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

HISTORY BOOK OF ARUNAS PETRAITIS.

WE GO ON DEVELOPING WORLD’S SPORT.

PRERPARING FOR THE 60-TH “AMBER PRIX”.

Today, the sports community gathered for the presentation of a book by journalist and sports historian Arūnas Petraitis. The book is titled Lithuanian Bodybuilding 1965–2015. An Illustrated History of the “Iron” Sport.
During the event, the legendary “Amber Prix International”  was also remembered, first organized back in 1967. It is wonderful to see that this beautiful tradition continues – on May 1–2, the “Amber Prix” will take place for the 59th time.
Therefore, this was not only a book presentation, but also a meaningful discussion and exchange of ideas for the upcoming 60-th anniversary of the “Amber Prix,” which will be held next year, in 2027, in Klaipėda. The works done and the works we are doing for the coming unique contest were presented by the General Secretary W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. International Ugne Raudyte Daubariene and federation Official Alina Pelepko.
This is an especially significant event for the city of Klaipėda – the International tournament has been held here for 60 years, and all of this is thanks to DSc. Edmundas Daubaras, President of the International W.F.F. – W.B.B.F..
During the meeting, we revisited the old-school era of bodybuilding – a time when this sport was not only about physical form, but also a true art of aesthetics, plasticity, and stage culture, nurtured by our W.F.F. – W.B.B.F. community. The book highlights Lithuania’s highest achievements and gives special attention to Natalija Murnikovienė, who still holds the highest-level accomplishments to this day.
We spoke about how, in those times, great importance was placed on smooth and artistic posing transitions, the aesthetics of movement, and harmony on stage. A performance was much more than simply stepping on stage and demonstrating standard poses – it was the peak of bodybuilding as an art form.
This spirit was beautifully embodied by Aretas Kolmakovas, who demonstrated elegant and fluid transitions during the meeting, recalling the legendary days of the “Amber Prix.” Even more meaningfully, he himself participated in the “Amber Prix” tournaments for about ten times with his own individual posing program, making his performance a living reflection of our history and traditions.
This inspired a special idea for the upcoming 60-th anniversary in 2027 – to revive the classic artistic posing of the “Amber Prix” as a separate category, honoring our roots, aesthetics, and the unique philosophy of light and natural bodybuilding promoted by W.F.F. – W.B.B.F.. The idea will be fulfilled by Lithuania senior bodybuilder Aleksas Stankus and pretender to the Parliament Republic Lithuania Klaipeda polititian Romualdas Mile.
It would be not only a tribute to history, but also the return of true classical bodybuilding art to the stage.
Photos by: Audrius Kundrotas.

More information is on International Site www.wff.lt

2026 INTERNATIONAL MEGA EVENTS

OVER ALL WINNERS

May 1-2; Klaipeda Zveju Palace, Republic Lithuania

289 competitors from 11 countries

59 -th "AMBER PRIX"

Jasmin Norgard (Kingdom of Denmark)

Grazvydas Narusevicius (Republic Lithuania)

27-th PRO "UNIVERSE"

Over All Women Categories Olga Bogacz (Republic of Poland)

Over All Bikini Champion Valeria Nilova (Republic Estonia)

Over All All Men Categories Maros Kanasz (Republic Slovakia)

21-st PRO EUROPE CHAMPIONSHIP

Evelina Pranauske (Republic Lithuania)

Vidmantas Malakauskas (Republic Lithuania)

27-th AMATEUR "UNIVERSE"

Olga Bogacz (Republic of Poland)

Piotr Sevcenko (Republic Lithuania)

30-th AMATEUR EUROPE CHAMPIONSHIP

Ruta Karpaite (Republic Lithuania)

Mantas Lunskys (Republic Lithuania)

32-d BALTIC CUP INTERNATIONAL

Sirle Lileleht (Republic Estonia)

35-th NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP REPUBLIC LITHUANIA

Rima Vaskiene (Republic Lithuania)

Tadas Jefisovas (Republic Lithuania)

EUROPE AERIAL FITNESS WINNERS

All Groups Aerial Fitness Over All Champion Lisandra Kaarma (Republic Estonia)

Men Aerial Fitness Over All Champion Edvardas Korciaginas (Republic Lithuania)

Hammocks Fitness Over All Champion Meda Zemgulyte (Republic Lithuania)

Silks Fitness Over All Champion Teja Jonaityte (Republic Lithuania)

Hoop Fitness Over All Champion Lisandra Kaarma (Republic Estonia)

Pole Dance Fitness Over All Champion Sofi Anette Elissaar (Republic Estonia)

Fit Kids Over All Champion Julia Szeffs (Republic Poland)

Aerobic Fitness Over All Champion Weronika Schreiber (Republic Poland)

Mini Trampolini Solo Over All Champion Anna Sidlovska (Republic Latvia)

Mini Trampoline Group Over All Champiuons Ieva Pazereckiene, Sartune Stone, Ligita Maciulske, Inga Naujioke, Sigita Stankuviene (Republic Lithuania)

JUDGES INTERNATIONAL

LILLEHT SIRET (Republic Estonia)

KRUSCIUNAITE VIKTORIJA (Republic Lithuania)

KHALED SHAABAN BEDINY (Egypt)

LUNDER KRAJER ANITA (Kingdom of Denmark)

SUNOKAITE SMAILIENE ALINA (Republic Lithuania)

AIZELMANN LORA (Israel)

STALIULIONYTE GINTARE (Republic Lithuania)

SIMAK GODULA ANNA (Republic Poland)

URUSOVAITE SKAIVA (Republic Lithuania)

VJAZOVKINA MARGARITA (Republic Latvia)

VARIAKOJYTE-REINSTROM IEVA (Republic Lithuania)

RAMANAUSKIENE LIUDMILA (Republic of Ireland)

JURANS NORMUNDS (Republic Latvia)

SCHREIBER OSCAR (Re[public Poland)

PELEPKO ALINA (Republic Lithuania)

SADAUSKAS VYTAUTAS (Republic Lithuania)

BAGAZKOVA KARINA (Republic Latvia_

STEPANOV JURIJ (Republic Lithuania)

MIKUCKIS VYTAUTAS (Republic Lithuania)

IVANOVA JELENA (Republic Latvia)

TOMAŠEVIČ-JAKOVIČ JUZEF (Republic Lithuania)

GUSAROVA INNA (Republic Latvia)

JUDGES CHAIRMAN INTERNATIONAL

PUGACHEVA SVETLANA (Republic Lithuania)

GENERAL SECRETARY INTERNATIONAL

UGNE RAUDYTE DAUBARIENE

SECRETARIES INTERNATIONAL

GOSTEVA ASTA

UTARAITE SMILTE

BACKSTAGE JUDGE

DARIUS DAUBARAS

NOTE: Category Winners we will publish in parts every next day. Follow

International Sites www.wff.lt and www.worldfitness.lt

WORLD BODYBUILDING AT A DEAD END. ONLY WFF-WBBF IS TRYING TO FIND A WAY OUT.

Having launched international sports innovations in 1995, the World WFF-WBBF Federation introduced numerous innovations to world sport — new disciplines, new categories, new nominations, and an optimistic hope for the future.

Today, world bodybuilding is at an obvious dead end. The beginning of this situation dates back to 1998, when the International Olympic Committee refused to recognize the IFBB Federation and, consequently, the sport of bodybuilding itself. Since then, the situation has only deteriorated.

WFF-WBBF has been searching for solutions and continues to seek new prospects for the development of the sport. The Federation receives support from prominent individuals, politicians, and businesspeople in various countries.

It seemed that everything was progressing well. However, first the pandemic and now wars have significantly hindered our initiatives and major projects in India, Thailand, Switzerland, Germany, France, and the United Arab Emirates. Much of our work had to be started all over again.

But we continue to work!

The dialogue with influential representatives of the United Arab Emirates, which began in 2018, made significant progress in the summer of 2026. Through joint efforts, we are now developing an entirely new concept for the development of world sport.

The projects are fantastic, but much work still lies ahead. We will continue working and forging new paths!

The most important things are the desire to act, determination, and faith in success.

World bodybuilding has reached a dead end. Only WFF-WBBF is trying to find a way out and open up new prospects for world sport!

Follow the latest information on the international website:

WWW.WFF.LT

60 YEARS OF LITHUANIAN BODYBUILDING: ATHLETES WHO LEFT A LASTING MARK ON HISTORY.

1965–2025: The history of Lithuanian bodybuilding spans six decades of hard work, outstanding personalities, memorable victories, and sporting traditions that have reached far beyond Lithuania's borders.

In 2025, the 60th anniversary of Lithuanian bodybuilding was solemnly celebrated in Gargždai, Lithuania. This anniversary provided an excellent opportunity to look back on the journey, remember the pioneers of the sport, and pay tribute to the athletes whose achievements have left a lasting mark on the history of Lithuanian and international bodybuilding.

Over six decades, countries, political systems, sporting organizations, and competition formats have changed. Yet the most important things have remained the same: the determination of athletes, the dedication of coaches, and the ambition to demonstrate that Lithuanian bodybuilding can earn recognition not only at home but also on the international stage.

The history of Lithuanian bodybuilding includes numerous names and victories. However, certain athletes stand out not only for the titles they won but also because their achievements marked important milestones in the development of the sport.

Česlovas Tamulevičius and the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding

Any account of Lithuanian bodybuilding history must begin with Česlovas Tamulevičius and his contribution to the establishment of what became known as the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding.

This school became an important center for the development of bodybuilding in Lithuania. It produced athletes whose results subsequently earned recognition throughout the Soviet Union. The Vilnius School influenced not only individual athletes' preparation but also training methods, approaches to bodybuilding, and standards of athletic excellence.

It was a period when bodybuilding faced considerable obstacles. Its enthusiasts had to do more than train and pursue sporting achievements; they also had to work toward gaining recognition for bodybuilding itself.

For this reason, the efforts of the sport's early pioneers deserve an important place in Lithuanian sporting history.

Valdas Aliubavičius and Leonas Pivoriūnas — Symbols of Early Victories

Among the most prominent representatives of the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding were Valdas Aliubavičius and Leonas Pivoriūnas.

Both athletes demonstrated exceptional ability and achieved significant victories. Their place in the history of the early Amber Prix International competitions is particularly noteworthy: both became overall winners of the tournament.

Valdas Aliubavičius also distinguished himself by winning an official USSR bodybuilding championship. This achievement demonstrated that Lithuanian athletes could compete successfully against the strongest bodybuilders of their era and attain the highest levels of success.

The achievements of Valdas Aliubavičius and Leonas Pivoriūnas became an important part of Lithuanian bodybuilding history. Their names remain associated with the sport's early period of major victories.

Pranas Murauskas — Triumph at the Georg Tenno Memorial

Another outstanding representative of the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding was Pranas Murauskas, whose sporting achievements secured him a prominent place in Lithuanian bodybuilding history.

One of his most significant accomplishments was winning the overall title at the Georg Tenno Memorial competition in 1974.

This victory was particularly important because of the high standard of the competition. Murauskas faced some of the strongest bodybuilders in the Soviet Union at the time, and his ultimate victory confirmed his exceptional athletic ability.

Achievements of this kind strengthened Lithuania's position in bodybuilding and demonstrated that athletes from a relatively small country could become leaders within a large and highly competitive sporting system.

Viktoras Jucys — A Historic Achievement at the USSR Championship

A special place in Lithuanian bodybuilding history belongs to Viktoras Jucys of Klaipėda, a multiple overall winner of the Amber Prix International tournament.

His career was marked by consistent results and the ability to demonstrate his superiority in high-level competitions. However, one particular achievement became a defining moment in his sporting career.

In 1988, Viktoras Jucys became the overall USSR bodybuilding champion. The significance of this victory lay in the fact that a Lithuanian athlete had won the highest title at an official Soviet Union bodybuilding championship.

Jucys's victory demonstrated the strength of Lithuanian athletes and once again confirmed that Lithuania's bodybuilding schools were capable of producing competitors of the highest standard.

Natalija Murnikovienė and Rolandas Bučinskas — European Champions

The achievements of both men and women hold an important place in Lithuanian bodybuilding history.

Natalija Murnikovienė of Klaipėda and Rolandas Bučinskas of Šiauliai were known as multiple winners of the Amber Prix International tournament. One of the most significant milestones in their sporting careers came at the 1991 NABBA European Championships in France.

Both athletes won European championship titles.

These results acquired particular symbolic significance during a period of historic change. Lithuania was moving toward the restoration of its independence, and the victories of its athletes on the international stage became an important expression of the country's sporting identity.

The achievements of Natalija Murnikovienė and Rolandas Bučinskas demonstrated that Lithuanian bodybuilding had not only preserved the experience accumulated over previous decades but was also competing successfully at the international level.

Their victories became a significant milestone in Lithuanian bodybuilding history, associated with the period surrounding the restoration of Lithuania's independence.

Olegas Žuras — A World Championship Title

As the twenty-first century began, another outstanding athlete emerged in Lithuanian bodybuilding history: Olegas Žuras of Vilnius.

A multiple winner of the Amber Prix International tournament, Žuras continued Lithuania's bodybuilding traditions and achieved the highest level of international recognition.

In 2004, Olegas Žuras became the overall IFBB World Champion. This achievement is regarded as one of the most significant results in the history of Lithuanian athletes competing at world bodybuilding championships.

A world championship title represents more than an individual's success. Behind it lie years of preparation, discipline, coaching, and experience gained through participation in competitions at various levels.

Žuras's victory became a powerful symbol of international recognition for Lithuanian bodybuilding and demonstrated that athletes from Lithuania could achieve the highest honors in the world.

Amber Prix International — An Important Part of Lithuanian Bodybuilding History

It is impossible to discuss Lithuania's outstanding bodybuilders without highlighting the Amber Prix International tournament.

These competitions occupy an important place in the history of Lithuanian bodybuilding. They gave athletes opportunities to test their abilities, pursue outstanding results, and demonstrate their sporting excellence.

The careers of many athletes mentioned in this article were closely connected with the Amber Prix International tournament. Their victories illustrate the important role these competitions played in developing athletes and establishing Lithuania's bodybuilding traditions.

The tournament's history also reflects broader developments in the sport, from the activities of the first bodybuilding enthusiasts to Lithuanian athletes competing on the international stage.

Six Decades That Shaped Lithuanian Bodybuilding

Over sixty years, Lithuanian bodybuilding has traveled a remarkable path. Its history has been shaped by successive generations of athletes, coaches, organizers, and judges. Each generation has contributed to the development of the sport, and their victories have become part of Lithuania's shared sporting heritage.

The work of Česlovas Tamulevičius and the Vilnius School of Bodybuilding; the victories of Valdas Aliubavičius and Leonas Pivoriūnas; Pranas Murauskas's triumph at the Georg Tenno Memorial; Viktoras Jucys's achievement at the USSR Championship; the European championship titles won by Natalija Murnikovienė and Rolandas Bučinskas; and Olegas Žuras's world championship victory represent important milestones in Lithuanian bodybuilding history.

These athletes' achievements illustrate how the opportunities available to Lithuanian bodybuilders evolved over several decades and how the sport's international profile grew.

Of course, the history of Lithuanian bodybuilding extends far beyond these names. Many other athletes, coaches, and organizers have also made contributions that deserve recognition. Nevertheless, the achievements described here stand out for their historical significance and their place in the development of bodybuilding in Lithuania.

The 60th anniversary of Lithuanian bodybuilding, celebrated in 2025, offers an opportunity not only to remember the past but also to recognize the people whose dedication helped shape the history of the sport.

Sixty years is more than an anniversary. It represents sporting traditions, a legacy preserved through memory, and the achievements of Lithuanian athletes that have become part of our country's sporting history.

More detailed information about the history of Lithuanian, European, and world bodybuilding is available on the international website www.wff.lt.