The leading UKBFF athletes will be able to compete for $300,000 in this year's IFBB World Ranking.

The IFBB has confirmed it will offer big money for its amateur world ranking once again in 2019.

Under the system, athletes pick up points for placing highly in major international events.

The 10 who collect the most points in each category at the end of the year will receive cheques.

The number one ranked athletes in the most popular categories will receive $15,000 each; second will be awarded $9,000, third $5,000 etc down to 10th place.

This is the second year the IFBB is awarding $300,000 to its amateurs, in addition to $1m-plus its professionals in the IFBB Elite Pro league can compete for.

The various IFBB World Championships will award the highest amount of points, as they are considered to be the most prestigious events in amateur bodybuilding.

Points will also be awarded at the continental championships, Arnold Classics, Diamond Cups, President's Cup and Nordic Cup.

UKBFF athletes that placed in the top 6 at last year's British Championships, or who received international invites at the Sugar Classic, are eligible to take part in world ranking events.

“There have never been more opportunities for competitors who choose to compete within the UKBFF / IFBB,” said Bill Tierney, President of the UKBFF.

“The standard at these events will be extremely high but I'd like to wish all the UK athletes taking part the best of luck.”