A 30-year-old bodybuilder collapsed and died during a live competition as horrified spectators looked on.

The tragedy happened in Campo Grande, a city in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, on 10th May.

Dad-of-two Wanderson da Silva Moreira, a prominent local athlete, suffered a suspected cardiac arrest while performing in the annual Pantanal bodybuilding championship.

Eyewitnesses said he appeared unsteady before collapsing on stage in front of judges and a live audience.

Picture shows Wanderson Da Silva Moreira during his last Pantanal competition, undated. The athlete died during the competition in Campo Grande, Brazil, on May 10, 2025. Note: Image is a screenshot from video. (Newsflash/NX)

Emergency teams rushed to provide first aid but he was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

The event was being held in the Jose Abrao Gymnasium and was part of a national bodybuilding federation programme.

Wanderson had complained of feeling unwell earlier in the day but had insisted on competing, according to a friend who accompanied him.

The friend, who was not named, said that the athlete had a history of high blood pressure.

His death was later confirmed by the Mato Grosso do Sul Military Police.

Wanderson leaves behind a wife and two children.

Wanderson Da Silva Moreira poses in undated photo. The athlete died during a competition in Campo Grande, Brazil, on May 10, 2025. Note: Private photo taken from social media. (Newsflash/NX)

His coach described Wanderson as "a man with a huge heart", and added in a statement: "All we can do is grieve this loss and pray for God to comfort his family and all of us. You are, and always will be, part of our team and family."

An investigation has been launched into the circumstances surrounding his sudden cardiac arrest.

A spokesperson for the competition organisers expressed condolences but declined to comment further.

(MJ Leidig/newsX)