ATHLETE INFORMATION

INSPECTION REPORT

This section is continuously under review.
Please stay tuned for potential updates.

SIXTH EDITION

WELCOME

It is our great honour to welcome athletes, coaches, and supporters from across the globe to the 6th edition of the NPC Worldwide African Championships, taking place at Silverstar Casino on 5–6 December 2026.

Following an incredible 2025 edition that welcomed athletes from 29 countries, the African Championships continues to grow as one of the most internationally represented bodybuilding events on the continent. We are proud to once again bring the global NPC Worldwide community together on the African stage.

This year’s championship weekend will be the largest and most comprehensive edition yet, combining an Open Regional Qualifier, the NPC African Pro Qualifier, and two IFBB Professional League Pro Shows across an action-packed two-day competition.

FINAL OPPORTUNITY FOR SOUTH AFRICAN ATHLETES

The Open Regional Qualifier taking place during the morning sessions represents the final opportunity for South African citizens and residents to qualify for entry into the NPC African Pro Qualifier later that same weekend.


The NPC Worldwide African Championships continues to establish itself as one of the premier bodybuilding destinations in the world, offering athletes a professional stage, international exposure, and the opportunity to progress from amateur competition to the IFBB Professional League.

We look forward to welcoming the world back to the African stage for another unforgettable weekend of elite competition.

Welcome to Africa

Saturday, 5 December 2026 will showcase all Men’s Divisions, including:

  • Bodybuilding
  • Classic Physique
  • Men’s Physique
  • Wheelchair Bodybuilding

The evening session will feature the NPC African Pro Qualifier, where elite amateur athletes will compete for the opportunity to earn their IFBB Professional League Pro Card.

The newly crowned Wheelchair Bodybuilding Pro will then have the unique opportunity to step directly onto the professional stage later that same evening at the IFBB Professional League African Wheelchair Pro Show, competing alongside established professional athletes.

Sunday, 6 December 2026 will showcase all Women’s Divisions, including:

  • Bikini
  • Women’s Bodybuilding
  • Women’s Physique
  • Fitness
  • Figure
  • Wellness
  • Fit Model

Sunday evening will host the NPC African Pro Qualifier for Women, where athletes will compete for their opportunity to earn their IFBB Professional League Pro Card.

The newly crowned Bikini Pro will then step directly onto the professional stage later that same evening at the IFBB Professional League African Bikini Pro Show.

This Open Pro Qualifier contest is open to all amateur athletes worldwide, regardless of federation affiliation. Competitors from countries that require Regional Status are responsible to ensure they participate in a Regional Qualifier to satisfy the Regional Requirement, which will allow them to compete at an Open Pro Qualifier.

The only contests the IFBB Professional League recognizes for Professional Status are the Pro Qualifiers officially associated with the IFBB Professional League; no other contests will be acknowledged.

IFBB Professional League Pro Qualifiers are the only pathway to competing on the IFBB Professional League stage, including the Olympia.

In addition, leading companies in the bodybuilding and fitness sector will have the opportunity to showcase their latest products and innovations at the EXPO, which will take place at the Silverstar Centre concurrently with the competition.

LOCATION

Johannesburg, South Africa

Johannesburg, affectionately known as “Jozi”, “Joburg” or the “City of Gold,” is South Africa’s vibrant economic powerhouse and a deep well of cultural heritage.
 
Visitors are often struck by its unique landscape, which features the world’s largest man-made forest with over 10 million trees, offering a surprisingly lush canopy amidst its urban sprawl.
The city serves as an essential gateway for understanding South Africa’s complex past through world-class landmarks like the Apartheid Museum, Constitution Hill, and the historic township of Soweto, where you can walk down Vilakazi Street—the only street in the world to have housed two Nobel Peace Prize winners, Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu.
 
Beyond its historical weight, Johannesburg pulses with a modern, high-energy rhythm that caters to every type of traveler. Luxury seekers can find premier shopping and fine dining in the “richest square mile in Africa,” Sandton, while those looking for creative flair should explore the trendy Maboneng Precinct or the leafy, cafe-filled streets of Rosebank and Melville. Adventure is never far away; you can bungee jump from the iconic Soweto Towers, take an underground tour at Gold Reef City, or drive just 45 minutes to the Cradle of Humankind, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Whether you are sipping sundowners overlooking the city’s vast green belt or dancing to live jazz in Braamfontein, Johannesburg offers an authentic, cosmopolitan experience that is unmatched on the continent.

VENUE

Silverstar Casino

The Silverstar Ballroom provides a world-class stage for G’s Posedown 011, combining premium facilities with a vibrant, professional event atmosphere. Over the contest weekend, the venue transforms into a hub of elite bodybuilding and fitness excellence, bringing together top athletes, industry professionals, and leading brands in training, nutrition, apparel, and performance. With its modern infrastructure, spacious layout, and exceptional production capability, the Silverstar Ballroom offers the perfect setting to showcase natural bodybuilding at the highest standard.

Address: R28, Muldersdrift, 1768
GPS Coordinates: -26.067140056377553, 27.829504712391014
Phone: (011) 6627300
Province: Gauteng

ARRIVAL AIRPORTS

LANSERIA INTERNATIONAL

21km from the Venue

Lanseria International Airport (HLA) is a privately owned international airport located in Johannesburg, South Africa, approximately 30km north of Randburg and Sandton. The airport continues to serve as the primary alternative to OR Tambo International Airport, focusing on domestic regional routes and general aviation

Address: Airport Rd, Lanseria, 1748
Website: https://lanseria.co.za/

OR TAMBO INTERNATIONAL

62km from the Venue

O. R. Tambo International Airport is an international airport serving the twin cities of Johannesburg and the main capital of South Africa, Pretoria. It is situated in Kempton Park, Gauteng

Address: 1 Jones Rd, Kempton Park, Johannesburg, 1632
Website: https://www.airports.co.za/airports/or-tambo-international-airport

PARTNER HOTELS

SILVERSTAR HOTEL

Silverstar Hotel is a 55 roomed, luxurious, contemporary boutique style hotel with a magnificent view of the Silverstar fountain, Square and outdoor restaurants. The hotel is bright and cheerful and is a showcase of beautiful mosaic art deco.

Address: R28, Muldersdrift, 1768
GPS Coordinates: -26.067140056377553, 27.829504712391014
Phone: (011) 6627300
Province: Gauteng
Website: https://www.tsogosun.com/hotel/silverstar-hotel/

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: All the costs of traveling, hotel accommodations, transport from and to the airport and meals are the responsibilities of the individual athletes.

OFFICIAL INFORMATION

REGISTRATION FEES

The Registration Fee for the 2026 NPC Worldwide African Open Pro Qualifier is payable in advance through the Muscleware Registration System

ONLY Open Class Entries are Eligible to Proceeds to the Overvall.

Non-Open Classes Include:

  • Novice: a Competitor who, in the current contest year, has NOT won an Overall in a Novice, Masters or Open Class, or who has NOT won in an Open class with three or more Competitors
  • Junior: a Competitor who is 18-23 years old
  • Master: a competitor who is 35 years of age or older

IMPORTANT DATES

PHASE END DATE CATEGORY RATE PER ENTRY
Early Fees 01/01/2026 - 11/09/2026 Non-Open Class Entry $75 (R1250)
Open Class Entry $250 (R4150)
Standard Fees 12/09/2026 - 20/11/2026 Non-Open Class Entry $90 (R1500)
Open Class Entry $275 (R4550)
Late Online Fees 21/11/2026 - 30/11/2026 Non-Open Class Entry $100 (R1650)
Open Class Entry $300 (R4950)
Late Onsite Fees 04/12/2026 Non-Open Class Entry $125 (R2050)
Open Class Entry $350 (R5750)

*A 10% Service Fee applies to all Registrations

  • MEMBERSHIP

    An ACTIVE NPC Membership is Required to Compete at this Contest.  Membership is valid from 1 January to 31 December for the year of purchase.

  • BACKSTAGE

    An ACTIVE NPC or IFBB PRO Membership is Required to access Member-Only Areas such as the Backstage.  All Passholders are required to Compete the Champagne Productions Code of Conduct Form prior to receiving the Backstage Pass. Backstage Pass is strictly limited to 1 Pass per Competitor!  Coaches who purchase any 2026 Backstage Pass will be eligible to earn Points in the 2026 Coach Rankings. The Backstage Pass DOES NOT give the Passholder Access into the Athlete Hold Area or Tanning Area. Pass Holders who contravene any of the conditions of membership will have their backstage access including future access to the Backstage area revoked. 

  • POSING MUSIC

    All Adaptive Bodybuilding, Wheelchair Bodybuilding, Men's Bodybuilding, Men's Classic Physique, Women's Fitness and Women Physique Contestants ARE REQUIRED to supply their own posing routine music. Vulgar music is NOT permitted and will be grounds for disqualification You must UPLOAD YOUR MUSIC in MP3 format via your Muscleware Athlete Profile before online entries close. Check the email you received after you entered the contest and the music upload link will be in there.  If you cannot find your confirmation of entry in your email box, check your spambox of your email. No USB or Whatsapp Submissions will be accepted.

ATHLETE SERVICES

OFFICIAL ONSITE TANNING

Pro Tan® South Africa is proud to be the Official and Exclusive Competition Tanning Provider of the 2026 NPC Worldwide African Open Pro Qualifier.

Instantly get 10% off when booking your FULL Tanning Package with Pro Tan South Africa. 

Full Tanning Packages include Selected Base Tan Application, 1 x Instant Competition Color Top Coat Application and 1 x Stage Glaze Service.

Base Coat Tanning takes place directly after checkin on Friday. Book your preferred appointment times at check-out.

Pro Tan® South Africa is the only tanning company permitted on site. Tanning will be conveniently located at the venue. No Rub-off Tan is permitted

SELF APPLICATION TANNING

Pro Tan® South Africa is proud to offer D.I.Y Self Application Kits for your convenience.

Please note Self Application is NOT permitted on site. No Rub-off Tan is permitted

OFFICIAL ONSITE HAIR & MAKEUP

Welcome to The Wonder Bar SalonOfficial Hair & Makeup Service Provider for 2026 NPC Worldwide iCandy Classic Jozi Open Regional

Our internationally trained artists have a wealth of experience in stage-ready looks, using top-quality products to ensure long-lasting results under the bright lights of competition. We understand the specific needs of bodybuilding competitors, offering tailored solutions that enhance muscle definition and ensure that every detail is picture-perfect.

Let The Wonder Bar Salon be part of your journey to the stage. We’ll ensure you look and feel your best, giving you the confidence to perform at your peak.

Book your appointment today and experience the professional touch that sets us apart!

The Wonder Bar Salon is the only hair & make-up company permitted on site. Hair & Make-up Services will be conveniently located at the venue.

OFFICIAL MEDIA PACKAGES

 
🎥✨ Capture the Moment with Champagne Media Africa✨🎥

Whether you’re looking for stunning Stage Photography, post show Video on Demand, or the latest addition of dynamic Stage Reels, we have the perfect media package to showcase your performance.

🌟 Packages Available:

  • Stage Photography Package 📷
  • Video on Demand Package 🎬
  • Stage Reels Package 📹
  • Full Media Package (All-inclusive!)💥

Don’t miss out on preserving your best moments with professional quality. Book your media package today and shine on and off the stage!

Book your Package before Online Entries Close and Save with Pre-orders. 

All Pre-Orders will receive their content via email within 1 week proceeding the Official Release on NPC News Online’s website www.npcnewsonline.com

CATEGORIES & ORDER OF EVENTS

5 DECEMBER - MEN'S DIVISION

DIVISION CATEGORY
Amateur Men's Wheelchair Bodybuilding Open Class OVERALL CEREMONY AMATEUR MEN'S CLASSIC PHYSIQUE OPEN CLASSES
Amateur Men's Adaptive Bodybuilding Open Class
AWARD CEREMONY AMATEUR MEN'S WHEELCHAIR AND ADAPTIVE BODYBUILDING
Amateur Men's Bodybuilding True Novice | Novice | Teenage (16-19 Years) | Junior (18-23 Years) | Masters (35 Years+) | Masters (40 Years+) | Masters (45 Years+) | Open Lightweight | Open Middleweight | Open Light Heavyweight | | Open Heavyweight | Open Super Heavyweight
AWARDS CEREMONY AMATEUR MEN'S BODYBUILDING DIVISION
OVERALL CEREMONY AMATEUR MEN'S BODYBUILDING OPEN CLASSES
Pro Men's Wheelchair Bodybuilding Professional Open Class
AWARD CEREMONY MEN'S WHEELCHAIR BODYBUILDING PRO DIVISION
Amateur Men's Classic Physique True Novice | Novice | Teenage (16-19 Years) | Junior (18-23 Years) | Masters (35 Years+) | Masters (40 Years+) | Masters (45 Years+) | Open Class A | Open Class B | Open Class C | Open Class D
AWARDS CEREMONY AMATEUR MEN'S CLASSIC PHYSIQUE DIVISION
Amateur Men's Wheelchair Bodybuilding Open Class OVERALL CEREMONY AMATEUR MEN'S CLASSIC PHYSIQUE OPEN CLASSES
Amateur Men's Physique True Novice | | Novice | Teenage (16-19 Years) | Junior (18-23 Years) | Masters (35 Years+) | Masters (40 Years+) | Open Class A | Open Class B | Open Class C | Open Class D | Open Class E | Open Class F
AWARDS CEREMONY AMATEUR MEN'S PHYSIQUE DIVISION
OVERALL CEREMONY AMATEUR MEN'S PHYSIQUE OPEN CLASSES

6 DECEMBER - WOMEN'S DIVISION

DIVISION CATEGORY
Amateur Women's Bikini True Novice | Novice | Teenage (16-19 Years) | Junior (18-23 Years) | Masters (35 Years+) | Masters (40 Years+) | Open Class A | Open Class B | Open Class C | Open Class D | Open Class E | Open Class F
AWARDS CEREMONY AMATEUR WOMEN'S BIKINI DIVISION
PRO CARD CEREMONY AMATEUR WOMEN'S BIKINI OPEN
Amateur Women's Bodybuilding Open Class
Amateur Women's Physique Masters 35+ | Open Class A | Open Class B
Amateur Women's Fitness Open Class (Routine Round)
AWARDS CEREMONY AMATEUR WOMEN'S BODYBUILDING, WOMEN'S PHYSIQUE & WOMEN'S FITNESS DIVISION
PRO CARD CEREMONY AMATEUR WOMEN'S BODYBUILDING, WOMEN'S PHYSIQUE & WOMEN'S FITNESS OPENS
Amateur Women's Figure True Novice | Novice | Junior (18-23 Years) | Masters (35 Years+) | Masters (40 Years+) | Open Class A | Open Class B | Open Class C | Open Class D
Amateur Women's Fitness Open Class (Figure Round)
AWARDS CEREMONY AMATEUR WOMEN'S FIGURE & WOMEN'S FITNESS DIVISIONS
PRO CARD CEREMONY AMATEUR WOMEN'S FIGURE OPEN
Pro Women's Bikini Professional Open Class
AWARDS CEREMONY WOMEN'S BIKINI PRO DIVISION
Amateur Women's Wellness True Novice | Novice | Junior (18-23 Years) | Masters (35 Years+) | Masters (40 Years+) | Open Class A | Open Class B | Open Class C | Open Class D
AWARDS CEREMONY AMATEUR WOMEN'S WELLNESS DIVISION
PRO CARD CEREMONY AMATEUR WOMEN'S WELLNESS OPEN
Amateur Women's Fit Model True Novice | Novice | Teenage (16-19 Years) | Junior (18-23 Years) | Masters (35 Years+) | Masters (40 Years+) | Open Class A | Open Class B | Open Class C | Open Class D | Open Class E | Open Class F
AWARDS CEREMONY AMATEUR WOMEN'S FIT MODEL DIVISION
PRO CARD CEREMONY AMATEUR WOMEN'S FIT MODEL OPEN

Sponsors Opportunities

COMPETITOR RULES

NPC WORLDWIDE OFFICIAL RULES

MEN'S BODYBUILDING

The mandatory poses are:

    • Front Double Biceps
    • Front Lat Spread
    • Side Chest
    • Back Double Biceps
    • Back Lat Spread
    • Side Triceps
    • Abdominals and Thighs
    • Most Muscular

MEN'S CLASSIC PHYSIQUE

The mandatory poses are:

    • Front Double Biceps
    • Side Chest
    • Back Double Biceps
    • Abdominals and Thighs
    • Favorite Classic Pose (no Most Muscular)

MEN'S PHYSIQUE

The mandatory poses are:

    • Best Front Pose
    • Back Pose

WOMEN'S FITNESS

The fitness routine must contain the following mandatory movements in any order:

    • push up (of any kind)
    • high kick
    • straddle hold
    • side split

WOMEN'S BODYBUILDING

The mandatory poses are:

    • Front Double Biceps with open hands (no flat-footed full front pose or front twisting pose)
    • Back Double Biceps with open hands
    • Side Triceps with one leg extended
    • Side Chest with both arms extended
    • Abdominals and Thighs

WOMEN'S PHYSIQUE

The mandatory poses are:

    • Front Double Biceps with open hands (no flat-footed full front pose or front twisting pose)
    • Back Double Biceps with open hands
    • Side Triceps with one leg extended
    • Side Chest with both arms extended
    • Abdominals and Thighs

WOMEN'S FIGURE

The mandatory poses are:

    • Quarter Turns

WOMEN'S WELLNESS

The mandatory poses are:

    • Quarter Turns

WOMEN'S BIKINI

The mandatory poses are:

    • Best Front Pose
    • Back Pose

WOMEN'S FIT MODEL

In NPC Worldwide competitions, you cannot cross over from the Bikini division, or any other women’s division, to Fit Model in the same contest. You can enter a contest in the Bikini division and, in your next competition, enter in the Fit Model division to find out which division is best for you. The only crossovers that will be permitted will be within the Fit Model division. For example, a competitor may enter in all of the following Fit Model classes that would apply to them: True Novice, Novice, Junior, Masters, and Open.

  • JUDGES

    The judging panel is determined by the IFBB Professional League

  • CURRENCY

    The national currency in South Africa is Rands (ZAR). All major credit cards are widely accepted at most major hotels, department stores and restaurants. You may be requested to show your passport.

  • TIMEZONE

    GMT +2 hours

VISA

The visa policy of South Africa is how the South African government determines who may and may not enter South Africa. Visitors to South Africa must obtain a visa from one of the South African diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries, in which case they get a “Port of Entry Visa”. Visitors who require a visa must apply in person and provide biometric data.

All National Federations and supporting teams could ask for an Invitation letter from the Contest Promoter. The invitation letter does not mean you are granted your visa. The Contest Promoter is not responsible for attendants visas.

To prevent unlawful stay in the host country the athlete may generate their own visa letter on the Muscleware from their athlete profile.

  • CAMERA/VIDEO RECORDING EQUIPMENT

    Camera and/or video recording equipment shall be strictly prohibited in the backstage and/or dressing room areas except when used by IFBB Professional League authorised media persons.

  • Media Accreditation

    All media must submit your request to info@champagneproductionsafrica.com no later than June 5th, 2026.

  • CLIMATE

    June in Johannesburg is the start of winter, characterized by cool, dry, and sunny days with chilly nights. Average daytime highs reach approximately 16C to 19C (61F - 66F), while nights and early mornings are cold, dropping to around 3C to 5C (37F - 41F). It is a very dry month, with little to no rain.

  • ELECTRICAL

    South Africa operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz frequency. The primary plug type is Type M (large 3-pin), although Types D and N are also used. A travel adapter is required for visitors, and voltage converters may be needed for 110-120V appliances

  • LANGUAGE

    South Africa has 12 official languages to promote multilingualism and protect heritage, as of the 2023 constitutional amendment adding South African Sign Language (SASL). The 11 spoken languages are: English, Afrikaans, isiZulu, isiXhosa, siSwati, isiNdebele, Sepedi, Sesotho, Setswana, Tshivenda, and Xitsonga. While all are officially equal, English is predominantly used for government, business, and media.

OFFICIAL SCHEDULE

DATE START TIME ORDER OF EVENTS
Friday December 4th 11:00am - 12:00pm Late Onsite Registration & Check-in - Men's Bodybuilding Competitors
12:00pm - 13:00pm Late Onsite Registration & Check-in - Men's Classic Physique Competitors
13:00pm - 14:00pm Late Onsite Registration & Check-in - Men's Physique Competitors
15:00pm - 16:00pm Late Onsite Registration & Check-in - Women's Bodybuilding Competitors
15:00pm - 16:00pm Late Onsite Registration & Check-in - Women's Physique Competitors
15:00pm - 16:00pm Late Onsite Registration & Check-in - Women's Fitness Competitors
15:00pm - 16:00pm Late Onsite Registration & Check-in - Women's Figure Competitors
15:00pm - 16:00pm Late Onsite Registration & Check-in - Women's Wellness Competitors
16:00pm - 17:00pm Late Onsite Registration & Check-in - Women's Bikini Competitors
17:00pm - 18:00pm Late Onsite Registration & Check-in - Women's Fit Model Competitors
18:00pm - 19:00pm Check-in - Men's Pro Wheelchair & Women's Pro Bikini Competitors
Saturday December 5th 17:00pm Doors Open to Public
18:00pm Live Judging / Finals - All Men's Divisions
Sunday December 6th 17:00pm Doors Open to Public
18:00pm Live Judging / Finals - All Women's Divisions

PROMOTERS

Candice and Garron Whitehead
Champagne Productions

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