Tributes have been paid as Dwayne Quamina, the popular Open and 212 division bodybuilder known as “King Q,” has passed away at just 40 years of age.
Dwayne Quamina’s Bodybuilding Career Highlights & Contest History
Quamina’s list of accoladed span more than a decade, including victory at the NPC Emerald Cup and Empire Classic in 2024. In 2016, he won the NPC USA Championship, and one year later took home the IFBB Europa Pheonix trophy before switching from Open to the 212-pound division and earning tenth place at the 2018 Olympia final.
King Q took some time away from the stage in 2020, but returned with a more active campaign in 2025, competing at the Chicago Pro and Atlanta Pro. In fact, Quamina was in action very recently, taking to the stage at the 2026 Atlanta Pro on August 9, 2026, finding a highly respectable sixth place. The cause of death was not immediately provided.
Tributes Pour In From Bodybuilding Legends and Fellow IFBB Pros
“Sad to announce the passing of Dwayne Quamina,” read a confirmed statement from the ‘whoisthebestbodybuilder’ Instagram channel. “Dwayne returned from retirement last year, having achieved a top ten finish at the 2018 Mr. Olympia. Rest in peace champion. The information comes from his closest relatives.”
Top names in the industry, like British bodybuilder James Hollingshead were quick to share their shock. “No man, I was just with him last week,” he said.
“My thoughts and prayers are for the family. Sincere condolences,” added eight-time Ms Olympia, Lenda Murray. Patrick Moore also expressed his distress, noting that he’d also seen him few a few days ago in Atlanta.
“Such a positive personality,” said IFBB Pro, Jayme Toyas. “World lost a good one.”
The 4:13 Fitness Center in El Centro, California has set up a GoFundMe page to support King Q’s family at this tragic time. “If you spent any time here, you knew Dwayne,” read an official post. “Dwayne Quamina aka ‘King Q’ was a father, husband, mentor, and friend to many. He was easily one of the strongest guys you’d ever see in a weight room, and if you heard heavy plates slamming on the platform, you didn’t even have to look because you knew it was him finishing a set. Just as distinct was his laugh, you’d usually hear that infectious laugh of his, from across the gym floor.”
Rest In Peace, King Q.
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