2026 INTERNATIONAL TRAINERS AND JUDGES SEMINAR IN KLAIPĖDA.

WE WILL DEVELOP NEW FITNESS CATEGORIES.

WE WILL DO OUR BEST TO TURN BODYBUILDING INTO NORMAL SPORT.

In preparation for the 37-th WFF-WBBF World Amateur and Professional Championship, which will take place on October 24–25, 2026, at the Neringa “Agila” Cultural Cultural Center, the WFF-WBBF World Federation together with the International Sport University will organize an International Trainers and Judges Seminar in Klaipėda on September 27, 2026.

Participants of the seminar will be awarded corresponding international qualifications.

During the event, new fitness categories will be introduced, athlete evaluation criteria discussed, and important judging issues reviewed. The organizers emphasize their commitment to gradually returning to the classical understanding of bodybuilding based on aesthetics, symmetry, and professionalism.

Part of the seminar lectures and practical sessions are expected to be conducted by a unique guest professor — currently the world’s only old-school professional posing virtuoso.

Final details are now being coordinated, and the organizers expect the program to remain unchanged.

More information coming soon. Follow International Pages www.wff.lt and www.worldfitness.lt

Dr. Edmundas Daubaras Initiated the Establishment of the USSR Bodybuilding Federation in 1986.

Facts Known by Few.

During Mikhail Gorbachev’s period of “perestroika,” the persecution of bodybuilding in the Soviet Union became more formal than real. After the international “Amber Prix” tournament held in 1986, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras invited the most influential figures in Soviet bodybuilding of that time to his apartment. Among them were representatives of the RSFSR, Vladimir Subov and Vladimir Dubinin, as well as the representative of the Ukrainian SSR, Arkadij Kasanskij.

Vladimir Dubinin had been invited to the “Amber Prix” tournament by Dr. Edmundas Daubaras. Vladimir Dubinin after losing at the 1974 “Georg Tenno Memorial” competition, had withdrawn from sports activities for thirteen years and had almost completely disappeared from the bodybuilding community.

The main topic of the meeting was the necessity of establishing an official USSR Bodybuilding Federation. Dr. Edmundas Daubaras explained the existing situation to the RSFSR representatives and proposed initiating the federation’s creation. Preparatory work through the USSR Weightlifting Federation was to be carried out by the RSFSR representatives.

Why Was Romanas Kalinauskas Not Present at the Meeting?

There were several reasons for not inviting him. Earlier, Romanas Kalinauskas had not supported Dr. Edmundas Daubaras in his struggle against the ban on bodybuilding. According to witnesses, he had stated that he would not “risk his Communist Party membership card.” Moreover, he repeatedly obstructed Dr. Edmundas Daubaras’ initiatives. However, once the petition of Dr. EDmundas Daubaras defending bodybuilding succeeded and the situation changed, Romanas Kalinauskas stood beside those who had actively fought for the recognition of the sport.

Beginning in 1975, during university student exchange programs, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras visited Czechoslovakia several times. There he met with the President of the Czechoslovak SSR Bodybuilding Federation, Vojtech Fiala, and Vice President Professor František Bulva.

Under supervision of the sport ministry of the Czechoslovakian SSR it was agreed that the best Czechoslovak bodybuilders would be invited to Lithuania within the framework of the “Amber Prix” tournament, and later the strongest USSR athletes would travel to compete in Czechoslovakia. The first joint competition was scheduled for 1979.

However, seeing that Dr. Edmundas Daubaras’ plans were nearing implementation, Romanas Kalinauskas allegedly sabotaged the project, which had been prepared for several years, by filing complaints with various authorities. According to contemporaries, the primary reason was personal ambition and jealousy, as he himself had not contributed to what was then considered a unique international bodybuilding initiative.

History offers many examples of individuals who, lacking the courage or ability to act themselves, attempt to obstruct those who take initiative and strive for change.

Get much more detailed information and documents on International Site www.wff.lt

WORLD FITNESS FEDERATION
(W.F.F. - International)
(W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Since 1968, 141 Country Members, 60 Annual International Events World Wide)
HISTORIC "AMBER PRIX INTERNATIONAL"
OVER ALL WINNERS
(1967 - 2026)

MEN
Date, Name, Country
2026 GRAZVYDAS NARUSEVICIUS, Lithuania

2025 SZYMON LUBECKI , Poland

2024 RAHUL JOSHI, India

2023 ALEKSEJ LAPSHIN, Estonia

2022 VASILIJ BESPALENKO, Ukraine

2021 ARTUR KAMIENIAK, Poland

2020 MAROS KANASZ, Slovakia

2019 GOLAP RABHA,  India

2018 ALEKSANDR SACHAROV, Uzbekistan

2017 MAROS KANASZ, Slovakia
2016 JORG FUCHS, Germany
2015 AHMADI ARASH, Iran
2014 ANDREJ RUMIANCEV, Estonia
2013 ANDRZEJ BRZEZINSKI, Poland
2012 PIR SARANDIB MEHDI, Iran
2011 NAFTEJ SINGH, India
2010 DHARMENDER SINGH, India
2009 ALEKSANDR SCIOGOLEV, Russia
2008 DARIUS BUKSNAITIS, Lithuania
2007 ALEKSANDR SEVCOV, Estonia
2006 ALEXANDR LIUBOMIROV, Latvia
2005 IVAN SERGEJEV, Russia
2004 ALEKSANDR MASLOVSKIJ, Latvia
2003 AIVARS VISOCKIS, Latvia
2002 RADIK MANAFOV, Lithuania
2001 ALEKSANDR MASLOVSKIJ, Latvia
2000 RADIK MANAFOV, Lithuania
1999 DARIUS BUKSNAITIS, Lithuania
1998 RICARDAS GURSKAS, Lithuania
1997 ROLANDAS POCIUS, Lithuania
1996 ALGIRDAS KILCIAUSKAS, Lithuania
1995 SERGEJ OGORODNIKOV, Russia
1994 ALGIRDAS KILCIAUSKAS, Lithuania
1991 OLEGAS ZURAS, Lithuania
1990 OLEGAS ZURAS, Lithuania
1989 VIKTORAS JUCYS, Lithuania
1988 VIKTORAS JUCYS, Lithuania
1987 VIKTORAS JUCYS, Lithuania
1986 ROLANDAS BUCINSKAS, Lithuania
1985 ALGIRDAS IVANAUSKAS, Lithuania
1984 VINCAS DUBICKAS, Lithuania
1983 VINCAS DUBICKAS, Lithuania
1982 JEVGENIJ GORELIK, Lithuania
1981 SAULIUS MISEVICIUS, Lithuania
1980 VLADAS KAPCEVICIUS, Lithuania
1979 OLEV ANNUS, Estonia
1978 OLEV ANNUS, Estonia
1977 STASYS CUKANOVAS, Lithuania
1976 RISARDAS KRINICKIS, Lithuania
1975 RISARDAS KRINICKIS, Lithuania
1974 VYTAUTAS ZENKEVICIUS, Lithuania

1970 ANTANAS MINEIKIS, Lithuania
1969 ANTANAS MINEIKIS, Lithuania
1968 LEONAS PIVORIUNAS, Lithuania

1967 KLEMENSAS ALSAUSKAS, Lithuania

WOMEN
Year, Champion's Name, Country.
2026 NORGARD JASMIN, Kingdom of Denmark

2025 BOGACZ OLGA, Poland

2024 IVANOVA JELENA, Latvia

2023 POVILONIENE VILMA, Lithuania

2022 SOBOLEWSKA KUCHARSKA ANNA, Poland

2021 SKYTTA HANNA, Finland

2020 SKYTTA HANNA, Finland

2019 MAZUMDER MOUMITA, India

2018 BROGGIA NERINA, Argentina
2017 HALAVEI HALINA, Cyprus
2016 TOLEDO YAMILA VANESSA, Argentina
2015 VLASOVA MARINA, Russia
2014 SOROKINA-KUKRES ALEKSANDRA, Lithuania
2013 TOLEDO YAMILA VANESSA, Argentina
2012 KOZLOVSKAJA VALENTINA, Belarus
2011 TOLEDO YAMILA VANESSA, Argentina
2010 VLASOVA VERA, Russia
2009 ISIDOROVA ALINA, Latvia
2008 TOLEDO YAMILA VANESSA, Argentina
2007 JELENA FRENKEL, Israel
2006 MILERIUTE JOLANTA, Lithuania
2005 JAKOVLEVA OLGA, Russia
2004 BORISOVA SVETLANA, Latvia
2003 PUGACHEVA SVETLANA, Russia
2002 DEGUTIENE LILIJA, Lithuania
2001 GLAGOLEVA VIKTORIA, Russia
2000 BURINSKAJA MARINA, Latvia
1999 MISEVICIENE SIMONA, Lithuania
1998 MISEVICIENE SIMONA, Lithuania
1997 MISEVICIENE SIMONA, Lithuania
1996 KAMINSKAITE IDALIJA, Lithuania
1995 KOVALKO TATJANA, Belarus
1994 KAMINSKAITE IDALIJA, Lithuania
1991 MURNIKOVIENE NATALIA, Lithuania
1990 MURNIKOVIENE NATALIA, Lithuania.

International Secretary UGNE RAUDYTE - DAUBARIENE

INFORMATION.
More detailed information on the Global International Site www.wff.lt, see forum topics.

THE BODYBUILDING CIRCUS TRAVELS ACROSS THE WORLD.

“Mouse Federations” in Bodybuilding: Explanations for Athletes.

More than three decades ago, during joint meetings with athletes, we used to explain the fundamental legal truths of our sport. This should be the alphabet of every athlete. Today we see that the subject remains relevant, although uncomfortable for many.

Many athletes participate in countless insignificant competitions, invest time, effort, and money, celebrate titles and victories, yet in terms of sports history and official recognition, the final result is often questionable. Everyone may decide for themselves why this happens.

THE FIRST STEP – AN INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION.

Today, more than forty different “international” bodybuilding organizations exist worldwide. However, the legal and sporting status of many of them raises serious questions. None of them is recognized by the global sports system as a whole.

After Lithuania regained independence, many believed integration into the Western sports world would open new opportunities. Yet direct cooperation with various international organizations gradually revealed that many of them were more declarative than genuinely influential sports structures.

I.F.B.B. (International Federation of BodyBuilders).

From 1947 to 1969, official bodybuilding worldwide was governed by F.I.H.C. (Fédération Internationale Haltérophile et Culturiste), a member organization connected to the International Olympic Committee. Its activities were strongly supported by American sports promoter Bob Hoffman.

In 1970, F.I.H.C. Secretary General Oscar State initiated the establishment of the international I.F.B.B. federation during the Belgrade Congress. Prior to that, I.F.B.B. had operated as a private company without official sporting status.

In 1971, I.F.B.B. became a member of G.A.I.S.F. and assumed leadership of official bodybuilding worldwide. However, in 1998 the International Olympic Committee terminated cooperation with I.F.B.B., and bodybuilding never became an Olympic sport.

Since then, bodybuilding’s position within official international sport has significantly weakened. Today, only some countries — mostly former socialist states and several Asian nations — still allocate state funding to the sport.

N.A.B.B.A. (National Amateur Body Building Association).

Lithuania cooperated with the international N.A.B.B.A. organization from 1991 to 2005. Over time, it became clear that the organization functioned more as a club-style association with internal problems and a relatively weak international structure.

Following the death of long-time leader Oscar Heidenstam, the organization lacked strong international leadership, and its influence in the sports world gradually declined.

W.F.F. (World Fitness Federation).

In 1995, seeking to distance themselves from the increasingly extreme direction of professional bodybuilding, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, Klaus Hoffmann, Anargiros Tsopouridis, and Peter Papula established the W.F.F. federation.

W.F.F. activities rapidly expanded in Lithuania. Between 1996 and 1998, European Championships were organized in Klaipėda, Vilnius, and Palanga with support from the Government of the Republic of Lithuania.

In 1998, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras officially registered the World W.F.F. Federation and organized the World Championship in Palanga. Later events in Vilnius and Klaipėda attracted considerable international attention and state support.

The 2005 W.F.F. World Championship in Vilnius featured 742 athletes from 42 countries. Several events were broadcast by Eurosport television.

Graeme Lancefield’s W.F.F..

Several years ago another W.F.F. organization emerged, associated with Australian promoter Graeme Lancefield. Disputes arose regarding the federation’s name, historical legacy, and rights to use the heritage of earlier events.

This conflict reflects a broader problem within bodybuilding — numerous competing organizations whose legal status and international recognition are often unclear.

N.A.C. (National Athletic Committee).

N.A.C. emerged after a split within the German W.F.F. structure. The organization mainly operated within Europe and never achieved major global recognition.

Despite more than two decades of activity, N.A.C. never became a significant international sports force.

N.P.C. (National Physique Committee).

In 1983, the N.P.C. organization was established in the United States and became closely connected to I.F.B.B. activities in America. For many years, it controlled amateur bodybuilding in the U.S.

After the end of the Weider brothers’ era, N.P.C. separated from I.F.B.B. and began operating independently on the international stage. Today, competition between the two organizations continues over influence and commercial interests.

W.A.B.B.A. (World Amateur Body Building Association).

W.A.B.B.A. emerged following the conflict between Serge Nubret and the I.F.B.B. leadership. The organization never became a fully structured international federation, and its activities often relied on personal initiatives rather than institutional foundations.

In Lithuania, W.A.B.B.A.’s presence was episodic and left little significant impact on national sports history.

OTHER FEDERATIONS AND TODAY’S REALITY.

Over recent decades, bodybuilding has seen the emergence of numerous new organizations and categories. Some focus less on sporting excellence and more on commercial entertainment or niche audiences.

Bodybuilding today is more fragmented than ever before. Many federations compete with one another while lacking broad international recognition or long-term strategic direction.

At the same time, the concept of bodybuilding itself has changed. New categories emphasize aesthetics, image, or commercial appeal. Some view this as the natural evolution of the sport, while others see it as a departure from the principles of classical bodybuilding.

CONCLUSION.

The history of bodybuilding demonstrates that a large number of federations does not automatically mean a stronger sport. Athletes should understand not only competition titles and rankings, but also the legal status, international recognition, and actual standing of the organizations they represent.

Only by understanding these differences can athletes objectively evaluate their achievements and their future in the sport.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

World Fitness Federation (W.F.F. - International)

World Bodybuilding Federation (W.B.B.F. - International)

International Amateur "UNIVERSE" Contest

Men Bodybuilding Over All Winners

(2000 - 2026)

Year, Name, Country.

2026 PIOTR SEVCENKO, Lithuania

2025 TORU FUKUTOMI, Japan

2024 MARIS SVEIDUKS, Latvia

2023 ALEKSEJ LAPSIN, Estonia

2022 DMITRIJ ANTONOV, Russia

2021 ROMAN POLSHIN, Estonia

2020 MICHAIL MALEK, Russia

2019 NIKOLAJ VOROBJOV, Russia

2018 RABHA GOLAP, India

2017 FREDDY GASTON VAN PUYENBROECK, Belgium

2016 MAROSZ KANAS, Slovakia

2015 ANDREJ RUMIANCEV, Estonia

2014 ANDRZEJ RAK, Poland

2013 ANDRZEJ BRZEZINSKI Poland

2012 ALEXANDER NEVSKY, Russia - USA

2011 ALEXANDER NEVSKY, Russia - USA

2010 ALEXANDER NEVSKY, Russia - USA

2009 ALEKSANDR VLADIMIROV, Lithuania

2008 DAYO AUDI, UK

2007 ROMAN DUBOVICKIJ, Russia

2006 ANTONIO OSTA, Uruguay

2005 ALEKSANDR BALDIN, Russia

2004 KONSTANTIN ZACHAROV, Russia

2003 JURIJ KARSETJAN, Latvia

2002 FRANCO CARLOTTO, Switzerland

2001 MINDAUGAS KVASYS, Lithuania

2000 MASSIMO MONACO, Italy.

Women Bodybuilding Over All Winners

Year, Name, Country.

2026 OLGA BOGACZ, Poland

2025 OLGA BOGACZ, Poland

2024 JELENA BITINEVA, Latvia

2023 ANNA SOBOLEWSKA KUCHARSKA, Poland

2022 MARIJA SIVKOVA, Russia

2021 HANNA SKYTTA, Finland

2020 OLESIA KONDRATOVA, Vietnam

2019 ALISA KLIMOVA, Russia

2018 NERINA BROGGIA, Argentina

2017 WILLEKE MARLES HOORNAERT, Belgium

2016 YAMILA VANESSA TOLEDO, Argentina

2015 JULIA GLAZYCEVA, Russia

2014 VALENTINA KOZLOVSKAJA, Belarus

2013 DALVANIZA AQUINO, Brazil

2012 YAMILA VANESSA TOLEDO, Argentina

2011 FERNANDA YOUGLAR, Argentina

2010 TRACEY LEE GOTTSCHALK, South Africa

2009 IRINA VALETTE FEDORUK, France

2008 FERNANDEZ ALEXANDRA XIMENA AGUIAR, Uruguay

2007 IRINA RIABOVA, Russia

2006 ROSALIA DUTRA DE CAMPOS, Argentina

2005 RACHEL KAUPPILA, Finland

2004 MARINA BURINSKAJA, Latvia

2003 RIPERT MARIE-PIERRE DOMINIQUE, France

2002 IRINA ZINCENKO, Russia

2001 SVETLANA PUGACHEVA, Russia

2000 MARINA BURINSKAJA, Latvia

W.F.F. - W.B.B.F. Secretary International Edita Sendriene

INFORMATION.
More detailed information on the Global International Site www.wff.lt

WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA.

1970 – 1980 BEST U.S.S.R. BODYBUILDERS.

BEGINNING.

Working on the „World Bodybuilding Encyclopedia“ («Энциклопедией всемирного культуризма», „Pasaulinė kultūrizmo enciklopedija“) we are analysing lots of historic happenings and facts. Today we can list five bodybuilders of the U.S.S.R. who were most famous since 1970 until 1980. That were representing famous „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ LEONAS PIVORIUNAS (his trainer was CESLAV TAMULEVIC, 1946 - 2021), VLADIMIR DUBININ (Владимир Дубинин, R.S.F.S.R., Leningrad, was training himself), representing „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ PRANAS MURAUSKAS ((his trainer was CESLAV TAMULEVIC) and two Estonians - OLEV ANNUS and INDREK OTSUS. Both were trained by INNAR MARDO (1945 – 2002).

BEST BODYBUILDERS

For twenty years the only one in the World „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ was making the road to develop bodybuilding in the U.S.S.R.. Until now no other bodybuilding school influenced bodybuilding sport and did the same in the World. The school was created by CESLAV TAMULEVICH. Later came his follower poet, writer and drama creator VITALIJ ASOVSKIJ (Виталий Асовский, 1952 - 2026)). Both trainers did miracles with their pupils on stage. Everybody in the huge territory admired their works and tried to copy and follow them. About the ideas and works and future goals of the school VITALIJ ASOVSKIJ wrote a methodical story. Several years ago VITALIJ ASOVSKIJ proposed DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS to fulfil works and methods of the school at the competitions of the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International. Unfortunately bodybuilding is in so big problem now and it is a question of it‘s official survival. We think there is the only one way out – W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International seeks recognition of the International Olympic Committee and it works on this very much.

PRANAS MURAUSKAS.

Representing „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ PRANAS MURAUSKAS participated at bodybuilding contests since 1969 until 1974. He Always won his categories. Best result of PRANAS MURAUSKAS was the first place and the Over All Winner‘s title at the 1974 „Georg Tenno Memorial“ («Мемориал Георга Тенно») in Tallinn (Estonian SSR). Having International Standard shape PRANAS MURAUSKAS became very famous. Bodybuilding magazines and newspapers wrote much about him. He won against VLADIMIR DUBININ and OLEV ANNUS then and came into World‘s Bodybuilding History forever.

VLADIMIR DUBININ

Russian bodybuilder VLADIMIR DUBININ (Владимир Дубинин, 1948) since 1968 until 1974 participated at eleven competitions. His participation started with the second place at the 1968 National Championship of the Estonian SSR. Best results were first places at the 1970 and 1971 International Contests in Kaunas (Lithuanian SSR), 1971 and 1972 U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Cahmpionships («Чемпионат С.С.С.Р. по культуризму»), 1972 „Georg Tenno Memorial“ («Мемориал Георга Тенно», 1971 - 2024). Participation ended when VLADIMIR DUBININ lost his category at the 1974 „Georg Tenno Memorial“ to OLEV ANNUS (Estonian SSR). Since 1991 until 2019 he was President of the National I.F.B.B. federation of Russian Federation.

LEONAS PIVORIUNAS

Representing unique in the World „Vilnius Bodybuilding School“ („Vilniaus kultūrizmo mokykla“, «Вильнюсская школа культуризма») famous sculpturer LEONAS PIVORIOUNAS participated at various competitions. Best results of LEONAS PIVORIUNAS were the first places at the historical „Amber Prix International“ (1968, „Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз»), Kaunas International Contest (1968), International Competitions in Warszawa (People‘s Republic of Poland) and Tiumen (Russian SSR). In 2020 LEONAS PIVORIUNAS at the Parliament Republic Lithuania was awarded with the W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. (World Fitness Federation, World Body Building Federation) „International Honour Silver Medal“ («Международная Серебряная Медаль Почёта»).

INDREK OTSUS.

Indrek Otsus was one of the most prominent bodybuilders of the Estonian SSR and a multiple national champion. Between 1974 and 1982, he competed in twenty-three contests and achieved significant victories on the international stage.

A major influence on his career was his coach Innar Mardo (1945–2002), often referred to as “the soul of Estonian bodybuilding.” Under his guidance, Indrek Otsus reached the highest levels of competitive success.

Indrek Otsus achieved outstanding results at the international tournament Georg Tenno Memorial held in Tallinn. He won the competition in 1976, 1977, 1979, and 1985, and in 1985 he was also awarded the title of overall champion.

In 1981, Indrek Otsus won his category at the historic international tournament “Amber Prix International” (Gintarinis prizas”) in Klaipėda, Lithuania. The same year, he also triumphed at the international “Comsomol Cup” tournament held in Kaunas.

Another major achievement in his career came at the international “Trener” tournament in Czechoslovakia. In 1980, 1981, and 1982 he won his category, while in 1981 and 1982 he was recognized as the overall winner of the event.

In 1979, Indrek Otsus also claimed victory at the international “Spartacus Cup” tournament held in the Hungarian People’s Republic.

After completing his active competitive career, Indrek Otsus became involved in organizing bodybuilding events. In 1987, he co-organized the “Georg Tenno Memorial” together with DSc. Edmundas Daubaras, the current president of the World Fitness Federation / World Body Building Federation, who was temporarily living in Estonia at that time.

The Article will be continued and we will speak about each of the mentioned above Athletes. Follow International Page www.wff.lt

“AMBER PRIX” – WHAT IS IT? HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE.

For more than six decades, the name “Amber Prix” has resonated throughout the world. What is it? Once a traditional bodybuilding tournament, today it has grown into a broad movement promoting wellness, fitness, and professional sport. Thanks to the activities of the international WFF-WBBF Federation, the “Amber Prix” has become a significant international sporting phenomenon.

During the period when bodybuilding was banned in the Soviet Union, the “Amber Prix” competition became the unofficial USSR Bodybuilding Championship, later recognized as such by the USSR Ministry of Sports. At that time, for many athletes from across the Soviet Union, this tournament effectively served as both the World and European Championship. The highest sporting achievements were associated with victories and prize-winning places at the “Amber Prix” competition.

In his efforts to rehabilitate bodybuilding, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras spent years corresponding with leaders of the USSR Weightlifting Federation, the central Soviet sports press, and meeting with the Minister of Sports of the Lithuanian SSR, Zigmas Motiekaitis. Eventually, he decided to prepare and submit an official petition defending bodybuilding to the highest political authorities in Moscow. At that time, not a single well-known bodybuilding organizer, coach, or athlete supported this initiative — on the contrary, most advised him to abandon the idea.

It was through the efforts of Dr. Edmundas Daubaras that permission was granted to organize the “Amber Prix” tournament in Klaipėda. Later, under the leadership of Romanas Kalinauskas, Kaunas bodybuilders began organizing the traditional “Komsomol Cup” competitions. These initiatives continued until the collapse of the Soviet Union.

After Lithuania restored its independence, the “Amber Prix” tournament continuously received support from the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. On the occasion of the tournament’s 40th anniversary, the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania adopted a decision to provide state funding for the event through a separate line in the national budget.

Today, the “Amber Prix” is not only a part of sports history, but also an international symbol of bodybuilding and wellness that promotes Lithuania throughout the world. Throughout the history of the “Amber Prix” tournament, athletes from various countries around the world have participated, representing all continents. In 2008, competitors from 32 countries took part in the event.

More information about these historical events and the activities of the international federation can be found on the official website: www.wff.lt

2026 BODYBUILDING ANNIVERSARIES. CEREMONIAL SPORTS HONOURING EVENT OF 2025.

On May 17, 2025, the 60th anniversary of Lithuanian bodybuilding (1965–2025) was solemnly celebrated in the seaside town of Gargždai. It was the only official event of this scale in Lithuania dedicated to the history of national bodybuilding and to honour distinguished representatives of the sport.

The event was organized by sports enthusiasts from Gargždai under the leadership of Viktoras Kura, prize winner of the international “Amber Prix” tournament. The celebration brought together bodybuilding veterans, sports leaders, public figures, and honoured guests from Lithuania and abroad.

Among the distinguished guests were Member of the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania Alvydas Mockus, President of the World Fitness Federation / World Bodybuilding Federation (W.F.F. – W.B.B.F.) Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, Klaipėda politicians Gintaras Martinkėnas and Romualdas Milė, President of the Lithuanian Sports Fitness Federation Darius Daubaras, legendary world professional bodybuilder Natalija Murnikovienė, Vidmantas Malakauskas, Alina Pelepko, President of the Lithuanian Bodybuilding Federation Modestas Puišė, Head of the Lithuanian Bodybuilding Academy Remigijus Bimba, President of the Latvian Bodybuilding Federation and absolute 2024 W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. professional “Universe” champion Maris Šveiduks, along with many other well-known athletes.

The event was also attended by legendary Lithuanian bodybuilders and former U.S.S.R. champions Saulius Misevičius, Raimundas Petraitis, and Ričardas Petrauskas, as well as athletes Tautvilas Rinkevičius, Aleksas Stankus, Igor Karpec, and Vidmantas Lukys.

Current Lithuanian bodybuilding leaders were also honoured during the celebration: absolute W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. European Amateur Champion Martynas Pakalnis, athletes Arvydas Mickus and Rokas Ražanauskas, absolute 2024 W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. World Champion Vaida Budrienė, and 2023 Professional European Champion as well as 2025 Professional World Cup Champion Raimundas Urbanavičius.

2026 BODYBUILDING ANNIVERSARIES. Major Historical Anniversaries 1966 – the first international bodybuilding tournament in Lithuania was organized. 1976 – for the first time in U.S.S.R. bodybuilding history, Estonian athlete Olev Annus used a special competition diet while preparing for the “Georg Tenno Memorial”. 1986 – the future of U.S.S.R. bodybuilding was discussed and decided through the initiative of Dr. Edmundas Daubaras in Klaipėda. 1996 – for the first time in Lithuanian sports history, the European Bodybuilding Championship was officially supported and financed by the Government of the Republic of Lithuania. The competition took place at the Klaipėda Drama Theatre, while a ceremonial banquet for 300 participants, guests, and organizers was held at Count Tiškevičius Palace in Kretinga. The chairman of the organizing committee was Julius Jurgutis, Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Reforms and Municipal Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, and the vice-chairman was Vice Minister of Sports Rimas Girskis. The championship was filmed and broadcast by LNK television. 2006 – the officially supported W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Professional Bodybuilding Championship was organized in Vilnius.  “AMBER PRIX” – 60TH ANNIVERSARY.

The 60th anniversary of the world’s oldest traditional bodybuilding tournament, “Amber Prix International” (“Янтарный приз”), is approaching (1967–2026).

Athletes and bodybuilding organizers from Lithuania and abroad are already actively preparing for this historic event.

The first absolute winner of the tournament in 1967 was Klemensas Alšauskas. In 1968, the second tournament held in Klaipėda was won by famous Vilnius sculptor Leonas Pivoriūnas.

During the period when bodybuilding was prohibited, following the example of Czechoslovak bodybuilders, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras of Klaipėda independently prepared a petition defending bodybuilding and personally delivered it to the highest U.S.S.R. institutions and media offices in Moscow. Despite the ban and persecution of bodybuilding at the time, official political permission was granted in 1978 to organize public bodybuilding competitions in Klaipėda – the “Amber Prix”.

More information: www.wff.lt

INTERNATIONAL NEWS. MEETING OF THE WORLD FEDERATION ORGANIZING COMMITTEE.

On May 8, 2026, the organizing committee of the World WFF-WBBF Federation gathered in Klaipėda, Lithuania.

During the meeting, members discussed the recently successful international events and further plans for the federation’s activities. Special attention was given to preparations for the upcoming 37th World Amateur and Professional Championship, which will take place on October 24–25 at the new “Agila” Cultural Center in Neringa. The championship will be held together with the traditional 3rd “Neringa Mayor’s Cup” competition.

In preparation for the World Championship, the federation, together with the International Sport University, will organize an International Coaches and Judges Seminar in Klaipėda on September 27, 2026. Participants of the seminar will receive corresponding international categories.

More information coming soon.

Follow the official information: www.wff.lt and www.worldfitness.lt 

INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK
A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE HISTORY OF THE “AMBER PRIX” TOURNAMENT

The sixtieth anniversary of the historic international “Amber Prix” tournament is approaching. In this publication, its history will be presented in a structured way, revealing the key stages of its development. We intend to mark this anniversary not only with ceremonial events, but also with this book.

This is not merely a story about physical strength or athletic achievements. The international “Amber Prix” tournament, born and developed in Klaipėda, is a unique phenomenon—significant for the city, for Lithuania, and for the global bodybuilding movement. In this introduction, we briefly review the main themes and highlight the most important political, sporting, and social contexts.

The origins of the tournament date back to a period of rapid civilizational change: humanity was exploring the depths of the oceans and venturing into space. In this context, bodybuilding opened up new possibilities—it allowed not only the development of strength and endurance, but also the deliberate shaping of the human body.

The first competition was held in 1967 at the Klaipėda Polytechnic school. Athletes performed strength exercises and demonstrated their physiques. The initiator and organizer of the event was Klaipėda native Antanas Jonuškutis.

Following earlier unsuccessful attempts to establish bodybuilding, the second USSR Bodybuilding Federation (Athletic Gymnastics Commission) was founded in 1968 during an international tournament in Kaunas. It was decided that the federation would hold its first meeting in Klaipėda during the “Amber Prix” tournament—this decision was duly implemented.

After the events of 1967–1968, as bodybuilding rapidly gained popularity, the “Amber Prix” competitions were also held in Klaipėda in 1969 and 1970 under the leadership of Antanas Jonuškutis. He later withdrew from active organizational work.

In 1973, for political reasons, bodybuilding was banned and persecuted in the USSR and other socialist countries. Many athletes discontinued their training, while the most determined continued in secrecy—most often in basements of private homes.

You can find more detailed information on International site www.wff.lt