Greatest Female Bodybuilders Of All Time, Ranked 1-20

Cydney Gillon is a powerhouse in the world of female bodybuilding, a force of nature sculpted with dedication and determination.

Hailing from Georgia, USA, this 31-year-old athlete has carved her name into the history books with a string of accolades that would make any competitor envious.

Her journey began on the track team at the University of Pennsylvania, where she honed her athletic prowess. But a chance encounter with bodybuilding ignited a passion that would forever alter her path.

Embracing the grueling world of iron training, Gillon quickly rose through the ranks, claiming the IFBB Figure Olympia title in 2017. This was just the beginning.

For a staggering seven consecutive years, Gillon stood on the Olympia stage, her sculpted physique and captivating stage presence a testament to her unwavering commitment. 

Beyond the Olympia, Gillon boasts an impressive collection of trophies. She's a five-time Arnold Classic champion, a three-time Ms. International winner, and has secured countless victories in prestigious competitions around the globe.

Hailing from the sun-kissed beaches of Brazil, Juliana Esteso, "The Warrior Princess," is a force to be reckoned with in the world of professional bodybuilding.

 Born in 1985, Esteso's athletic path started early, excelling in swimming and martial arts. But it was weightlifting that awakened her true calling.

Embracing the iron with ferocious dedication, Esteso's muscular physique and captivating stage presence soon turned heads. In 2010, she turned pro, embarking on a journey marked by impressive achievements:

• Three-time Ms. Olympia top-five finishes (2012, 2014, 2016): Rubbing shoulders with bodybuilding royalty, Esteso cemented her place among the sport's elite.
• Four-time Arnold Classic champion (2009, 2011, 2013, 2015): Dominating the prestigious Arnold Classic cemented her status as a champion.
• Numerous IFBB Pro wins: From the Tampa Pro to the New York Pro, Esteso consistently reigned supreme across various competitions.

Gayle Moher is a British-American professional bodybuilder who has carved her own unique path in the world of fitness. She stands as a pioneer for female bodybuilding, proving that women can be both strong and beautiful.

Born in Hillingdon, England, in 1957, Moher started her athletic journey as a ballet dancer and model. In 1990, after the birth of her daughter, she discovered bodybuilding and was immediately hooked.

In 1996, Moher earned her pro card by winning the NPC Nationals, marking the start of her professional career. 

Throughout the 90s and early 2000s, she competed in numerous prestigious competitions, racking up impressive wins at the Jan Tana Classic, Ms. International, and Ms. Olympia.

Moher holds the record for the most top-five finishes at the Ms. Olympia in the Ms. Fitness category.

Jessica Buettner is a Canadian powerlifter who has made a significant mark on the sport in a short time. She is known for her impressive strength, her infectious enthusiasm, and her dedication to her sport.

Born in 1995, she has already achieved:

• Two-time IPF World Champion: Winning gold in the 76 kg open powerlifting classic in 2022 and the silver medal in the 72 kg - Raw class at the 2019 IPF World Championship in Helsingborg.
• Three unofficial junior powerlifting world records: She broke these records at the 2018 World Championship.
• Previously competed in shot put: Before focusing on powerlifting, Buettner was a successful shot put athlete.

In addition to her powerlifting career, Buettner is also a student and works part-time. She is active on social media, particularly Instagram @djessicabuettner, where she shares her training tips, competition updates, and motivational quotes.

Nataliya Kuznetsova (née Trukhina) is a Russian professional female bodybuilder and powerlifter.

She is the current and reigning world deadlift, bench press, and arm lifting record holder. She is also a two-time IFBB Arnold Classic champion and a two-time IFBB European champion. 

Kuznetsova was born in Chita, Russia, in 1991. She was the 2007 and 2008 Baykal Gran Prix bodybuilding champion. 

In 2013, Kuznetsova turned professional and began competing in the IFBB Pro League. She quickly established herself as one of the top female bodybuilders in the world, winning her first IFBB Arnold Classic title in 2015.

Her best win was the 1st place finish at the IFBB WOS Romania Muscle Fest Amateur in 2018.  She finished second in 2019's  IFBB Romania Muscle Fest Pro Women's Bodybuilding.

Margie Martin, nicknamed "The Marvelous One," is an American professional bodybuilder who has carved her space in the realm of iron.

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1979, Martin's journey began not on the competition stage, but in the marines. Serving proudly for seven years, she honed her discipline and work ethic, qualities that would later fuel her bodybuilding aspirations.

In 2014, she made her IFBB pro debut, marking the beginning of a string of impressive achievements. She has since secured:

• 4th and 2nd place finishes at the 2014 IFBB Toronto Pro Supershow and Omaha Pro, respectively.
• 10th place at the prestigious 2014 Ms. Olympia, a testament to her competitive skill.
• 7th and 5th place finishes at the 2015 IFBB Omaha Pro and Toronto Pro Supershow, respectively.
• Championing the 2015 and 2016 IFBB Wings of Strength Rising Phoenix World Championships, solidifying her place as a force to be reckoned with.

Helle Trevino, a Danish powerhouse with a smile that could light up a stage, has carved her name in the annals of female bodybuilding.

Born in 1972, Trevino's athletic journey began early, excelling in swimming and track and field. However, it was a chance encounter with bodybuilding legend Ronnie Coleman that ignited her passion for iron.

She trained with unwavering focus, her sculpted physique earning her the nickname "The Viking Barbie." Her competitive spirit soon flourished, and she began amassing an impressive trophy cabinet:

• Runner up at the 2021 Ms. Olympia, finished in 3rd place in 2020 and 2022
• Five-time Arnold Classic champion (2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007)
• Numerous IFBB Pro wins: From the New York Pro to the San Francisco Pro, Trevino reigned supreme across various competitions.

Iris Kyle, a name synonymous with female bodybuilding royalty, stands as one of the most decorated athletes in the sport's history, male or female.

From her sculpted physique to her unwavering mental fortitude, Kyle has rewritten the definition of strength and dedication.

Born in 1974, Kyle's journey began not in the gym, but on the basketball court. A chance encounter with bodybuilding ignited a passion that would see her conquer the sport over the next two decades.

Kyle's trophy cabinet resembles a museum of athletic achievement. A staggering 10 Ms Olympia titles. Seven Ms. International titles, 17 overall IFBB professional wins, and countless victories in other prestigious competitions solidify her as an unparalleled legend.

Andrulla Blanchette, the "British Bullet," is a legend etched in the steel of female bodybuilding. She was the first British woman to win the Ms. Olympia, inspiring countless others to embrace their strength.

Born in London in 1966, she started lifting not for aesthetics, but to fuel her judo prowess. Soon, her strength blossomed, leading her to claim:

• Ms. Olympia Lightweight title in 2000: Reigning atop the world with her sculpted physique and electrifying stage presence.
• 2000 IFBB Ms. International: 2nd (LW)
• 5-time Arnold Classic champion: Consistently proving her mettle against the best in the sport.
• 1993 IFBB World Games Champion. 

Debi Laszewski, a name synonymous with grit and grace in female bodybuilding, carved her legend in steel and sweat. 

Born in 1969, she started her journey late, inspired by Linda Hamilton's Terminator physique.

Her dedication was relentless, honing her physique into a formidable force:

• 3rd best female bodybuilder in the IFBB Pro Women's Ranking List
• 6x Ms. International champion
• 7x Ms. Olympia top-three finishes
• 2006 NPC Nationals winner
• 1994 Wisconsin Natural Bodybuilding Championships: 1st (class winner)
• 1996 Madison Championships: 1st (overall)
• 1996 Wisconsin National Qualifier: 1st (overall)

Alina Popa, the Romanian-born "Queen of Muscle," carved her name into the pantheon of bodybuilding royalty with dedication and an unwavering spirit.

Embracing her natural strength, Popa entered the heavyweight bodybuilding bracket in 2003, representing her home country. Her sculpted physique and captivating stage presence landed her coveted second-place finishes at the prestigious Ms. Olympia in 2013 and 2014.

Victory tasted sweet as Popa claimed the Rising Phoenix World Championships title in 2018, solidifying her status as a force to be reckoned with. Here are her additional achievements:

• 2018 IFBB Muscle Vodka Tampa Pro: 1st
• 2007 NABBA Miss Universe: 1st (Miss Physique class)
• 2003 IFBB National Championship: 1st (MW)

Sarah Villegas with her talent and dedication,  has become one of the most celebrated names in women's physique.

Since turning pro in 2017, Sarah's career has skyrocketed. She's claimed multiple International Pro Women's Physique titles, including the Atlantic Coast Pro and Chicago Pro, and, most importantly, three Olympia World championship crowns.

Beyond her Olympia title, Sarah leverages her expertise as a trainer and nutritionist to inspire and empower clients, leading a dedicated team at ASF Premier Fitness.

Sarah's story is far from over. Having conquered both stage and career, she continues to inspire, reminding us that success has no finish line.  Here's her major career highlights. 

• 3x IFBB Ms. Olympia Women's Physique Champion: 1st (2020, 2021, 2023) 
• 2019 IFBB Ms. Olympia Women's Physique: 2nd

Elica Pecini, the "Brazilian Bombshell," is a force of nature on the bikini stage. Born in Santa Catarina, Brazil, in 1990, her athletic journey began on the volleyball court, but destiny had other plans.

Inspired by the sculpted physiques around her, she embraced the iron, crafting a stunning physique:

• 2019 IFBB Ms. Olympia Bikini Champion
• 2020 Arnold Sports Festivall: 1st
• 2018,2019 MuscleContest Nacional Pro Bikinil: 1st
• Numerous IFBB Pro wins: Conquering competitions like the New York Pro and Tampa Pro with her electrifying presence.
• 3x IFBB Arnold Classic Bikini champion
• 2x IFBB Bikini Olympia top-five finishes

Theresa Ivancik is not your average gym enthusiast. Standing at 5'7" and packing serious muscle, she's a force to be reckoned with in the world of female bodybuilding.

Theresa's journey began in 2006, and her dedication has paid off in spades. She's a two-time IFBB Pro League Chicago champion and Olympia qualifier, known for her incredible physique and captivating stage presence.

Her trophy cabinet boasts numerous accolades, including:

• 2016 NPC Nationals: 1st (HW)
• 2019 IFBB Norfolk Pro: 1st
• 2020 IFBB Chicago Pro: 1st & best poster award
• 2022 IFBB Indy Pro: 1st
• 2022 IFBB Ms. Olympia: 7th

Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia, the Venezuelan bodybuilding legend, etched her name in history as the only athlete from her country to ever claim the prestigious Ms. Olympia title in 2005.

This remarkable feat, along with her five Ms. International wins (2002, 2003, 2005, 2008, 2012), solidified her position as one of the most successful female bodybuilders of all time. 

Oriquen's journey began not on the bodybuilding stage, but on the gymnastics mat.  Her athletic foundation, coupled with unwavering dedication, proved to be a winning combination.

Her achievements extend beyond the stage, she is a renowned fitness trainer and motivational speaker, inspiring generations with her story of hard work, resilience, and unwavering passion.

Cory Everson, a name synonymous with female bodybuilding royalty, reigned supreme during the 80s, etching her legacy as one of the sport's most influential figures.

Her achievements speak volumes:

• Six consecutive Ms. Olympia titles (1984-1989)
• 1980 Ms. Mid America: 1st
• 1982 IFBB North American Championship: 1st
• 1983 Bodybuilding Expo IV: 1st (MW and overall)
• 1984 American Women's Championships: 1st (HW and overall)
• 1984 NPC Nationals: 1st (HW and overall)

Recognized for her lasting impact on the sport, she was the first woman to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Arnold Classic in 2007.

Beyond competition, Everson became a fitness icon, inspiring countless women to embrace strength training and redefine their relationship with their bodies.

Monique Jones, the "Dark Destroyer," sculpted her path to greatness from humble beginnings in South Carolina. In 2008, she stepped onto the bodybuilding stage, flexing her way to victory in her first-ever competition.

From 2011 onwards, Jones graced the prestigious Ms. Olympia stage, consistently pushing her limits and showcasing her phenomenal physique. Here are her additional achievements. 

• 2010 IFBB North American Championships: 1st (Heavyweight and overall)
• 2012 & 2013 IFBB WOS Chicago Pro-Am Extravaganza: 1st
• 2018 IFBB WOS Romania Muscle Fest Pro Women's Bodybuilding: 1st

Beyond competition, Jones empowers others through her posing coaching, inspiring aspiring bodybuilders to unlock their potential and own their strength.

Melina Keltaniemi, a Finnish force of nature, has carved her name in the annals of bikini fitness in just a few short years.

At a young age (born in 1996), she has already amassed an impressive trophy haul:

• 2x IFBB Ms. Olympia Women's Physique Champion (2020-2021): 
• IFBB Elite Pro World Champion (2018-2019): Her journey began with back-to-back wins in the Bikini category, showcasing her exceptional physique and stage presence early on.
• Nordic Elite Pro Champion (2019)

Keltaniemi's journey is far from over. As she continues to hone her skills and push boundaries, one can only imagine the heights she will reach in the years to come. 

Andrea Shaw, the Michigan "Muscle Machine," has carved her name into the granite of bodybuilding history. She is known for her focused training and unwavering discipline, inspiring others with her "machine-like" approach to achieving her goals.

Her reign of strength boasts:

• Four Ms. Olympia Titles (2020-2022, 2023): Shaw currently holds the most consecutive wins in the Women's Bodybuilding category. 
• Four Ms. Rising Phoenix Titles (2020-2022, 2023): Dominating another prestigious competition, Shaw showcases her consistency and dedication across platforms.
• 2018 Lenda Murray Detroit Classic: 1st

Shaw's story isn't just about trophies. It's about heart, grit, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

From her humble beginnings to the Olympia stage, she proves that anyone with the right mindset and hard work can redefine what it means to be strong.

Rachel McLish was the first Ms. Olympia winner in 1980, paving the way for increased recognition and respect for female bodybuilding. She is considered to be one of the pioneers of competitive female bodybuilding.

Here are her achievements:

• 1980 US Bodybuilding Championship: 1st
• 1980 Frank Zane Invitational: 2nd
• 1980 IFBB Ms. Olympia: 1st
• 1981 IFBB Ms. Olympia: 2nd
• 1982 Pro World Championship: 1st
• 1982 IFBB Ms. Olympia: 1st
• 1983 Caesars World Cup: 3rd
• 1984 IFBB Ms. Olympia: 2nd
• Inducted into the IFBB Hall of Fame in 1999.
• Helped pave the way for increased recognition and respect for female bodybuilding.
• Inspired other women to pursue the sport and challenge traditional beauty standards.

McLish undoubtedly played a significant role in the early years of female bodybuilding, breaking barriers and influencing the sport's trajectory.