{"id":9690,"date":"2026-01-14T07:48:08","date_gmt":"2026-01-14T07:48:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=9690"},"modified":"2026-01-14T07:48:08","modified_gmt":"2026-01-14T07:48:08","slug":"an-inside-look-at-the-natural-olympia-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worldbodybuildingnews.com\/?p=9690","title":{"rendered":"An Inside Look At The Natural Olympia 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n<\/p>\n

\n

A visual deep dive into the Natural Olympia 2021 competition.<\/h2>\n

November 11-13th, 2021 held the Pinnacle of Natural Bodybuilding \u2013 the Natural Olympia.<\/strong> This is the biggest event of the year for the INBA\/PNBA natural bodybuilding league. Much like the IFBB Pro\u2019s Mr. Olympia \u2013 it showcases the best athletes from across the world who have fought to qualify for this yearly event. With strict WADA drug testing guidelines to ensure that all athletes are natural \u2013 this event is the biggest weekend of the year for natural bodybuilders across the world.<\/p>\n

Generation Iron was on the ground floor reporting on the event as well as capturing footage with our camera crew. We captured a behind the scenes and on stage look to give a full encapsulation of the event. With 20 divisions across both traditional and masters categories \u2013 this is one of the most super-sized bodybuilding events in the world.<\/p>\n

You can watch our full behind the scenes look at the event above.<\/strong> Read on to get a full break down on the details of the Natural Olympia 2021. You can also check out our official results from the event right here.<\/a><\/p>\n

What Defines INBA\/PNBA Natural Bodybuilding?<\/h3>\n

There are many natural bodybuilding leagues \u2013 but the INBA\/PNBA is certainly the biggest \u2013 reaching across the country and having athletes representing over 15 different countries across the globe. While nearly all pro bodybuilding leagues claim to condemn steroids \u2013 only certain leagues dedicate themselves to drug testing athletes before every competition. The INBA\/PNBA leads in this regard. They use the most technically advanced drug test system (WADA \u2013 which is used by the Olympics) to ensure fairness across all athletes and competitions.<\/p>\n

How The Drug Testing Works<\/h3>\n

The INBA\/PNBA league uses the most sophisticated and advanced drug testing system in professional sports \u2013 the World Anti-Doping Agency (also known as WADA). WADA testing is the same system used for the Olympics every four years \u2013 and is known for it\u2019s accuracy and quality.<\/p>\n

The INBA\/PNBA league uses WADA testing before every major competition. If a pro natural bodybuilder should fail the test, their titles are revoked and they are placed on the INBA\/PNBA Wall Of Shame \u2013 a virtual list of competitors who have attempted to cheat the competitions and drug tests.<\/p>\n

How The Judging Works<\/h3>\n

The Natural Olympia is a natural show which means that there are some differences from the IFBB shows. The biggest distinction when it comes to judging is the size of the athletes. There is not as much muscle mass for natural athletes as opposed to IFBB competitors, specifically Men\u2019s Open. Despite the difference in size, athletes compete in similar categories.<\/p>\n

In the Men\u2019s Physique division, competitors perform bodybuilding poses and a T-walk. The judges have to adjust because the muscle mass is smaller despite the level of conditioning remaining high. Athletes can qualify for the Natural Olympia by competing in one PNBA competition. This has to be a professional show and they do not need to win a specific placing.<\/p>\n

The Divisions<\/h3>\n

While there are a lot of similarities \u2013 the INBA\/PNBA features a wider array of divisions that might seem familiar but with a slight twist on the typical formula you see in an IFBB Pro show. Below is a quick list of the full divisions (please note that each division also has a masters counterpart for ages 40+.<\/p>\n