Categories: Fitness

Wellness International Competition

This contest has rapidly impacted the division and sport at large.

Last updated on January 10th, 2025

Wellness International: A Brief History

Since the Wellness division was introduced into the IFBB Professional League, it has captivated fans worldwide. The two biggest stages for this division are the Wellness Olympia and the Wellness International, which are part of the annual Arnold Classic in Columbus, OH.

The Wellness International has only existed since 2022 but has had three different champions. The 2025 Wellness International is set for the weekend of Feb. 28 through March 1, 2025, as part of the Arnold Classic, and it will feature two of the three previous champions and several top contenders.

Champions

Isabelle Nunes (2022)

Inaugural Wellness Olympia champion Francielle Mattos needed a new rival to contend against. The inaugural Wellness International served as the stage to determine the most worthy.

Angela Borges entered the show as the early favorite, but Isabelle Nunes pulled off the upset win, relegating Borges to silver. Sunny Andrews claimed bronze.

Isabelle Nunes
Angela Borges
Sunny Andrews

Cassandra Gillis (2023)

Nunes could not defend her title due to an injury. Mattos sat this competition out. Borges was again considered the top contender for the 2023 Wellness International, but was again defeated — this time by Canadian Kassandra Gillis. Borges and Rayane Fogal took second and third, respectively.

Kassandra Gillis
Angela Borges
Rayane Fogal

Francielle Mattos (2024)

The third edition of this competition saw the defending Olympia champion enter the contest for the first time. Mattos was riding a wave of momentum from her third Olympia win in 2023. She earned her pro card on the Arnold stage before winning her first Olympia.

Mattos dominated the event, winning her first Wellness International title. Nunes was runner-up, and Sandra Colorado Acal rounded out the top three. Nunes got the better of Mattos in their rematch at the 2024 Olympia, and left Las Vegas as the second Wellness Olympia champion.

Francielle Mattos
Isabelle Nunes
Sandra Colorado

Conclusion

The Wellness International has quickly become a premier event in the world of bodybuilding, with three different champions in its short history. As the sport continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see who emerges as the next champion and what new talent is discovered.