<P> A professional bodybuilder may be one who earns his or her primary income from bodybuilding . It is possible, though difficult except at the highest level, to earn a reasonable income purely from competition winnings . It is much more likely that a particular athlete will be sponsored by local companies and supplement manufacturers . Many bodybuilders use their newfound fame and knowledge to pursue business ventures such as higher - level personal training or opening their own gyms . Guest posing and public appearances also support income . </P> <P> In 1946, Canadian brothers Joe and Ben Weider created the International Federation of BodyBuilders (IFBB). In 1965, Joe went on to start the Mr. Olympia--the first IFBB professional competition . Originally, Mr. Universe was known as the most prestigious and elite of competitions; however, an individual could only win this contest twice, whereas the Olympia was created to be won as many times as possible . The IFBB and the Olympia were created as a way for elite amateur athletes to further their competitive career and earn money . In 1966, Larry Scott received $1,000 for his Mr. Olympia win . In 2006, there were over 40 IFBB professional competitions and the total prize money topped $1.6 million . </P> <P> In order to become an IFBB Pro, a bodybuilder must first earn their IFBB Pro Card . A bodybuilder looking to do this must first win a regional contest weight class . When a bodybuilder wins or places highly, they earn an invite to compete at their country's National Championships contest for that year . The winners of each weight class at the National Championships will then go head - to - head in a separate contest to see who is the overall champion for the year . Depending on the federation, the overall champion will be offered a Pro Card . Some federations offer Pro Cards to winners of individual weight class champions . This can mean that more than one bodybuilder earns a Pro Card each year . A bodybuilder can also earn a Pro Card at the IFBB World Bodybuilding Championships . </P> <P> In the United States, the National Physique Committee (NPC) is affiliated with the IFBB and awards IFBB Pro Cards to the winners of its Heavyweight and Super Heavyweight categories . There are three events held by the NPC where a bodybuilder can earn a pro card: The Nationals, The North American Championships, and The USA Championships . </P>

What does it mean to get your ifbb pro card