On October 17, 2026, Helena, Montana, set a new record in the field of fitness by hosting the first Helena Classic, a bodybuilding and physique competition. The event, which took place at the Great Northern Hotel, gathered athletes who had been training for months in order to display their dedication, discipline, and hard work.
KTVH, a local news station, reported that 23 competitors had entered the contest. In addition to the competitive events, the gathering included strongman events and a charitable fundraising element, so that it became more than just a competition for prizes. Source: KTVH
Her desire to promote competitive fitness arose from her own experience of taking up bodybuilding following her recovery from cancer; at first it was a means of finding a new sense of purpose, but it later led her to arrange an event so that other people could also enjoy the confidence and personal development that such competition can provide.
The first event realized that vision and thus provided athletes from the Helena area with a new chance to compete nearer to home.
Prior to the Helena Classic, athletes in Helena had fewer chances to take part in a bodybuilding show in their own city and usually had to travel to other places in order to get stage experience.
On October 17, an event was held that set up a local platform for bodybuilding and physique sports; it also included a strongman competition, thus extending the event's appeal to strength athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
Interest in the first event extended well beyond Helena. As reported by KTVH, Michael Hubner, who owns Adonis Strength and Fitness in Butte, donated $10,000 to help with the cost of the competition. There was also an expectation that six competitors from Butte would take part.
The fact that Hubner received support shows that there is a wider interest in extending opportunities for bodybuilding all over Montana; for athletes, local competitions can lessen the need to travel and at the same time help them build relationships with coaches, other competitors, and the wider fitness community.
Jolley, who used to compete and act as a personal trainer, has worked with people coming from all sorts of backgrounds, such as older people and those who have disabilities. This background influences her approach to the Helena Classic, since the event is meant to offer participants an opportunity to challenge themselves, grow, and celebrate what they have achieved.
Jolley started to organize the competition about nine months before the first show; she called it an all-night commitment, illustrating the extent of the coordination required to set up a new sporting event.
Her aim goes further than just giving out trophies; she would like athletes to have a platform on which their efforts and personal progress can be acknowledged, no matter what their final position is.
The fact that there was a competition in Helena encouraged Larson to make the next move in her fitness journey, and she also got posing advice from Jolley as she prepared for her stage debut.
Matthew Mohar, who had been involved in bodybuilding for four years and had earlier taken part in the competition in Missoula, decided to take part in the Helena Classic because of the opportunity to compete nearer to home.
What they have experienced shows what goes on in the background of competitive physique sports. In order to win, athletes have to do more than just build up their muscles; they also have to practice their presentation, stick to regular routines, and show the discipline needed to adhere to their preparation programs.
Key event details reported by KTVH included:
The event listings also included plans for the following categories: Men's Bodybuilding, Classic Physique, Men's Physique, Women's Bikini, Figure, Women's Physique, and Fit Model. The precise details of the classes, however, were still subject to the announcements made by the organizers.
It is important to note that the first event was advertised as being non-sanctioned, and it must therefore be referred to as an unofficial NPC or IFBB Pro League event unless further confirmation is obtained.
Different physique divisions focus on different traits. Bodybuilding values muscle size and definition. Classic Physique looks for both muscle and balanced shape. Men's Physique rewards an athletic look. Women's divisions like Bikini, Figure, Women's Physique, and Fit Model each have their own rules for appearance and presentation.
The initiative gave the competition a community-oriented aim. Not only do the athletes take part, but bodybuilding competitions can also bring together gyms, coaches, sponsors, vendors, families, and spectators.
They can also motivate people to aim at achieving their fitness goals, help them to find competitive opportunities, and allow them to make connections with other people who have an interest in health and strength training.
For Helena, the first show provided a starting point for the development of a more visible local bodybuilding scene.
The ideas are still potential developments, not confirmed future events, and their coming about will be determined by community interest, the capacity of the organizers, sponsorship and participation.
Yet the first competition showed that there was local interest in giving athletes another place where they could compete. As the fitness community in Montana carries on its development, events such as the Helena Classic may help to strengthen the links between athletes and make competitive opportunities more available.
The first event brought together athletic achievement and community involvement because there were 23 competitors entering before the show, thanks to the support of a fitness business based in Butte, the presence of a strongman competition, and a planned charitable auction.
It is not yet clear what its long-term future will be like, but the Helena Classic has now opened up a new possibility for physique athletes in Helena. The extent of its lasting impact will depend on continued participation and on whether future competitions are based on the foundation laid by the first event.
KTVH, a local news station, reported that 23 competitors had entered the contest. In addition to the competitive events, the gathering included strongman events and a charitable fundraising element, so that it became more than just a competition for prizes. Source: KTVH
How Helena Classic Began
The Helena Classic was a significant event in the history of competitive fitness in the capital of Montana. It was established by Stephanie Jolley, who had previously been a bodybuilding competitor and also worked as a personal trainer, with the aim of providing athletes with a platform on which to challenge themselves and to celebrate their progress.Her desire to promote competitive fitness arose from her own experience of taking up bodybuilding following her recovery from cancer; at first it was a means of finding a new sense of purpose, but it later led her to arrange an event so that other people could also enjoy the confidence and personal development that such competition can provide.
The first event realized that vision and thus provided athletes from the Helena area with a new chance to compete nearer to home.
Helena Classic Makes Bodybuilding History in Montana’s Capital
Prior to the Helena Classic, athletes in Helena had fewer chances to take part in a bodybuilding show in their own city and usually had to travel to other places in order to get stage experience.
On October 17, an event was held that set up a local platform for bodybuilding and physique sports; it also included a strongman competition, thus extending the event's appeal to strength athletes and fitness enthusiasts.
Interest in the first event extended well beyond Helena. As reported by KTVH, Michael Hubner, who owns Adonis Strength and Fitness in Butte, donated $10,000 to help with the cost of the competition. There was also an expectation that six competitors from Butte would take part.
The fact that Hubner received support shows that there is a wider interest in extending opportunities for bodybuilding all over Montana; for athletes, local competitions can lessen the need to travel and at the same time help them build relationships with coaches, other competitors, and the wider fitness community.
Meet Stephanie Jolley, the Founder Behind the Helena Classic
Stephanie Jolley got involved in bodybuilding after recovering from cancer; the sport then provided her with a new motivation and a sense of purpose, which in turn led her to set up similar opportunities for other people.Jolley, who used to compete and act as a personal trainer, has worked with people coming from all sorts of backgrounds, such as older people and those who have disabilities. This background influences her approach to the Helena Classic, since the event is meant to offer participants an opportunity to challenge themselves, grow, and celebrate what they have achieved.
Jolley started to organize the competition about nine months before the first show; she called it an all-night commitment, illustrating the extent of the coordination required to set up a new sporting event.
Her aim goes further than just giving out trophies; she would like athletes to have a platform on which their efforts and personal progress can be acknowledged, no matter what their final position is.
Competitors Bring Months of Preparation to the Stage
Harley Larson, one of the athletes included in KTVH's coverage, was getting ready for her first event in the fit model category. She started her training for the show in May and said that her routine was demanding and involved resistance exercises, cardio, daily activity targets, and controlled nutrition.The fact that there was a competition in Helena encouraged Larson to make the next move in her fitness journey, and she also got posing advice from Jolley as she prepared for her stage debut.
Matthew Mohar, who had been involved in bodybuilding for four years and had earlier taken part in the competition in Missoula, decided to take part in the Helena Classic because of the opportunity to compete nearer to home.
What they have experienced shows what goes on in the background of competitive physique sports. In order to win, athletes have to do more than just build up their muscles; they also have to practice their presentation, stick to regular routines, and show the discipline needed to adhere to their preparation programs.
Helena Classic Event Details and Competition Schedule
The first Helena Classic was held on Saturday, 17th October 2026, at the Great Northern Hotel in central Helena.Key event details reported by KTVH included:
- Event: Helena Classic bodybuilding and physique competition
- Date: October 17, 2026
- Venue: Great Northern Hotel, Helena, Montana
- Founder: Stephanie Jolley
- Registered competitors: 23 reported before the event
- Additional event: Strongman competition
- The national anthem and strongman competition are scheduled to start at 11:30 a.m.
- Scheduled finals: 4:30 p.m.
Understanding the Competition Categories
The Helena Classic was presented as a bodybuilding and physique competition, and local coverage referred to the fit model competition as one of its divisions.The event listings also included plans for the following categories: Men's Bodybuilding, Classic Physique, Men's Physique, Women's Bikini, Figure, Women's Physique, and Fit Model. The precise details of the classes, however, were still subject to the announcements made by the organizers.
It is important to note that the first event was advertised as being non-sanctioned, and it must therefore be referred to as an unofficial NPC or IFBB Pro League event unless further confirmation is obtained.
Different physique divisions focus on different traits. Bodybuilding values muscle size and definition. Classic Physique looks for both muscle and balanced shape. Men's Physique rewards an athletic look. Women's divisions like Bikini, Figure, Women's Physique, and Fit Model each have their own rules for appearance and presentation.
How the Helena Classic Supports the Local Community
There was also a charitable aspect to the event. As KTVH reported, a silent auction was intended to help community partners such as Victory Alliance, Toys for Tots, and Pink Ladies.The initiative gave the competition a community-oriented aim. Not only do the athletes take part, but bodybuilding competitions can also bring together gyms, coaches, sponsors, vendors, families, and spectators.
They can also motivate people to aim at achieving their fitness goals, help them to find competitive opportunities, and allow them to make connections with other people who have an interest in health and strength training.
For Helena, the first show provided a starting point for the development of a more visible local bodybuilding scene.
What the Helena Classic Could Mean for the Future
Whether or not the organizers go on to hold more events may depend on the success of the first Helena Classic. Jolley has likewise mentioned the possibility of extending future events to cover powerlifting and a 5K.The ideas are still potential developments, not confirmed future events, and their coming about will be determined by community interest, the capacity of the organizers, sponsorship and participation.
Yet the first competition showed that there was local interest in giving athletes another place where they could compete. As the fitness community in Montana carries on its development, events such as the Helena Classic may help to strengthen the links between athletes and make competitive opportunities more available.
A New Chapter for Bodybuilding in Montana’s Capital
On October 17, 2026, the Helena Classic was held in the capital of Montana, introducing a new bodybuilding and physique competition. Stephanie Jolley established the event because of her personal involvement with bodybuilding and her wish to provide a platform on which others could challenge themselves.The first event brought together athletic achievement and community involvement because there were 23 competitors entering before the show, thanks to the support of a fitness business based in Butte, the presence of a strongman competition, and a planned charitable auction.
It is not yet clear what its long-term future will be like, but the Helena Classic has now opened up a new possibility for physique athletes in Helena. The extent of its lasting impact will depend on continued participation and on whether future competitions are based on the foundation laid by the first event.
