Yousef “Fousey” Erakat claimed first place in his division at a natural bodybuilding competition in California. Stage footage shows the YouTuber accepting the award in Men’s Physique board shorts alongside other competitors.
The event was the Muscle Mass California Natural competition. Yousef appeared stage-tanned and conditioned under competition lighting as he took center position and raised his arms after the announcement.
Men’s Physique is judged on upper body aesthetics rather than overall mass. The category emphasizes shoulder-to-waist ratio, abdominal definition, chest development, and symmetry. Competitors wear board shorts and perform front and back poses instead of the full traditional bodybuilding routine. Legs are minimally judged compared to other divisions.
The specific federation, venue, and exact class remain unconfirmed from the available footage. Natural bodybuilding shows typically require athletes to agree to banned substance policies with enforcement methods varying by organization. Common testing protocols include urinalysis and polygraph examinations.
Erakat built his career as FouseyTube on YouTube before expanding into IRL streaming. He previously participated in influencer boxing including a 2022 bout against Deji that ended in a TKO loss. His public transformations and fitness content have been recurring themes throughout his online presence.
Men’s Physique divisions are usually split into height classes with separate novice and open categories. Competitors can win their class then compete for an overall title. Some federations offer professional qualification opportunities at these events.
The win marks a significant pivot from entertainment content into legitimate competitive bodybuilding. Stage conditioning requires months of strict dieting, precise training, and carefully timed peak-week strategies including carbohydrate manipulation and water management. Professional spray tans and posing practice are standard preparation elements.
