaking, smooth transitions and grooming.
Rules
Black classic-cut trunks only; bodybuilding trunks and Most Muscular poses are not allowed.
Mandatory Poses — Symmetry Round
01
Front Symmetry
Face the judges, torso upright, arms at the sides, lats open to show the V-taper — the X-frame, not individual muscles.
02
Side Symmetry
Quarter turn to the right; upright and side-on with a slight twist to reveal the rear shoulder and V-taper.
03
Rear Symmetry
Quarter turn to the right; back to the judges, lats spread to show the V-taper from behind.
Mandatory Poses — Muscularity & Presentation Round
01
Asymmetrical Front Double Biceps
Made asymmetrical with a leg out to the side, an open hand and/or a hip shift.
02
Side Chest, Fists to Hip
Like the bodybuilding side chest but with bent wrists, knuckles touching, fists on the hip.
03
Classic Side Triceps
A front-angled version with no calf display and one quad shown to the judges.
04
Rear Double Biceps
One hamstring and calf shown, one open hand, angled or straight-on.
05
Abdominals & Thighs
Both hands behind the head; an abdominal vacuum is optional.
06
Two Classic Poses of Choice
e.g. Vacuum, Victory, Archer, Side Mantis or Teacup — judged mainly on posing skill.

Criteria, rounds and poses are summarised from the 2026 WNBF Judging Criteria and Rules. NBFB events are run to WNBF natural standards; exact classes and format for each show are confirmed in the official athlete packet.

Register for This Category
Men's Physique
Lean, Athletic, Board-Short Ready

Emphasises symmetry and presentation — a lean, fit, muscle-toned physique with a small waist and strong V-taper, judged to the international standard rather than on a curve. Not as muscular or dry as bodybuilding.

Height Classes
Short –170cm · Medium –178cm · Tall 178cm+
Rounds
Symmetry & Muscle Tone + Presentation
Judging Focus
V-Taper, Small Waist, Condition
Attire
Board shorts (6–11in inseam)
Judging Criteria
Symmetry & Muscle Tone
Balanced and groomed, small waist and strong shoulder-to-waist V-taper; capped delts, wide back, deep abs and visible serratus, no visible fat.
Muscularity Level
Fit and toned — not bodybuilding size or extreme leanness; extreme striations are not required.
Presentation
Confidence, poise, shorts choice, stage walk and grooming — the key tie-breaker.
Rules
One hand stays on the hip on every quarter turn; no bodybuilding poses; smiling expected.
Mandatory Poses — Quarter Turns
01
Front
Shoulders, hips and feet forward, one hand on the hip, lats flared for the V-taper (no clenched fists).
02
Side
Hips to the side, head to the judges, shoulders turned up to 35°, back heel raised and calf tight.
03
Back
Feet parallel, lats spread for the V-taper, then one hand to the hip.
04
Individual T-Walk
Side pose to centre, then front–back–front, poses held ≤3s, whole walk in about 30s.

Criteria, rounds and poses are summarised from the 2026 WNBF Judging Criteria and Rules. NBFB events are run to WNBF natural standards; exact classes and format for each show are confirmed in the official athlete packet.

Register for This Category
Women's Bodybuilding
The Most Muscular Women's Category

The most muscular women's category, largely identical to Men's Bodybuilding — a complete, balanced, conditioned physique scored evenly on symmetry and muscularity across two rounds.

Weight Classes
Lightweight –54kg · Heavyweight 54kg+
Rounds
Symmetry 50% + Muscularity 50%
Judging Focus
Symmetry, Muscularity, Conditioning
Attire
Two-piece posing suit (no thongs)
Judging Criteria
Symmetry (50%)
A small-waisted X-frame — capped delts, wide lats, sweeping quads — balanced and separated from every angle.
Muscularity (50%)
Full, separated muscle with striations and cross-striations; the best combination of size and leanness.
Two-Round Format
Three symmetry poses in Round 1, the muscularity poses in Round 2, weighted equally.
Posing Routine
A 60-second routine to edited music for Best Poser, not final placings.
Mandatory Poses — Symmetry Round
01
Front Symmetry
Face the judges, torso upright, arms at the sides, lats open to show the V-taper — the X-frame, not individual muscles.
02
Side Symmetry
Quarter turn to the right; upright and side-on with a slight twist to reveal the rear shoulder and V-taper.
03
Rear Symmetry
Quarter turn to the right; back to the judges, lats spread to show the V-taper from behind.
Mandatory Poses — Muscularity Round
01
Front Double Biceps
Elbows wide, fists at ear level, biceps and forearms flexed; legs set to hold symmetry.
02
Front Lat Spread
Fists anchored on the obliques, elbows and lats spread forward, chest high, quads flexed.
03
Side Chest
Away hand pulls the near wrist to flex the chest, biceps and delt; front heel spiked to show the calf.
04
Side Triceps
Rear hand grasps the front arm behind the back; front arm extended, triceps flexed, calf spiked.
05
Rear Double Biceps
Fists at ear level, elbows rotated toward the judges, hamstrings flexed and one calf spiked.
06
Rear Lat Spread
Fists on the obliques, lats spread from behind, hamstrings and calf displayed.
07
Abdominals & Thighs
Hands behind the head, abs fully crunched, quads flexed (may work one leg at a time).
08
Most Muscular
Hands-on-hips or crab flex — optional, at the Head Judge's instruction.

Criteria, rounds and poses are summarised from the 2026 WNBF Judging Criteria and Rules. NBFB events are run to WNBF natural standards; exact classes and format for each show are confirmed in the official athlete packet.

Register for This Category
Fit Body
Athletic Symmetry with Posing

The second-most muscular women's category — more muscular than Figure, but weighted toward symmetry and directly-judged posing. Conditioned with separation across all groups, without pursuing size or leanness at the expense of balance.

Height Classes
Short –160cm · Medium –168cm · Tall 168cm+
Rounds
Symmetry 50% + Muscle Tone / Presentation 50%
Judging Focus
Symmetry, Tone, Posing
Attire
Two-piece suit, cross-back straps, heels
Judging Criteria
Symmetry (50%)
Overall balance and harmony — no body part overpowers the rest.
Muscle Tone (50%)
Conditioned with hard lines and separation — more than Figure, less than Women's Bodybuilding — never at the expense of symmetry.
Posing
Directly judged: statuesque holds, no shaking, smooth transitions; proper posing wins ties.
Round Note
Five mandatory poses performed in heels to music, in the order the athlete chooses.
Mandatory Poses — Symmetry Round
01
Face Front
Heels together, toes slightly out, lats spread, arms semi-relaxed at the sides.
02
Side
Feet slightly offset, hips and face to the side, upper body turned no more than 30° to the judges.
03
Rear
Heels together, toes slightly out, lats spread, arms semi-relaxed.
Mandatory Poses — Muscle Tone Round
01
Front Double Biceps (open hands)
One leg to the side, both arms up, hands open.
02
Side Chest
Front arm bent 90°, rear arm reaching across with open hands touching; front leg forward.
03
Side Triceps
Front arm straight at the side, rear hand on the hip; one leg forward.
04
Rear Double Biceps (open hands)
One leg to the side, calf tight, both arms up, hands open.
05
Front Abdominal
One leg extended; hands behind the head, or one behind the head and one on the hip.

Criteria, rounds and poses are summarised from the 2026 WNBF Judging Criteria and Rules. NBFB events are run to WNBF natural standards; exact classes and format for each show are confirmed in the official athlete packet.

Register for This Category
Figure
Symmetry & Muscle Tone in Balance

Judged equally on symmetry and muscle tone with presentation as a key component. More muscular than Bikini but less than Fit Body or Women's Bodybuilding — lean and hard with clear separation, never a soft look. Judged through quarter turns, with no muscularity poses.

Height Classes
Short –160cm · Medium –168cm · Tall 168cm+
Rounds
Symmetry 50% + Muscle Tone 50%
Judging Focus
X-Frame, Tone, Presentation
Attire
Two-piece suit, cross-back straps, heels
Judging Criteria
Symmetry (50%)
Balance and proportion with an emphasis on the X-frame and V-taper.
Muscle Tone (50%)
Conditioned with all groups separated, but not overly muscular, striated or hard; visible striations are not required.
Presentation
Directly judged and used in tie-breaks — hair, makeup, suit, shoes, even tan and seamless quarter turns held without shaking.
Format
Mandatory quarter turns only — there are no muscularity poses in Figure.
Mandatory Poses — Quarter Turns
01
Face Front
Heels together and in line, hips and toes to the judges, lats open for the V-taper.
02
Side (¼ turn right)
Upper body turned 35° so the rear shoulder shows; hips and toes to the side, hands hanging, palms in.
03
Rear (¼ turn right)
Feet together, hair brushed aside, arms at the sides, lats spread wide.
04
Individual T-Walk
Grace, poise and confidence — no poses from other categories.

Criteria, rounds and poses are summarised from the 2026 WNBF Judging Criteria and Rules. NBFB events are run to WNBF natural standards; exact classes and format for each show are confirmed in the official athlete packet.

Register for This Category
Bikini
Fit, Balanced & Stage-Ready

Focuses on presentation, balance and category-specific development — softer than Figure but lean with separation, and with the glutes, back and shoulders emphasised. Judged to the international standard, with presentation forming half the score and a key tie-breaker.

Height Classes
Short –160cm · Medium –168cm · Tall 168cm+
Rounds
Fitness & Balance 50% + Appearance 50%
Judging Focus
Shape, Balance, Presentation
Attire
Pro / Brazilian-cut bikini, heels
Judging Criteria
Fitness & Balance (50%)
Round shoulders, defined abs, soft leg lines and tight glutes in an X-frame; separation without cross-striations — too much muscle or leanness is marked down.
Physical Appearance (50%)
Stage presentation, suit choice, tan, hair, makeup and effortless, graceful movement.
Presentation
Judged directly and indirectly; the stage walk and T-walk can break ties.
Standard
Judged to the professional, international standard — not 'on a curve' at small shows.
Mandatory Poses — Quarter Turns
01
Front
Hips and toes forward, one leg extended, one hand on the hip and the other hanging; lats open but not over-flared.
02
Side (¼ turn right)
Upper body turned 35°, hips to the side, one hand on the hip; a bent leg and lifted heel are allowed.
03
Rear
Heels shoulder-width, hands on the hip flexors/quads (or one on the hip); lats open, hair to the front, no deep bend.
04
Walk & T-Walk
A front-and-back class walk plus an individual T-walk for grace, poise and confidence.

Criteria, rounds and poses are summarised from the 2026 WNBF Judging Criteria and Rules. NBFB events are run to WNBF natural standards; exact classes and format for each show are confirmed in the official athlete packet.

Register for This Category
The second axis

Category is what you compete in. Division is who you are judged against.

Every class on stage combines the two — "Open Bikini", "Masters Women's Bodybuilding 40+". You choose both when you register, once for each time you step on stage.

Open
Some competitive experience. The default division in every category.
Novice
Limited experience, and never a top-3 placing in Open.
Debut
Your first time ever on stage in this category, in any federation.
Teen
15 to 19 years old on show day.
Junior
15 to 23 years old on show day.
Masters
40 and over on show day.
Grand Masters
50 and over on show day.
Ultra Masters
60 and over on show day.
Once you have competed in Open you may not drop back to Novice.
From 2026 you may enter the same category in both Novice and Open.
Entering more than once at the same show costs 80 € for your first category and 50 € for every one after it.

Which divisions run at a given show depends on how many athletes enter. Classes are confirmed at the athlete meeting the day before, after weigh-in — so enter the division you are eligible for and we will place you.

CLEAN
Anti-Doping

Zero Tolerance
Policy

Every NBFB athlete is subject to drug testing. We do not make exceptions. Our testing protocols are among the strictest in Bulgarian sport, ensuring every trophy, every medal, and every title is earned through hard work alone.

01

Mandatory Polygraph

Every competitor must complete a polygraph examination before stepping on stage. No exceptions, no opt-outs — this applies to all athletes in every division.

02

Urine & Blood Testing by WADA

Biological testing at NBFB competitions is conducted by WADA, the World Anti-Doping Agency, following their accredited protocol. Both urinalysis and blood panels are administered on-site.

03

Multi-Year Suspension

First violation: 5-year ban. Second violation: lifetime ban. Zero exceptions, zero appeals outside protocol.

04

WADA Prohibited List

We follow the World Anti-Doping Agency's annual prohibited substances list in its entirety.

NBFB Certified Natural

Our certification program allows athletes who maintain a clean record over 2+ seasons to carry the NBFB Certified Natural badge — recognized across our partner federations.

Testing is conducted by accredited independent laboratories. Results are confidential but violations are publicly disclosed.

NBW Affiliated WADA Protocol
Hall of Champions

NBFB Champions

Coming Soon

Our roster of national champions will be published here after the inaugural 2026 NBFB National Championship. Athlete profiles, categories, and competition highlights will follow as the season unfolds.

Latest

News & Updates

Featured · Anti-Doping Protocol
Mandatory Polygraph + WADA-Conducted Urine and Blood Testing for the 2026 Competition

Every competitor at the 2026 NBFB National Championship will undergo a mandatory polygraph examination before stepping on stage, in addition to urine and blood testing conducted by WADA. Combining a pre-competition polygraph with WADA-administered biological testing sets a new standard for natural sport in Bulgaria and reinforces our commitment to a genuinely drug-free stage.

Competition Results
Coming Soon

Full scorecards, placings, and photos from the 2026 NBFB National Championship will be published here after the event.

Updates
Coming Soon

Federation news, educational content, and event announcements will appear here as the 2026 season approaches.

Join NBFB

Become a Member

Register with the Natural Bodybuilding Federation Bulgaria today. Annual membership provides access to all 2026 sanctioned events, athlete ID card, educational resources, and eligibility for international qualifier events.

National Championship entries close 15 September 2026

You can join NBFB at any time. But to compete in Plovdiv on 2–3 October, both your annual membership and your category entry must be registered and paid by 15 September 2026.

Step 1 — Register
Personal Information
Bulgarian mobile: 0888 123 456 or +359 888 123 456. We use it to add you to the competition WhatsApp group.
Competition Details
What you compete in.
Who you are judged against. Events combine the two — "Open Bikini", "Masters Women's Bodybuilding 40+".
Anti-Doping Declaration

By registering with NBFB, you agree to be bound by the NBFB Anti-Doping Policy and the WADA Code. You declare you understand prohibited substances are banned both in-competition and out-of-competition, and that you may be subject to random testing at any time during your membership year.

A positive drug test will result in a minimum 5-year ban for a first violation and a lifetime ban for a second violation.

Submitting registers your application. Use Step 2 (right) to pay online, or wait for the email with bank-transfer details.

Application Received!

Thank you for applying to join NBFB. Continue with Step 2 (right) to pay online — the payment buttons are now linked to your registration, and you'll receive a confirmation email after each payment.

Step 2 — Pay Online

Pay only the fees that apply to you. The buttons unlock once you've completed Step 1, so every payment is tied to your registration.

🔒 Complete Step 1 to unlock payment.

1
Annual Membership Tax
80€

Required · once per calendar year

Federation membership for the calendar year. Every athlete, coach, and judge must pay this once per year to be eligible for any NBFB-sanctioned competition or program. This is the only payment you need if you are not competing.

Pay Membership — 80€ →
2
Competition Entry — 1st Category
80€

Per competition · 1st category entered

Entry fee for the first category you compete in at a given NBFB event. Pay this for each competition you enter. Requires a paid annual membership (Payment 1) for the same calendar year.

Pay 1st Category — 80€ →
3
Additional Category Entry
50€

Optional · every category after the first, same event

Discounted entry for each further category at the same competition (e.g. crossing over from Classic Physique to Men's Physique on the same day). 50 € per category, however many you enter. Only pay this in addition to Payment 2 — never on its own.

Payments are processed by Stripe. Complete Step 1 first so each payment is linked to your registration — you'll get an automatic confirmation email after every payment. Questions? nbfbulgaria@gmail.com

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NBFB drug-free and natural?
Yes. Every NBFB competitor undergoes a mandatory polygraph examination plus WADA-conducted urine and blood testing. Doping violations carry multi-year to lifetime bans.
Which categories can I compete in?
NBFB runs seven categories: Men's Bodybuilding, Classic Physique, Men's Physique, Women's Bodybuilding, Fit Body, Figure and Bikini.
How do I join and register?
Register in the Join section. Pay the annual membership plus the per-event category entry fees securely through Stripe — all required details are collected at checkout.
When does registration close for the National Championship?
Entries close on 15 September 2026. You can join NBFB at any time, but to compete on 2–3 October both your annual membership and your category entry fee must be registered and paid by 15 September.
What are the membership and entry fees?
Annual federation membership is 80€, first competition category entry is 80€, and an additional category at the same event is 50€.
When and where is the 2026 NBFB National Championship?
The NBFB National Championship takes place on 2–3 October 2026 at the "Boris Hristov" House of Culture in Plovdiv.
What rules and standards does NBFB follow?
NBFB runs its competitions to WNBF natural standards and tests against the WADA prohibited list.
Partners

Official Partners