OPEN
Bantamweight: Up to 143 ¼ lbs
Lightweight: Over 143 ¼ lbs up to 154 ¼ lbs
Middleweight: Over 154 ¼ lbs up to 176 ¼ lbs
Light-Heavyweight: Over 176 ¼ lbs up to 198 ¼ lbs
Heavyweight: Over 198 ¼ lbs up to 225 ¼ lbs
Super-Heavyweight: Over 225 ¼ lbs.
NOVICE
Light: Up to 165 ¼ lbs
Middle: Over 165 ¼ lbs up to 187 ¼ lbs
Heavy: Over 187 ¼ lbs
MASTERS
Over 40
Over 50
Over 60
TEEN
Light: Up to 176 ¼ lbs
Heavy: Over 176 ¼ lbs
Photo Credit: Tony Sbriglia
Key Dates
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Entry Deadline: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 9:00 PM (late entries = $40 handling fee)
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Check-In & Suit Inspection: Friday, April 3, 2026 at 6:30 PM — ProMuscle Lifting Club
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Athlete Meeting: Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 9:00 AM — Buffalo Marriott Niagara
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Pre-Judging: Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 10:00 AM — Buffalo Marriott Niagara
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Finals: Athletes report by 4:30 PM | Show at 5:00 PM — Buffalo Marriott Niagara
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Music Upload: Via Muscleware by April 1, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Mandatory Poses
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Front Double Biceps
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Front Lat Spread
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Side Chest
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Back Double Biceps
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Back Lat Spread
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Side Triceps
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Abdominals & Thighs
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Most Muscular (competitor’s choice style)
Presentation & Attire
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Solid-colored posing trunks, V-shaped, no thongs, metallics, logos, or mesh
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Athletes must wear posing suit under clothing for inspection during the athlete check-in.
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Barefoot presentation
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Number badge on left side of trunks
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No jewelry or props (wedding band only)
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Any suit changes between prejudging and finals must be approved
Judging Criteria
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Muscular size, balance, and proportion
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Symmetry and conditioning
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Stage presence and execution of mandatory poses
Music
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Maximum 60 seconds, uploaded via Muscleware by April 1, 2026 (9:00 PM)
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Music must be clean (no profanity or explicit content)
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Routine begins immediately with music; finish center stage
On-Stage Rules
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No gum, props, “moon pose,” lying on the floor, or contact with other athletes
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Follow head judge instructions at all times
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Sportsmanship is required. Misconduct may lead to disqualification.
Key Links
