Jump directly to the content
LONGEVITY KING

Who is bodybuilder Albert Beckles?

Beckles became famous for his 'pollo-vegetarian' diet

BODYBUILDER Albert Beckles is one of the most successful athletes in the sport and was renowned for his unrivalled longevity.

Having competed in more than 100 competitions, Beckles continued his professional career until he was 61 years old.

Former IFBB pro bodybuilder and Mr Universe, Albert Beckles
1
Former IFBB pro bodybuilder and Mr Universe, Albert BecklesCredit: Getty

Who is bodybuilder Albert Beckles?

Albert "Al" Beckles is a former IFBB pro bodybuilder and Mr Universe who competed in over 100 bodybuilding contests.

Born on July 14, 1930, in Barbados, Al eventually immigrated to England, before moving to the United States - where he resides in Los Angeles.

He became one of the most active participants in bodybuilding history and was celebrated for his longevity at the top level.

In his fifties, he won the Night of Champions competition in New York in 1982 and 1985, before claiming the Niagara Falls Pro Invitational title in 1991 - when he was 61 years old.

Beckles is famous for his "pollo-vegetarian" diet, which means he eats poultry but no red meat.

When did Albert Beckles start bodybuilding?

After moving to England, Al started bodybuilding in the 1960s and within a few years, had won several British regional titles.

After winning the 1969 and 1970 NABBA Mr Britain titles, he joined the IFBB in 1971, earning the overall at the IFBB "Mr Universe."

Beckles earned nineteen 1st place finishes throughout his career, with some of his most impressive wins coming at the 1983 IFBB Grand Prix Switzerland and 1984 IFBB Canada Pro Cup.

His last win came in 1991 at the Niagara Falls Pro Invitational IFBB.

It was his first top placing since winning at the World Pro Championships IFBB and Night Of Champions IFBB in 1985.

He took part in his first professional contest in 1965, but eventually brought an end to his remarkable career 27 years later after the 1992 Niagara Falls Pro Invitational IFBB where he placed eighth.

He was 61 years old.

Even after retirement, he continues to train and promote the sport of bodybuilding.

What is Albert Beckles' net worth?

While no official figure has been given, multiple sites claim Beckles' net worth is estimated to be between $1million and $5million dollars.

His long and successful career in bodybuilding has helped him to accumulate the majority of his earnings.

Beckles also has his own website, where he sells merchandise such as tank tops, short sleeves and baseball caps.

Has Albert Beckles competed at Mr Olympia?

Beckles competed in an impressive 13 Mr Olympia tournaments during his professional bodybuilding career.

However, he was never crowned champion whilst competing between 1975-1991.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

Nonetheless, Beckles yielded six placings among the top five - in 1975, 1977, 1982, 1984, 1985 and 1986.

That included coming second to future eight-fold champion Lee Haney, 26, in 1985 at the age of 55.

Topics