Arnold Schwarzenegger’s son Joseph Baena makes bodybuilding debut and fans are all saying the same thing

Joseph Baena has taken a major step into the spotlight, and it’s one that feels almost written in his DNA.

The 28-year-old son of Arnold Schwarzenegger has officially made his bodybuilding debut – and walked away with multiple titles, proving he’s inherited both the physique and the discipline that made his father a global icon. After taking four titles, he posted photos on his social media with the caption “Mission Accomplished!” 

Fans were quick to shower Joseph with praise, with many noticing the likeness between him and his famous father. “Definitely our Latino Arnold,” wrote one. “Facts on facts” replied another. Some even said he should change his surname: “Show him he’s really part of the family. Joseph Schwarzenegger sounds great,” added a third.

Competing at the NPC Natural Colorado State competition in Denver over the weekend, Joseph impressed judges across several divisions. He claimed top honours in the Men’s Open Bodybuilding Heavyweight class, as well as the Men’s Classic Physique True Novice and Men’s Classic Physique Novice categories. He also secured second place in the Men’s Classic Physique Open Class C, rounding out an incredibly strong first showing.

© Instagram

The achievement marks a significant milestone for Joseph, who has long shared his father’s passion for fitness but had, until now, stopped short of stepping onto the competitive stage.

Just days before the competition, he was spotted training alongside Arnold at the iconic Gold’s Gym Venice – a location synonymous with the elder Schwarzenegger’s rise to fame. Onlookers gathered as the pair worked through poses, with Arnold offering hands-on guidance as his son perfected classic bodybuilding stances.

© Instagram

Arnold, now 78, famously won seven Mr. Olympia titles during his competitive career before transitioning into Hollywood superstardom and later serving as Governor of California. Of his five children, Joseph is the one most closely following in those early footsteps.

Born to Arnold and Mildred “Patty” Baena, a former housekeeper, Joseph grew up largely outside the spotlight in Bakersfield, California. His parentage was publicly revealed in 2011, when Arnold confirmed he had fathered Joseph during his marriage to Maria Shriver – a revelation that ultimately led to the end of their 25-year relationship.

© Instagram

Despite the complicated beginnings, Joseph and his father have since built a close bond, with fitness forming a central part of their relationship. 

Arnold has previously supported his son’s ambitions, even gifting him a copy of his co-authored book, The Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding, as a source of inspiration.

Joseph, however, has been clear about carving out his own path. Speaking to Men’s Health, he explained that he prefers to succeed on his own merit rather than relying on his father’s name.

“My dad is old-school; he doesn’t believe in handouts. He believes hard work pays off, and so do I,” he said. “If I use my dad’s contacts or ask him for favors, I wonder what honor that’s going to bring me.”