karlsen started out as a powerlifter in 1986, winning a number of titles and setting 30 norwegian records, 3 european records, and 1 world record. soon after, karlsen began pursuing a career in bodybuilding. he traveled on the road doing posing exhibitions with some bodybuilding friends to help pay the bills. karlsen won the mr. norway title, and took second place at the world games. this victory earned him his ifbb pro card and he could now compete as a professional. karlsen moved to california to focus on his bodybuilding career, and his first pro show was the ifbb night of champions. karlsen suffered a severe muscle tear that forced him to retire from bodybuilding, and in 1996 he quickly moved on to strongman competitions.