PrejudgingEach contestant is evaluated at prejudging in three different rounds. They include 3 rounds. Rounds "1" and "2" have sometimes been interchanged in more recent competitions. Round 1 (Semi-Relaxed Poses)
Contestants are viewed from the:
Front
Back
Both sides
Arms down to the sides
Proportion and symmetry are closely evaluated in this round.
Round 2 (Compulsory Poses)
Contestants are viewed in seven or more mandatory poses.
Front double biceps
Rear double biceps
Front lat spread
Rear lat spread
Side chest
Side triceps
Abdomen (leg extended)
Most muscular pose
Other requested by judges
Other auxiliary poses requested by judges
Mass and definition are closely evaluated in this round.
Round 3 (Free Posing)
Contestants are allowed sixty seconds to go through their individual posing routines without music.
All components including stage presentation are evaluated during this round.
Evening ShowBefore the evening show, all contestants have already been placed except for the overall winners from each weight class. Free posing to music
The evening show allows the contestant to show their friends and audience what competitive bodybuilding is all about. Each contestant is given ninety seconds to perform their individual routine to the music of their choice. Posedown
The top contestants within each weight class are allowed to present their be poses to the audience before the placing is announced. Overall Posedown
The winners from each weight class are brought back through rounds "1" and "2" of the prejudging to determine the overall winner. They are once again allowed to present their best poses to the audience and judges in attempt to "out show" the others. The overall winner is announced.