Carlos Thomas Jr is an American IFBB Pro bodybuilder competing in the Men’s Open division. He owns some of the most talked-about legs in modern bodybuilding. 💪
His rise was fast but far from easy. After winning the overall title at the NPC National Championships in 2021, a serious health battle delayed his pro debut for almost two years.
When he finally stepped on a pro stage at the 2023 Texas Pro, Carlos Thomas Jr finished third behind Hunter Labrada and Andrew Jacked — proof that the hype around his name was well deserved.
With his round muscle bellies, tiny waist and freaky leg development, Carlos has long been compared to far more experienced Open stars like Derek Lunsford. His pro record is still short, but every appearance has kept him in the conversation.
👶 Early Life of Carlos Thomas Jr
Carlos Thomas Jr was born in 1992 in a small town near Columbus, Ohio. Growing up, Carlos didn’t have an easy life.
Throughout his school days, Carlos became interested in various sports. Some of his favorites included football, track, and wrestling. 🏈
Carlos went on to play college football, but a neck injury stopped him from continuing in the sport. That setback changed his life.
During his recovery, he was introduced to bodybuilding by IFBB pro Fred Smalls. Under that guidance, Carlos found a new direction — and a new obsession.
🏋️ Bodybuilding Career of Carlos Thomas Jr
Carlos did not appear out of nowhere. He competed as a middleweight at the 2017 NPC Nationals, then as a light-heavyweight at the 2019 IFBB North Americans, where he did not place.
Those early setbacks fueled one of the most dramatic transformations in the amateur ranks. In 2021 alone, Carlos added around 30 pounds of muscle after finally dialing in his nutrition and recovery.
The work paid off in November 2021, when he won the NPC Battle Royale in Alexandria, Virginia. Weeks later in Orlando, he took the super-heavyweight class and the overall title at the NPC National Championships.
That win made him the 40th NPC Overall National Champion in history and earned him his IFBB Pro card. His legs, in particular, drew comparisons with the very best in the sport. 🦵
📏 Body Measurement of Carlos Thomas Jr
| Carlos Thomas Height | 5 Feet and 9 Inches |
| Carlos Thomas Contest Weight | Around 220 lbs (100 kg) at the 2021 NPC Nationals |
| Carlos Thomas Division | Men’s Open |
| Carlos Thomas Nationality | American |
| Carlos Thomas Pro Card | 2021 NPC National Championships — Overall Winner |
🏆 Carlos Thomas, the Champion of the NPC Nationals 2021
Achieving a great win at the NPC National Championships 2021, Carlos Thomas Jr. became the latest addition to the roster of IFBB pro bodybuilders.
Carlos was a highly praised competitor entering the competition, and he emerged victorious in the super-heavyweight division and the overall contest to earn his pro card.
Interestingly, in an interview with Muscular Development, Carlos revealed that although he weighed in for the super-heavyweight class, he actually weighed around 220 lbs on the day of the show after drying out.
That is why, early in his pro career, he did not rule out a move down to the 212 division. In the end, though, Carlos committed to the Men’s Open, where his size and structure belong.
🥊 Pro Debut, Health Battle and the Texas Pro 2023
Carlos was first set to make his pro debut at the 2023 New York Pro. However, a severe flare-up of ulcerative colitis — a digestive condition he has spoken about publicly — forced him to withdraw.
Managing the condition has shaped his whole career. Carlos has explained that he starts his preps earlier than most rivals, bringing his condition in slowly to avoid the stress that can trigger flare-ups.
After recovering, he finally made his IFBB Pro League debut at the 2023 Texas Pro in Arlington, Texas. Against a star-studded Open lineup, Carlos placed third, behind only Hunter Labrada and Andrew Jacked. 🥉
It was one of the most impressive pro debuts of the year. Fans who had seen his guest posing — where his back and legs were described as Olympia-worthy — now saw him prove it in a real pro lineup.
🔥 2025–2026 Update: Arnold Classic, Detroit Pro and Retirement Talk
Carlos chose to skip the entire 2024 season and rebuild. He returned in 2025 with the biggest test of his career: the Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio.
At the 2025 Arnold Classic, Carlos placed ninth in a stacked Men’s Open field won by Derek Lunsford. A few weeks later, he took seventh place at the 2025 Detroit Pro, where William Bonac won the title.
Then, in October 2025, Carlos surprised fans by discussing retirement in a YouTube interview. He said this period could be his final run in the sport, explaining that he will still “do bodybuilding” but no longer wants to “be bodybuilding.”
He also revealed plans beyond the stage. Carlos already holds a Master’s degree, wants to earn a doctorate, and hopes to move into teaching. 🎓
As of the latest reports, Carlos has not announced a 2026 contest date. Whether he pops up on one more stage or closes the book, his combination of freaky legs and resilience has already made his story one of the most unique in the Open division.
💰 Carlos Thomas Jr.’s Net Worth
Carlos Thomas Jr has not publicly disclosed his net worth. Like most pro bodybuilders outside the very top of the Olympia, his income comes from a mix of contest earnings, sponsorships, coaching and social media.
Different websites publish very different estimates for his wealth, but none of them are based on figures Carlos has confirmed himself. For that reason, any exact number should be treated with caution.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Carlos Thomas Jr?
Carlos Thomas Jr was born in 1992 near Columbus, Ohio, which puts him in his early 30s. He first made national headlines at 29, when he won the overall title at the 2021 NPC Nationals.
What disease does Carlos Thomas Jr have?
Carlos has ulcerative colitis, a chronic digestive condition. A severe flare-up forced him to withdraw from the 2023 New York Pro, and he manages the condition carefully during every contest prep.
What was Carlos Thomas Jr’s pro debut result?
He made his IFBB Pro League debut at the 2023 Texas Pro and placed third, behind Hunter Labrada and Andrew Jacked — a standout result for a first pro show.
Did Carlos Thomas Jr compete at the Arnold Classic?
Yes. Carlos competed at the 2025 Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio, where he placed ninth in the Men’s Open. He followed it with a seventh-place finish at the 2025 Detroit Pro.
Is Carlos Thomas Jr retired?
Not officially. In October 2025, Carlos said this could be his final period of competing, as he wants to focus on education and teaching. As of the latest reports, he has not announced a 2026 show.
Source:
- Carlos Thomas Jr’s Official Instagram Account
- Facebook Page
- Carlos Thomas Jr YouTube Channel
- Personal interviews featured in various magazines