Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Son Joseph Baena Wins 1st Bodybuilding Contest

April 8, 2026

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Originally appeared on E! Online

Joseph Baena is terminating his competition.

The 28-year-old son of Arnold Schwarzenegger followed in his dad’s footsteps at his first-ever bodybuilding contest in Denver March 28, where he dominated his opponents with his impressive physique.

During the NPC Natural Colorado State competition, Joseph came in first place in several categories including Men’s Open Bodybuilding Heavy Weight Class, Men’s Classic Physique—Novice and Men’s Classic Physique—True Novice, while finishing second in Men’s Classic Physique—Open Class C.

In a post on Instagram after the event, Joseph—whose mom is Mildred Baena—shared several photos of himself flexing and posing onstage, celebrating his achievements with the caption, “Mission Accomplished!”

Joseph’s bodybuilding success certainly echoes his dad’s success in the fitness world—including five Mr. Universe wins and seven Mr. Olympia titles—but the Dancing With the Stars alum isn’t merely relying on good genes. Days before the contest, he offered a glimpse at his strict diet, noting that establishing healthy habits is an essential part of his regimen.

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“I’ve come to realize that the consistency is really the key to getting lean and not losing muscle only a couple days away,” he wrote on Instagram March 25, adding that he was “feeling great.”

Joseph Baena, Instagram, 2026 — Instagram

But despite Joseph’s latest endeavor mirroring Arnold’s muscle-building legacy, he previously reflected on carving out his own path in the spotlight.

“With anyone that’s had a high-succeeding parent, it’s going to be difficult,” he told E! News in April 2023. “People always discredit them, say, ‘You only got that because of your parents, you only got that because of X, Y and Z.’ It’s hard, but it’s something that you have to live with.”