Top 5 fitness influencers who have competed in bodybuilding shows ft. Larry Wheels

In recent times, many fitness influencers have been venturing into the realm of bodybuilding. Internet sensations including Larry Wheels, Tren Twins, Nyle Nayga, and a ton of others have tried their luck on a professional bodybuilding stage. However, only a select few of them succeeded in their contest to win an IFBB pro card.

While the untrained eye might compare fitness influencers’ physique to that of a professional bodybuilder, the fact of the matter is that there is a day and night difference between both of them.

The physique of a fitness influencer might look impressive on our mobile screens, but there is a lot more involved behind these phenomenal-looking physiques. Good lighting, camera angles, and editing plays a major role in fitness influencers’ posts. However, their actual caliber can’t be measured unless they step on a bodybuilding stage with a tan and posing trunks on.

Keeping in mind that the list contains only the athletes who turned to bodybuilding after becoming a successful fitness influencer and not the other way around, five influencers who have a successful bodybuilding career are as follows:

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#1 Larry Wheels

Powerlifting sensation Larry Wheels has created numerous records in the realm of strength sports. However, in 2022, Larry Wheels decided to venture into bodybuilding.

“I faced several challenges with my company PR that led me to go into panic mode and make a decision to pursue bodybuilding in an attempt to bring more eyeballs on what I’m doing and in turn help my brand get back to where it was and even better,” Larry Wheels revealed in a YouTube video. (0:37)

Even though he wasn’t able to secure his pro card, Wheels’ performance on a bodybuilding stage definitely impressed the judges. Winning the overalls at NPC Gold Coast Muscle Classic, Larry Wheels competed in a few more shows before retiring this year.

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#2 Tren Twins

Currently viral on all social media platforms for their powerlifting content as well as metal head content, Tren Twins recently made their bodybuilding debut at NPC Southern States Championships. Securing first and second positions, the Twins can be expected to be seen on a bodybuilding stage again soon.

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#3 Jeff Seid

Jeff Seid was one of the first Gymshark athletes and a viral fitness sensation who inspired millions of teenagers to take up lifting. Making his pro debut back in 2013, Seid became the youngest athlete of that time to win an IFBB Pro card at the age of 19.

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#4 Eric Janicki

Elite powerlifter and renowned fitness influencer Eric Janicki decided to try his luck in bodybuilding in early 2021. After winning the overalls in Classic Physique at ‘Night of Columbus,’ Janicki decided to switch to open class. Making his debut in 2023, Janicki secured the second position at NPC USA.

Trying again at this year’s NPC USA championships, Janicki finished fifth and decided to take his time off from professional bodybuilding. In an Instagram story, Janicki wrote:

"Don't get it twisted. I'm done competing, but I'll always be a bodybuilder (just on my own terms now)."

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#5 Nyle Nayga

IFBB Pro card Nyle Nayga is one of the first fitness influencers. Popularly referred to as ‘Goku’ by his fans, the Asian fitness icon provides a ton of fitness-related content on his social media.

Winning his pro card in 2022, Nyle Nayga has decades of experience under his belt which he shares with his fans and viewers daily via social media and YouTube.

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Who is your favorite out of these internet sensations? Let us know in the comments.