WFF-WBBF South America

WFF–WBBF President for South America – Jorge Cedale

In recent years, growing political and economic tensions around the world have also affected international sports activities. Nevertheless, the history of the WFF–WBBF Federation preserves the memory of individuals whose dedication made a significant contribution to the organization's development across different continents. One of them was the long-serving WFF–WBBF President for South America, the Argentine Jorge Cedale (1958–2024).

South American bodybuilders began actively participating in international WFF–WBBF events in 1996. Since 2005 under Jorge Cedale's leadership, athletes from Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Paraguay competed in World Championships and other WFF–WBBF events held in Europe and Asia. Among them were Jamila Vanessa Toledo, Fernanda Yiouglar, Rosalia Dutra de Campos, Merina Broggia, Farreyra Maryangeles, Carolina Elizabeth Magnani, Antuanez Aurora Beatriz Faguendez, Alejandra Mariel Rubio, Liliana Escudeiro de Cangeri, Maria Sol Farinelli, Fernando Ariel Perdomo, Glayson Souto, Crecky Chavez, Dalvaniza Aquino, Cordeiro Ricardo Fernandes, Damascena Hugo Rafael de Almeida, Tourun Ignacio Daniel Torres, Alexandra Ximena Aguiar Fernandez, Antonio Osta, Maria Melgarejo Fernandez, and Claudia Mendoza Ramirez.

In 2011, the President of the World WFF–WBBF Federation, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, visited Argentina to attend the annual South American WFF–WBBF Championship. During his years of service, Jorge Cedale organized eight South American Championships, which served as the principal qualifying events for the Federation's World Championships. The best athletes from these competitions went on to represent their countries successfully at international WFF–WBBF events in Europe and Asia.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to the Federation, Jorge Cedale was awarded the WFF–WBBF “Honorary Silver Medal” in 2008. As a frequent participant in international WFF–WBBF events held in Lithuania, he was several times an honored guest at the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania and took part in international press conferences organized by the ELTA National News Agency. He also played an important role in strengthening the Federation's international relations.

Conclusions

Jorge Cedale was one of the most distinguished leaders of the WFF–WBBF Federation in South America. Through his efforts, a strong system of continental championships was established, providing athletes from South America with the opportunity to qualify for World Championships and gain international recognition.

For more than two decades, Jorge Cedale made an invaluable contribution to the growth of the WFF–WBBF Federation and to the expansion of international cooperation between South America, Europe, and Asia. His organizational achievements remain an important part of the Federation's history, and he will be remembered as one of the most dedicated and influential WFF–WBBF officials in South America.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

“History of “Amber Prix”. “Mr. Absoliutus SSSR”

Sports organizers and administrators hold competitions in which athletes strive for victory and the highest achievements. It is through these competitions that victories and outstanding performances become known to the public through the media. Without sporting achievements, many athletes would remain unknown to the wider public.

Victories bring joy and pride not only to the athletes themselves, but also to their families, coaches, teammates, and the entire sporting community. Every victory is a recognition of years of hard work, perseverance, and dedication.

Although countless athletes compete in sporting events, only a select few leave a lasting mark on the history of sport through their exceptional achievements. These athletes become role models for younger generations and inspire others to pursue excellence and strive for the highest goals.

Today’s athletes usually know the strongmen of past decades only through stories and recollections. Yet there was a time when one man’s name resonated throughout the bodybuilding world of the Soviet Union. That man was Viktoras Jucys from Klaipeda. By the late 1980s, he had become the undisputed leader of Soviet bodybuilding. Vladimir Dubinin, President of the Russian IFBB Federation, once referred to him as “Mr. Absoliutus SSSR” – a title that perfectly reflected his dominance in competition during that era.

His journey to the top began in Klaipeda. The first time he saw the competitors of the famous “Amber Prix” tournament, he was astonished by their physiques and athleticism. Leaving the event, he made a promise to himself: “I will become like them.” That moment marked the beginning of a goal that would change his life.

He did not join a gym immediately. Instead, he began training alone in a garage near the seaside. The conditions were primitive. During winter he worked out wearing a heavy jacket and gloves to keep warm, and at times his evening training sessions were lit only by candlelight. Yet such hardships never discouraged him. Like many enthusiasts of that era, he learned discipline, perseverance, and the determination to pursue his dream regardless of circumstances.

After eventually joining a bodybuilding club, Viktoras was encouraged by his coach to compete. His first attempt, however, was unsuccessful. Disappointed, he turned his attention to karate. At that time, both bodybuilding and karate were viewed unfavorably by Soviet authorities and were, at various periods, effectively banned. Such restrictions only strengthened the commitment of those who practiced them. Having mastered the basics of martial arts, Jucys competed successfully until the authorities closed the city’s only karate club. He then returned to where his sporting journey had begun – the bodybuilding gym.

From that point on, training became the center of his life. The results soon followed. In 1984 and 1985, Jucys won the overall title in the youth division of the “Amber Prix” tournament. In 1985, he also captured first place at the “Komsomol Cup” competition in Kaunas. Soon afterward began the most remarkable period of his career.

From 1986 onward, Viktoras won every competition he entered. He claimed victory twice at the “White Nights” Tournament in Leningrad, won the “Amber Prix” three times, and became the overall champion of the first official USSR Bodybuilding Cup. He also accumulated nineteen victories in international competitions. During those years, he had no equal in the Soviet Union.

His physical attributes were equally impressive. Standing 174 centimeters tall, he weighed approximately 109 kilograms between competitions. Both his biceps and calves measured an extraordinary 50 centimeters in circumference. Jucys preferred training with extremely heavy weights, and although his workouts were relatively short, they were exceptionally intense. In the gym, certain pieces of equipment even acquired nicknames: “Viktoras’s barbell” and “Viktoras’s dumbbells.” These were weights so heavy that few other athletes dared to use them.

The story of Viktoras Jucys is the story of a man who rose from training in an unheated garage in Klaipeda to the pinnacle of Soviet bodybuilding. His achievements stand not only as a testament to extraordinary determination and talent, but also as an important chapter in the history of Lithuanian bodybuilding.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

1976–1977 “AMBER PRIX” TOURNAMENTS.

THE FIRST PUBLIC BODYBUILDING COMPETITIONS IN THE USSR AFTER THE BAN.

In 1976, Edmundas Daubaras organized the “Amber Prix” tournament together with the “Zemaitija Cup” in the city of Telsiai, Lithuania. The strength events were held in one of the city’s schools, while the physique presentation program took place at the Telsiai Culture Palace. These competitions became the first publicly held bodybuilding contest in the Soviet Union after bodybuilding had been officially banned.

At that time, bodybuilding in the USSR was prohibited and actively persecuted by Soviet authorities. Nevertheless, Edmundas Daubaras succeeded in convincing the administration of the Culture Palace that the event violated no regulations. The competition was openly advertised to local residents, and the hall was filled with spectators. Organizing such an event involved considerable personal risk, but the tournament proceeded successfully and without consequences from the authorities.

Athletes from Vilnius, Klaipeda, and Siauliai participated in the event.

Winners of the 1976 Tournament

Junior Group Winners

Rimas Apulskis Stasys Stanius Rimas Cesaitis

Youth Group Winners

Antanas Basermanas Aimontas Dolgichas Evaldas Sorius

Adult Group Winners

Valentinas Vandys Risardas Krinickis

Overall Champions

Rimas Apulskis Evaldas Sorius Rišardas Krinickis

For comparison, an international bodybuilding event held in Kaunas the same year took place secretly in a factory cultural hall outside the city and without spectators. Another international bodybuilding competition organized in Kalinin (now Tver, RSFSR) was officially prohibited by authorities, yet athletes still staged the contest in a tiny local sports club as an act of protest. Only a small circle of supporters attended.

In 1976, while training at the Vilnius “Viktorija” club, Edmundas Daubaras met lawyer Grigorij Leonov, who had just graduated from the Faculty of Law at Vilnius University and had been appointed as a people’s judge in Klaipėda.

After Grigorij Leonov moved to Klaipeda, Edmundas Daubaras persuaded him to assume leadership of the city’s bodybuilding movement. The reasoning was practical: a judge’s position opened doors among city officials and made it easier to establish legal opportunities for athletes. While Edmundas Daubaras continued to manage organizational matters, Grigorij Leonov worked on creating legitimate legal foundations for bodybuilding activities in Klaipeda.

In 1977, the “Klaipeda Bodybuilding Federation” was officially registered under the Klaipeda City Sports Committee. This was an unprecedented development in the entire Soviet Union. Although bodybuilding remained banned throughout the USSR, Klaipeda now had an officially functioning bodybuilding federation. It remained the only legally operating bodybuilding federation in the Soviet Union until 1987, when the USSR Bodybuilding Federation was established under the USSR Ministry of Sports.

By legal means, all unofficial bodybuilding clubs in Klaipeda were closed, leaving only three clubs operating under the federation:

“Gintaras” — headed by Edmundas Daubaras “Satrija” — headed by Sigitas Vilutis “Alksnyne” — headed by Oleg Serov

The public competitions in Telsiai caused a sensation throughout the Soviet bodybuilding community. Many were astonished that such an event could take place openly. The leader of bodybuilding in the Estonian SSR, Innar Mardo (1945–2002), sent a letter of support to Edmundas Daubaras and promoted the “Amber Prix” tournament in Czechoslovak sports publications.

Encouraged by the success in Telsiai, Edmundas Daubaras, assisted by his father Vytautas Daubaras, organized the 1977 “Amber Prix” tournament at the Klaipeda Seaport Culture Palace. This event featured only physique presentation categories without strength exercises. Once again, the tournament was public, and local athletes personally spread information about the competition among supporters. The hall was filled with enthusiastic spectators.

Athletes from Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipeda participated in the 1977 tournament, which further strengthened Lithuania’s role as the center of unofficial Soviet bodybuilding during the years of prohibition.

1977 “Amber Prix” Tournament

In 1977, Edmundas Daubaras organized the public “Amber Prix” bodybuilding tournament at the Klaipeda Seaport Culture Palace. Athletes from Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipeda participated in the competition. The hall was full of spectators invited by the athletes and their supporters. These contests became one of the first public bodybuilding events in the Soviet Union after the sport had been officially banned.

Junior Division First Height Category

1st place – Viaceslav Chleborodov (Vilnius)
2nd place – Edvardas Burba (Klaipėda)
3rd place – Rimas Apulskis (Klaipėda)

Second Height Category

1st place – Boris Dolgov (Vilnius)
2nd place – Benas Uckus (Kaunas)
3rd place – Nikolajus Kuznecovas (Vilnius)

Third Height Category

1st place – Stepan Nevera (Vilnius)
2nd place – Evaldas Sorius (Klaipėda)
3rd place – Edvardas Miseniovas (Kaunas)

Adult Division First Height Category

1st place – Algimantas Kersulis (Vilnius)
2nd place – Vytautas Daubaras (Vilnius)
3rd place – Jonas Zurauskas (Kaunas)

Second Height Category

1st place – Kestutis Petrosius (Vilnius)
2nd place – Risardas Krinickis (Vilnius)
3rd place – Stasys Maksimovas (Kaunas)

Third Height Category

1st place – Stasys Cukanovas (Vilnius)
2nd place – Albertas Besakirskas (Kaunas)
3rd place – Vytautas Zenkevicius (Klaipėda)

Overall Winners

Junior Division – Borisas Dolgovas
Adult Division – Stasys Cukanovas

THE 1977 STRUGGLE AGAINST THE POLITICAL DECISIONS OF THE USSR AUTHORITIES. 1977: THE INTENSIFICATION OF BODYBUILDING PERSECUTION IN THE USSR

In 1977, Edmundas Daubaras once again travelled to the Czechoslovak SSR for two months under a university exchange program. The sports activity program was similar to that of previous years and included meetings with the President of the Czechoslovak Bodybuilding Federation, Vojtech Fiala, as well as with the federation’s vice-president, Professor Frantisek Bulva.

Seeking to demonstrate loyalty to their government, the Czechoslovak officials organized a meeting for Edmundas Daubaras, as a representative of Soviet bodybuilding, with the leadership of the Czechoslovak Ministry of Sports. At that time, the Czechoslovak Bodybuilding Federation already had its own office within the ministry, where the federation’s secretary, the well-known bodybuilder Peter Tlapak, was working.

Vojtech Fiala also arranged Edmundas Daubaras’ visit to the national Olympic training center located in a mountain resort area. At that time, members of the national bodybuilding team were preparing there for the World Championships. Meetings and discussions took place with athletes and coaches.

Later, Edmundas Daubaras visited the city of Brno, where Professor Frantisek Bulva organized two meetings of the Council of the Czechoslovak Bodybuilding Federation. Edmundas Daubaras attended these meetings as a guest and delivered a presentation on the situation of bodybuilding in the USSR.

1977: THE INTENSIFICATION OF BODYBUILDING PERSECUTION IN THE USSR

In 1977, the persecution of bodybuilding in the USSR intensified even further. The USSR Ministry of Sports issued directives calling for stricter measures against bodybuilding, and the sports ministries of the Soviet republics repeated and actively enforced these orders. At the same time, a coordinated campaign against bodybuilding began in the Soviet press. Particularly aggressive criticism came from journalist Dmitry Ivanov of the newspaper Sovietsky Sport. As pressure mounted, nearly all prominent bodybuilding organizers throughout the USSR fell silent.

Refusing to accept the situation and drawing inspiration from the examples he had witnessed in Czechoslovakia, Edmundas Daubaras began corresponding with the editorial office of Sovietsky Sport, the USSR Weightlifting Federation, and officials of the USSR Ministry of Sports. However, these efforts produced no positive results.

At the end of 1977, Edmundas Daubaras, together with the best bodybuilders of the city, took part in the “Georg Tenno Memorial” held in Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. It was one of the most prestigious bodybuilding competitions in the USSR at the time. The most successful performance came from Patras Stanius, who won third place in the junior category.

You can find more information on international site www.wff.lt

Indian Athletes Have Developed a Strong Affection for the “Amber Prix” Tournament

Athletes from a number of Asian countries actively participate in the activities of the International WFF-WBBF Federation. Among the most prominent are India, Pakistan, and Turkey, while Egypt has also become increasingly active in recent years.

We first met Indian bodybuilders in 2008 at the WFF-WBBF “World Grand Prix” held in Greece. Closely following the activities of the international federation, Indian organizers staged the first WFF-WBBF India National Championship in 2010 and invited the federation’s leaders to attend. Since then, our cooperation has continued to grow, and we have participated in various events in India on as many as nineteen occasions.

Over the years, Indian athletes have become regular participants in the prestigious “Amber Prix” tournament held in Klaipeda, Lithuania. Many of them have won titles in their respective categories, while two Indian representatives, Dharminder Singh and Navtej Singh, achieved an exceptional distinction by becoming Overall Champions of the tournament.

The success of Indian athletes once again highlights the growing strength of bodybuilding in India and the close ties that have been established with the international WFF-WBBF community.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

 “Amber Prix” – 60 Years: A Legend Rooted in the History of Klaipėda and World Sport

In May 2027, Klaipeda will become the center of a unique sporting and cultural event – the anniversary of one of the oldest traditional bodybuilding and fitness competitions in the world. The “Amber Prix” marks its 60th anniversary. This is not only a milestone, but a living history that over six decades has shaped generations of athletes, gathered thousands of participants, and left a distinct mark on the international sports community.

The anniversary event will span three days and promises to become an exceptional celebration bringing together sport, culture, history, and living legends. Distinguished representatives of the worlds of sport, public life, and culture from various countries are expected to be invited to Klaipeda.

Among the honorary guests are world-renowned personalities Arnold Schwarzenegger, Ralf Moeller, and Alexander Nevsky, the WFF–WBBF Federation representative in the United States. The names of these athletes have long been etched into the history of international bodybuilding.

All three have earned the prestigious “Mr. Universe” title and have gone on to build successful careers in the film industry as actors, directors, and producers. Their participation in the anniversary event would add exceptional international prestige to the celebration and make it a significant occasion for both the Lithuanian sporting community and visitors to the city.

The journey of the “Amber Prix” began at a time when bodybuilding was still forming its international identity, and the dissemination of information required exceptional dedication and belief in a vision. A special role in this movement’s history was played by Edmundas Daubaras, who in 1989 published the magazine “Arnoldas Švarcenegeris rekomenduoja” in an impressive print run of 2 million copies. This publication became not only training and educational material for athletes, but also a symbolic bridge connecting sportspeople across different countries and inspiring a new generation to pursue the highest goals.

Over the decades, the “Amber Prix” has grown into an international phenomenon where sport intertwines with culture, diplomacy, and personal stories. Representatives of public and political life from various countries have been involved in the activities of the WFF-WBBF federation. Among them was the former President of the Austrian Parliament, Professor Alfred Gerstl, who not only supported event initiatives but also attended competitions as an honorary guest, contributing to their international recognition.

Special symbolic significance in the history of the “Amber Prix” is also held by its earlier anniversaries. During the 40th jubilee, Klaipeda hosted an exhibition of original photographs of Arnold Schwarzenegger, presented through Professor A. Gerstl, as well as a documentary film about his life journey. These materials became a highlight of the event, attracting significant public attention.

During the 50th anniversary, the event reached an even broader international audience – through the mediation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania, a report from Klaipeda was broadcast to a global audience by CNN television. This became an important recognition not only of the event itself, but also of Lithuania’s contribution to the global bodybuilding movement.

Today, the “Amber Prix” looks to the future with even greater ambition and respect for its history. A newly released comprehensive book by Arnold Schwarzenegger “Arnold” serves as a reminder of the profound influence this figure has had on the entire sporting era, while the upcoming jubilee in Klaipeda becomes a living continuation of that legacy.

As the 60th anniversary approaches, another important project is being prepared at the initiative of the Klaipeda City Municipality administration and a group of enthusiasts – a large-scale historical book dedicated to the “Amber Prix” will be published. The text in Lithuanian is already completed, and translations into other languages are currently in progress, aiming to make the history of the event even more widely known around the world.

Today, the “Amber Prix” is more than a competition. It is a tradition that unites generations. A stage where legends are born. A name of Klaipeda resonating on the world map of sport. And a story that is far from over.

More information you can get on international site www.wff.lt

WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA

WORLD’S OLDEST TRADITIONAL BODYBUILDING CONTESTS

Looking through the years and evaluating the status, significance, and historical value of competitions, three of the world’s oldest traditional bodybuilding contests that are still held today can be distinguished:

Nr. 1 – N.A.B.B.A. Universe

Organizer: National Amateur Body-Builders' Association (N.A.B.B.A.) Location: United Kingdom Established: 1950 First Overall Winner: Steve Reeves (USA)

Nr. 2 – Mr. Olympia

Founder: Joe Weider Location: United States Established: 1965 First Overall Winner: Larry Scott (USA)

Nr. 3 – Amber Prix International

Organizer: World Fitness Federation / World Bodybuilding Federation Location: Lithuania Established: 1967 First Overall Winner: Klemensas Alsauskas (Lithuania)

Remark

These competitions are considered the oldest traditional bodybuilding contests due to their historical continuity, international recognition, and significant contribution to the development of bodybuilding worldwide.

More information is on International Site www.wff.lt

2025 W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. Activities in Scandinavia

News from Scandinavian Countries

Over the past three decades, the WFF–WBBF has consistently developed international cooperation with the Scandinavian region. Athletes from Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Norway regularly participate in the federation’s World and European championships, contributing to the development and promotion of bodybuilding and fitness sports in the region.

Within Scandinavian sports communities, bodybuilding remains a steadily growing discipline. Cooperation with international federations creates opportunities for athlete exchanges, referee education, and the harmonization of competition and organizational standards.

International Visits and Cooperation

In recent years, Edmundas Daubaras visited Finland, Sweden, and Denmark. During these visits, he met with leaders of national sports organizations, club representatives, and well-known Scandinavian bodybuilding athletes.

The main objectives of these visits included:

strengthening cooperation between national federations; expanding participation of young athletes in international competitions; discussing the organization of joint events and championships; aligning judging and competition standards.

In addition, official Scandinavian delegations have visited the headquarters of WFF–WBBF in Klaipėda on multiple occasions. Among them was Simo Bogdanoff, who actively participated in discussions regarding future sports projects and regional development initiatives.

The Role of Scandinavia in Federation Activities

The Scandinavian countries have long been an important part of the WFF–WBBF sporting system. Athletes from the region demonstrate a high level of preparation, and their participation in international events contributes to raising the overall quality and competitiveness of competitions.

This cooperation also contributes to:

the professionalization of sports in the region; the development of international club networks; the improvement of training and competition methodologies; strengthening the global image of bodybuilding as a sport.

The Kingdom of Denmark Honor Book

In 2008, in recognition of long-term international sporting activity, Edmundas Daubaras was included in the Honor Book of the Kingdom of Denmark upon the recommendation of the Danish National Federation.

The award was presented during the World Professional Championship held in Vilnius, in the presence of international sports delegations. This recognition is considered a significant acknowledgement within the global bodybuilding community.

In an official statement, Danish delegation leader Anders Buus emphasized that Mr. Daubaras:

“is a constant source of knowledge and experience for the world of bodybuilding sport. His contribution to fitness and bodybuilding is exceptional. He has always been the athletes’ No. 1 representative, and his work will remain significant for all those interested in this sport.”

The document also notes that he was included among distinguished international figures in the sporting community, including Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Conclusions

Long-term cooperation with Scandinavia demonstrates that the region is one of the most stable and active parts of WFF–WBBF international activity. International visits and dialogue between federation leadership and Scandinavian sports representatives contribute to the harmonization of sport standards and improvement of organizational quality. Participation of Scandinavian athletes enhances the competitive level of international championships and raises the prestige of the sport in the region. Institutional recognition (Honor Book of Denmark) shows that the activities of Edmundas Daubaras are acknowledged not only in sports but also by official sporting institutions. Overall trend indicates that bodybuilding and fitness sports in Scandinavia continue to grow steadily, with international cooperation serving as a key driver of development.

More information, documents are on international site www.wff.lt

The 2009 “Amber Prix” and Other Important International Events

In 2009, while preparations were underway for the WFF–WBBF World Amateur and WBBF Professional Championships in Estonia, the WFF Professional Championship in Prague, and the international “Universe” contest in Slovakia, the traditional international tournament “Amber Prix” was held in Klaipeda, Lithuania.

However, when recalling the events of 2009, it is impossible not to highlight the significant developments in Slovakia, which played an important role in the advancement of international bodybuilding and fitness.

Slovakia Becomes an International Center of Bodybuilding and Fitness

The year 2009 was exceptional in the history of Slovak sport. During this period, Slovakia established itself as one of the most important international centers of bodybuilding and fitness in the World.

Through the initiative and support of patron Stefan Hrcka (Štefan Hrčka), the international WFF–WBBF “Universe” Championships were organized at the Slovak health resort of Brusno Kupele. Athletes from thirteen countries participated in this prestigious event.

Among the distinguished guests was Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Government Youth and Sports Commission Dusan Galis (Dušan Galis), who attended the event to welcome the competitors. During the official ceremony, he presented a Letter of Appreciation from the Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, Robert Fico, to the President of the World WFF–WBBF Federation, Edmundas Daubaras.

The international sports forum was officially opened by former Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic Vladimir Meciar (Vladimír Mečiar). In recognition of his contribution to the development of sport and the promotion of healthy living in Slovakia and internationally, WFF–WBBF President Edmundas Daubaras awarded him the federation’s highest distinction, the “International Honour Gold Medal”.

Before concluding his visit to Slovakia, Edmundas Daubaras received an official invitation to the Government Palace in Bratislava for a meeting with Prime Minister Robert Fico. During the meeting, discussions focused on the development of international sport, future cooperation opportunities, and the organization of forthcoming international sporting events in Slovakia.

The meeting was also attended by the Chancellor of the Slovak Government, Frantisek Hatar (František Hatar). As a sign of appreciation for the Slovak Government’s support of sport and international cooperation, Edmundas Daubaras presented Prime Minister Robert Fico with the “International Honour Gold Medal”.

The events held in Slovakia in 2009 became an important milestone in the history of the international sport movement. They strengthened Slovakia’s reputation within the global bodybuilding and fitness community and laid the foundation for further international sporting events in the country.

Preparations for the World Championship in Estonia

During the same year, as preparations continued for the World Championship in Estonia, a series of official meetings took place with representatives of political parties in the Estonian Parliament, the Estonian Minister of Sport, and the Secretary General of the Estonian National Olympic Committee.

These meetings addressed organizational matters related to the forthcoming championship, international cooperation, and the future development of bodybuilding and fitness sport in the region.

The International “Amber Prix” Tournament

The 2009 “Amber Prix” held in Klaipeda was one of the largest WFF–WBBF events organized that year.

A total of 201 athletes from eleven countries participated in the competition: Iran, France, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Slovakia, Poland, Austria, Germany, Ukraine, and the Russian Federation. The impressive number of participants once again confirmed the growing prestige of the tournament and its importance within the international bodybuilding and fitness calendar.

The “Amber Prix” together with the international events held in Slovakia and Estonia in 2009 became a significant chapter in the history of the global sport movement, reflecting the federation’s continuous growth and the strengthening of international cooperation.

Absolute Winners of the “Amber Prix”

Women – Alina Isidorova (Latvia) Men – Aleksandr Shchyogolev (Russian Federation)

More information is on international site www.wff.lt

„Amber Prix” 2025: A New Direction Brings Results

In recent years, the sport of bodybuilding has faced serious challenges. In many countries, public and governmental interest in bodybuilding has declined, while international competitions organized by various federations often attract only a small number of athletes and spectators. Some world championships are now held under modest conditions and gather only a handful of competitors from a few countries.

In response to this situation, the leadership of the World WFF-WBBF Federation made a strategic decision during two international congresses held in 2024 to fundamentally renew the direction of its sporting activities. The results achieved in 2025 demonstrated that these decisions were both timely and effective.

The international tournament “Amber Prix” 2025, held in Klaipeda, Lithuania, brought together 180 athletes from nine countries: Ukraine, Latvia, Estonia, Slovakia, Lithuania, Poland, Denmark, Israel, and Belarus. The “Universe” competition, organized in Nida, also attracted nearly 200 athletes, confirming the growing popularity of the Federation’s renewed approach.

Category Winners

Fit-Kids

Up to 8 years – Alicja Grabowska (Poland) Up to 10 years – Laura Wachal (Poland) Up to 12 years – Joanna Pannus (Poland) Up to 14 years – Kristina Ksendzova (Lithuania) Up to 16 years – Elsżbieta Matoga (Poland) Adults – Julija Novak (Poland)

Pole Dance Fitness

Up to 12 years – Sofi Anette Elissaar (Estonia) Up to 16 years – Sirija Lilleleht (Estonia) Up to 18 years – Keltin Sainas (Estonia) Adults – Jana Solovjova (Lithuania)

Aerial Acrobatics Fitness (Hoop)

Up to 8 years – Akvile Korčiaginaite (Lithuania) Up to 10 years – Smilte Liauceviciute (Lithuania) Up to 12 years – Nora Tomson (Estonia) Up to 14 years – Ugne-Kotryna Kaminskaite (Lithuania) Women – Gabriele Korciaginiene (Lithuania) Men – Edvardas Korciaginas (Lithuania)

Aerial Acrobatics Fitness (Hammock)

Duets – Brit Noom and Marien Reimann (Estonia)

Aerial Acrobatics Fitness (Silks)

Up to 12 years – Meja Ziupsnyte (Lithuania) Up to 14 years – Ema Sackute (Lithuania) Up to 16 years – Emile Prunskute (Lithuania) Duets – Lise Lund Kjaer and Emily Lund Kjaer (Denmark)

Mini-Trampoline Fitness

Individual Category – Marija Karabovska (Latvia) Trio – Diana Baranova, Mairita Matusevica, and Sanita Pudnika (Latvia) Quintet – Danguole Jociuviene’s Team (Lithuania) Sextet – Alena Jasinskaja’s Team (Ukraine)

Athletes with Disabilities

Category I – Kamil Kovalczyk (Poland) Category II – Grzegorz Piotr Dąbrowski (Poland)

Fitness Model

First Height Category – Olga Bogacz (Poland) Second Height Category – Svetlana Lavrenova (Latvia)

Bikini

Overall Category – Valerija Nilova (Estonia)

Baywatch

First Height Category – Maie Kiik (Estonia) Second Height Category – Rita Letukiene (Lithuania)

Figure

First Height Category – Baiba Libiete (Latvia) Second Height Category – Martina Fric (Slovakia)

Martial Arts Fitness

Overall Category – Vasyl Bespalenko (Ukraine)

Men’s Physique

First Height Category – Elvis Siksna (Latvia) Second Height Category – Vladimir Fyodorov (Estonia)

Muscle Model

First Height Category – Damian Jakovic (Lithuania) Second Height Category – Oleg Kametskov (Estonia)

Body Athletic

Overall Category – David Melikov (Lithuania)

Bodybuilding

Category I – Simon Lubecki (Poland) Category II – Dainius Dzikevicius (Lithuania) Category III – Laurynas Siaulys (Lithuania) Category IV – Maros Kanasz (Slovakia)

Overall Champions

The Overall Female Champion of Amber Prix 2025 was Olga Bogacz (Poland), while the Overall Male Champion was Simon Lubecki (Poland).

“Amber Prix” 2025 became one of the largest WFF-WBBF events of recent years and demonstrated that modernization of the competition format and the inclusion of new fitness disciplines can successfully attract a large number of athletes from across Europe.

Due to the large number of athletes participating in the competition, the event lasted as long as sixteen hours. As a result of the extended schedule, competitors in the final categories were unable to attend the gala banquet organized by the hosts at a restaurant on the seashore.

Taking these circumstances into account, the organizers decided that the “Amber Prix” Tournament will be held over two days in 2026. It is expected that this format will ensure a smoother competition schedule and allow all participants to take part in the closing events.

50 bodybuilding federations – 1000 World Champions every year. 2026 — The Peak of Bodybuilding’s Degradation.

Modern bodybuilding has reached a point where the title of “world champion” has lost any real meaning.

This is no longer a sport operating under a single system. It is a fragmented network of federations, where each organization writes its own rules, distributes its own titles, and declares its own winners.

The result is an absurd reality: dozens of federations and hundreds of “world champions” every year.

This is no longer a sporting hierarchy. It is a title production industry.

In the bodybuilding world today, dozens of organizations operate, but in reality they are not building a unified sport — they are producing events and statuses. Each federation has its own “elite,” its own “pro league,” its own “world championship.” And each of them claims a level of significance that, objectively, no longer exists.

Among them are IFBB, NABBA, NPC, and WFF-WBBF — organizations that operate in parallel, but no longer form a single sport. Instead, they have split bodybuilding into separate, barely comparable realities.

Bodybuilding used to be one sport. Now it is a system of parallel worlds.

Worse still, the very concept of a “champion” has been devalued. When every stage has its own winner, there is no longer a meaningful highest-level achievement. What remains is marketing, certificates, and self-declared “best in the world” status.

Today, speaking of a “world champion” often means only one thing — that a person won one of many local or international events that the organization itself labeled as a “world championship.”

This is no longer a sporting fact. It is a marketing term.

The entire system increasingly resembles an entertainment industry, where stages are filled with competitors and the number of titles is directly proportional to the federation’s size and ambition. The more events there are, the more “champions.” The more “champions,” the lower the value of each one.

Even historical context no longer slows this degradation. Since its early days, bodybuilding has balanced between sport and aesthetics, but today that balance has long disappeared — leaving only aesthetic performance amplified by commercial interests.

The question is simple: can this still be considered a sport if it no longer has a unified judging system, a unified hierarchy, or a single undisputed champion?

Is this still competition, or just an organized chaos of performances?

Bodybuilding today is no longer a sport where the best is determined.

It is a system where everyone can be “the best” — as long as they choose the right stage.

And that is precisely the clearest proof of this sport’s decline.

More information is on international site www.wff.lt