UK Federations

[dixon145]

If you are looking for bodybuilding federations, you have UKBFF (UKBFF.co.uk) and NABBA (Nabba.co.uk).  Plus of course the non-affiliated shows as well, BNBF (www.bnbf.co.uk).  IFBB Pro League and NPC World wide events are promoted in the UK by 2 Bro's Pro. 2bpevents.com

The main differences between the different main federation of UKBFF & NABBA, is that UKBFF has affiliation to IFBB (ELITE league)  so you can make the jump to recognised shows in the US easier, where NABBA doesn't although NABBA does have a health international show, that is regular hosted in Southampton. IFBB Elite league has a greater presence in Europe, Africa and South America, and many of the Arnold shows are afilliated to Elite. Elite is less  prominent in the USA / North America.   It is easier to compete in the USA and Canada / world wide if you are part of IFBB Pro League / NPC World wide, although Pro League are growing fast in Europe and are now in Russia as well.

BNBF,  for natural bodybuilders, is more aimed at the bikini and fitness style. To be honest I don't a lot about BNBF.

If you are looking at competing, there is no harm in going along and watching any federation show.  Look at the size of the show, the quality of the competitors and decide from there which way you want to go.  Now is the best time to check the website for shows in your area as it the new session has just started.

Of course there are a few limitations.  If you join either NABBA, or UKBFF, you are excluding from joining another federation for 12 month.  So if you join and switch federation, you have to wait a year, otherwise you will be disqualified, as has happened in recent competitions.

Of course to join BNBF, you need to have not used any banned substances, or have stopped using for at least 3 years to be considered. 
Mod updated 10th Feb 2020
Hope that helps

 

[Adi Bodybuilding.UK]

Hi Im new to the forum and seeing how outdated it is thought Ill chip in.

I you looking for 2022 show dates keep them fairly up to date here.
https://bodybuildingfitness.uk/show-dates-2022/
With links to official federations.

The number of federations has exploded in recent years in UK and Ireland so he is the break down.

NPC/IBFF PRO
If you looking to compete with NPC with view of joining IFBB PRO you looking for 2 Bros in UK run by Ian Constable (remember you are required to do regional as a UK residents) after regional you can do any of the NPC Worldwide Pro Qualifier with. Biggest/best shows is definitely Arnold Classic UK that takes place in Birmingham.
In Ireland we have one show NPC show Muscle Contest in Limerick run by Brian Bullman (this year 2022 will be in May tbc) Show is run in conjunction with 212 Pro Show.

PCA
Biggest amateur organization and probably most popular among first times, regional shows across whole of UK and Ireland, best get to compete at World, European and Universe.

NABBA
Oldest of them all also across UK and Ireland, best shows is the original Universe.

UKBFF/RIBBF
Biggest before split now you can earn Elite Pro card, which is popular within continental Europe best best Elite show is Arnold Classic Europe in Spain.
Ukbff is run by Tierney clan, South Coast is my favourie show as its organized by Tony Carmine Naddeo super nice guy.
In Irleand shows are organised by Mick Bullman.

NFMUK/GBO
Fast growing since affiliation with GBO, best will win fully paid trip to compete in States at Atlas show.

FIT X
Started in 2021 by Darren Nally and Richard from Strom Nutrition they also organize FIT XPO in Liverpool. You can will full year sponsorship or holiday at each reginal show.
Very friendly and helpful.

IBFA UK
Old school run federation by Martin Yates Brown, no men`s physique here or modeling categories.

GPO
Few show called Battles (Initially these were independent - Battle of Bradford and Bristol only) promoted by UK Beef this year.



Other smaller shows also organized in UK
Fitness Physiques
DW
Rhino’s Classic
CIBB

Fitness Modeling shows.
Pure Elite
FMC
Miami Pro
UFE
UKUP

Natty Scene may required doping testing or even
UKDFBA
NPA
BNBF
WNBF
ICN
also 2Bros started Natural shows