Sam Sulek has made waves in the fitness world. His hands-on approach to bodybuilding, lively personality, and impressive physical change make him stand out. Sulek’s journey from Delaware, Ohio, to becoming an IFBB Pro is fascinating. His methods are just as unique. Let’s explore the life, career, and impact of this social media fitness sensation.
Full Name
Sam Bishop Sulek
Date of Birth
February 7, 2002
Age
23 years (as of 2025)
Birthplace
Delaware, Ohio, USA
Nationality
American
Height
5’11” (180 cm)
Weight
240 lbs (109 kg) approx.
Eye Color
Dark Brown
Hair Color
Brown
Occupation
IFBB Pro Bodybuilder, YouTuber, Fitness Influencer
Religion
Christianity
Zodiac Sign
Aquarius
Education
B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Miami University, Ohio
Siblings
Marissa Faye (older sister), Mark Sulek (younger brother, pro golfer)
Born on February 7, 2002, in Delaware, Ohio, Sam Bishop Sulek is now 23 years old. At 5’11” (180 cm) and about 240 pounds (109 kg), Sulek has an impressive physique. This has attracted millions of followers on social media.
Sam has Eastern European roots, with Polish, Czech, and Slovak heritage. He has two siblings. His older sister, Marissa Faye, is a baker. His younger brother, Mark Sulek, is a collegiate golfer and a YouTuber.
Education and Early Athletic Career
Sam is studying Mechanical Engineering at Miami University in Ohio. He plans to graduate in late 2024. Sam started diving competitively at 8. This was before he became known for bodybuilding. In high school at Rutherford B. Hayes High School, he joined the diving and gymnastics teams.
His athletic foundation helped him when he switched to bodybuilding in 2020. Before that, he competed in diving for Miami University. His background in demanding sports gave him body awareness and discipline. These skills would be valuable in his fitness career.
Social Media Stardom
Sam is different from many fitness influencers. He takes a raw and unfiltered approach to creating content. His YouTube channel, @sam_sulek, has gained more than 4 million subscribers and 260 million views. He has over 6 million followers on Instagram and more than 2.6 million on TikTok.
Sulek often shares straightforward gym vlogs. He films them from his car, both before and after workouts. Sam’s videos stand out from the polished content of fitness influencers. They give a real look at his training routine and mindset. This no-frills approach has resonated with audiences looking for genuine fitness content.
Bodybuilding Achievements
In February 2025, Sam debuted in competitive bodybuilding at the NPC Legends Classic. He took first place in the Classic Physique division. He built on this momentum and won the Classic Physique Overall title at the 2025 NPC Arnold Amateur. This win earned him his IFBB Pro Card. It marked his entry into professional bodybuilding.
His rapid ascent in competitive bodybuilding has drawn the interest of key players in the industry. Chris Bumstead, a seven-time Mr. Olympia Classic Physique champion, and Jay Cutler, a four-time Mr. Olympia, have both noticed this. Sam’s journey has also been featured in major publications like The Guardian and The New York Times.
Training Philosophy and Diet
Sam trains with high-volume workouts, doing more than 20 sets for each muscle group. He combines both compound movements and isolation exercises in his training regimen.
What has sparked considerable discussion in the fitness community is his unconventional diet. Sam sometimes adds high-calorie foods like donuts and chocolate milk to his diet. This is different from many bodybuilders who stick to strict, clean eating plans. During bulking phases, he targets about 5,200 calories each day. That’s a lot, even for bodybuilders.
Income Sources and Net Worth
As of 2025, Sam’s estimated net worth is $3 million. His income streams are diverse:
YouTube ad revenue (estimated $21,800-$348,000 annually)
Brand partnerships and sponsorships
Merchandise sales
Seasonal crosswalk painting work in his hometown (approximately $56,000 annually)
Controversies and Public Image
Like many in the bodybuilding world, Sam has faced speculation about performance-enhancing substances. In April 2024, he subtly acknowledged steroid use, saying it “should be pretty obvious.
Sam has a loyal fanbase who value his honesty and commitment to his work, even with the controversy. He doesn’t present himself as a perfect role model but rather shows the reality of his journey.
Sam identifies as Christian and is currently single. Outside the gym, he enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and camping. He’s also a pet lover, owning both a dog and a cat. And true to his brand, chocolate milk remains his favorite beverage.
Sam Sulek is part of a new wave of fitness influencers. They value being real more than being perfect. His clear content style, impressive physical growth, and recent wins make him a hot topic in the fitness industry today.
