Over six decades since Arnold Schwarzenegger first showcased his physique on a bodybuilding platform, his youngest son is upholding the family legacy by finishing in the top five during his debut as a professional competitor this past weekend.
Joseph Baena participated in the classic physique division at the INBA PNBA Pro/AM World Cup held in California on Saturday.
At 29 years old, he secured a fifth-place finish and expressed his satisfaction in a video on Instagram, stating that reaching the top five was a personal goal he was thrilled to achieve.
“I’m incredibly proud of my performance,” Baena remarked, noting that this was his first professional show after starting his competitive journey this year.
This event marked Baena’s third competition overall, as he is the son of the renowned bodybuilder-turned-actor-turned-politician Schwarzenegger and Mildred Baena.
In a video showcasing his posing routine at the event, Baena received comments from viewers saying, “Like father, like son.”
It’s not surprising that the son of a well-known individual famed for his impressive physique is following a similar path. Schwarzenegger’s remarkable build earned him the Mr. Universe title five times during professional bodybuilding contests in the 1960s and 70s, and he remains a legendary figure in the world of bodybuilding.
His 1977 documentary, Pumping Iron, is often credited with elevating the visibility of bodybuilding and helping it gain recognition as a legitimate sport. Additionally, Schwarzenegger’s prominent roles in Hollywood action films such as Conan the Barbarian (1982) and the Terminator series further popularized the bodybuilding culture.
Arnold Schwarzenegger poses alongside dancers from the famous Parisian cabaret Le Paradis Latin on May 20, 1977, during the Cannes Film Festival in southern France. Schwarzenegger was there to present the docudrama Pumping Iron. (Raph Gatti/ AFP via Getty Images)
In his video reflecting on the event, Baena commented that bodybuilding is primarily an individual sport where “success is determined by your own commitment,” while also acknowledging the substantial support he receives from family and friends.
“My father often says there’s no such thing as a ‘self-made man.’ I have a strong support system,” he stated.
Baena referred to Schwarzenegger as “the best training partner” in a GQ interview earlier this year, explaining that his father ensures he stays motivated in the gym.
He further revealed that his father gifted him “the bodybuilding encyclopedia” while he was in college, which ignited his passion for the sport.
Schwarzenegger and Baena attend Netflix’s Los Angeles premiere of Fubar Season 2 on June 11, 2025. (Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Netfix)
