Irish Natural Bodybuilders set to shine on world stage at championships in Los Angeles

Fifteen of Ireland’s top natural bodybuilders are preparing to take centre stage in Los Angeles this November for the 2025 World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF) World Championships — the sport’s most prestigious event for drug-tested athletes…

The WNBF Ireland team includes a blend of seasoned pros and promising newcomers. Among them are Ireland’s first-ever female WNBF Pros, Aoife Carlisle (Bikini Pro) and Niamh Wynne (Figure Pro), who made history this year by earning their professional titles at the Irish show.

The team also stands out as one of the few truly all-island sporting collectives, featuring athletes from both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, united under the WNBF banner. Together, they will compete against the best natural athletes from around the globe — promoting integrity, dedication, and true athleticism in a sport built on fair play.

Finbarr Murphy, a veteran bodybuilder and the founder of WNBF Ireland, explained how this Irish journey began in Wexford, and how it has become the heartbeat of the sport here.

“We began this journey in 2021 when I was the only WNBF Pro Bodybuilder in Ireland since 2017. We wanted to create a space for athletes and a path for them to reach the world stage. We run the show from St. Michael’s Theatre in New Ross, bringing athletes, families, and friends to the town — and we always try to support local businesses,” he told Wexford Weekly.

He added that their connection to the local community is vital:

“We work with local businesses and direct our athletes to them. This year we worked with 10Nine Burger, who provided a discounted meal for each athlete. He was delighted to have so many athletes and their family and friends in. We love that we can support local businesses — and they’re open to supporting us.”

We have athletes coming from both the north and south making this a very strong Irish show. Wexford serves as the administrative and organisational hub for national competitions, athlete support, and event planning.”

For Finbarr, this combination of community spirit and sporting excellence has been key to building a sustainable and supportive environment for natural athletes.

When asked about the path athletes take to reach the international stage, he explained that there’s no single route.

“Within the WNBF we have athletes from every journey — some who have been training all their life and see WNBF as the pinnacle stage for natural bodybuilding. We have people who may have no stage experience but have been bodybuilding in the gym for years and decide to step on our stage. We also have athletes who have been through traumatic experiences and turned to bodybuilding as a way of recovery and structure in their life,” Finbarr told Wexford Weekly.

One such story stands out.

“A great example is James Melville — he’s one of our Pro Bodybuilders and very prominent in the natural bodybuilding world. He won his pro card on our stage in 2022 at our first WNBF Ireland show.”

For these athletes, the process can be long and demanding.

“They spend years training, months preparing for the stage to be on for 20 minutes and a possible win or placing at the end,” Finbarr said.

He also highlighted why natural bodybuilding is gaining momentum across the country.

“Natural bodybuilding is rapidly growing in Ireland due to increased awareness of fitness and wellness, social media exposure of competitions and athletes, and the rise of natural, drug-tested federations that encourage fair play and healthy development.”

But beyond physical transformation, it’s also about belonging.

“A lot of people are working hard in the gym — it’s become a lifestyle. These shows give them a goal, a chance to be acknowledged for all their hard work. WNBF Ireland has become more than a show; it’s a community where we support and learn from each other.”

Becoming a professional in the WNBF isn’t just about winning a category — it’s about reaching an elite standard recognised globally.

“Becoming a pro in WNBF is very difficult. It’s never guaranteed just by winning a category — you have to meet high standards to gain pro status. It’s a prestigious title that a lot of people work years to attain,” Finbarr said.

For many, achieving pro status opens the door to potential earnings through various means.

“Professional natural bodybuilders have the opportunity to earn income through competition prizes at pro shows, sponsorships from supplement brands or local businesses, personal coaching, or social media promotions. While prize money is one component, many also monetise their expertise and personal brand.”

But no matter the accolades or sponsorships, the essence of the sport lies in consistency and dedication.

“Yes, it’s a lifestyle. Natural bodybuilding needs consistency and a lot of time to become a strong competitor.”

Integral to WNBF’s mission is ensuring the sport remains genuinely natural.

“Drug testing is an integral part of WNBF Ireland competitions to ensure a fair and natural playing field,” Finbarr explained. “We are the most tested natural show in Ireland and this carries across to all our WNBF affiliates across the world. Testing frequency varies by competition level, but athletes are tested both in-competition and, in some cases, out-of-competition to uphold the federation’s natural standards.”

Each athlete must undergo rigorous testing before stepping on stage.

“All WNBF competitors must complete a polygraph before show day with our WNBF validated polygraphers — each test can be between 20 to 40 minutes or longer depending, and it has to be passed in order to compete. If passed, this will be valid for 6 weeks. After 6 weeks, if you are competing at another WNBF show, another polygraph must be completed. If you fail, you will be banned from competing in WNBF for life.”

“The polygraph validates the athletes’ natural status and acts as a deterrent to those falsely claiming to be natural. It’s vital for the health of the sport and for setting realistic, healthy expectations.”

WNBF Ireland also adheres to the highest international standards.

“We follow strict WADA drug guidelines and drug laws specific to each country. We also do urine testing on top three placings or first placings — this can cost from €3,000 upwards depending on numbers. All urine is tested in a WADA-approved lab.”

“We also do off-season testing at random to ensure athletes are following all WNBF guidelines and maintaining their natural status.”

As WNBF Ireland’s 15-strong team prepares to represent the country on the world stage this November, the sense of pride and unity is unmistakable.

From a small but determined base in New Ross to the global spotlight in Los Angeles, the federation’s rise reflects years of dedication, fairness, and community spirit — proving that natural bodybuilding in Ireland is not only thriving, but setting an example for the world to follow.