WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA.

SOCIALIST BODYBUILDING HISTORY IN ONE PAGE.

Much time passed away since bodybuilding appeared at the Socialist Countries in 1959. Looking through this period of time is evident who was who in Socialist bodybuilding. It is evident through the real works done of the persons who played important role and who did not. Many „Old School Bodybuilders“ today create their stories which are fare away from the truth. Many athletes name themselves as the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Champions“ but they are not in real. Though there were only five „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Championships“ (1971, 1972, 1989, 1990, 1991). Many name themselves as being important personalities in bodybuilding but they were not. Though as many will not like it but we will speak shortly about these problematc historic questions soon. Follow International Page www.wff.lt.

„WORLD BODYBUILDING ENCYCLOPEDIA“.

1987. SOCIALIST BODYBUILDING NEWS.

The most important happening 1987 in the Socialist World was the creation of the  official recognized by the „U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport“ («Министерство спорта С.С.С.Р.», «Госкомспорт С.С.С.Р.») the „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“ («Федерация культуризма С.С.С.Р.»).  The prohibition of bodybuilding ended. Earlier after the 1986 „Amber Prix International“ („Gintarinis prizas“, «Янтарный приз», 1968 – 2025) several people gathered at the apartments of DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS in Klaipeda (Lithuanian SSR) and set the plan to establish the new „U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Federation“. Detailed information about this in various languages is published in International Site www.www.lt .

On August 11, 1987 active U.S.S.R. bodybuilders, trainers and organized gathered in Kubenka (Кубенка, Moscow Region, R.S.F.S.R.). Under the proposal of the „U.S.S.R. Weightlifting Federation“ («Федерация тяжёлой атлетики С.С.С.Р.») a well known R.S.F.S.R. weightlifter Olympic Champion JURIJ VLASOV (Юрий Власов) was elected the be the Chairman of the new federation. His deputies were VASILIJ CAIKOVSKIJ (Василий Чайковский, Leningrad, R.S.F.S.R.) and ROMANAS KALINAUSKAS. The Secretary was a representative of the „U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport“ VALERIJ TAMARLAKOV (Валерий Тамарлаков). Detailed information about this in various languages is published in International Site www.www.lt .

In 1987 „Amber Prix International“ last time served as the „Unofficial U.S.S.R. Bodybuilding Championship“ („неофициальный чемпионат С.С.С.Р. по культуризму“). It lasted since 1978. It became possible when in 1978 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS wrote bodybuilding defending petition. Then he brought it to the highest U.S.S.R. political institutions in Moscow including the „Central Committee of the U.S.S.R. Communist Party («Центральный Комитет Коммунистической партии С.С.С.Р.»). Representing the „U.S.S.R. Ministry of Sport“ VALERIJ TAMARLAKOV was present at the 1987 „Amber Prix International“ in Klaipeda.  At this competition Category Winners were: Juniors -  ALEKSANDR CERKASOV (Александр Черкасов, R.S.F.S.R.), OLEG ZUR (Олег Жур, Lithuanian SSR), BORIS VELIKOIVANENKO (Борис Великоиваненко, R.S.F.S.R.) and the winners of the Main Categories were -  VLADIMIR ALEKSANDROVIC (Владимир Александрович, Belorussian SSR), VALERIJ BOGDNOVIC (Валерий Богданович, Belorussian SSR), VIKTORRAS JUCYS, SAULIUS MISEVICIUS (both Lithuanian SSR). The Over All Winners were OLEG ZUR and VIKTORAS JUCYS.

By ranking the second Socialist bodybuilding competition was the „White Nights“ («Белые ночи») contest in Leningrad (R.S.F.S.R.). The Category Winners were: Juniors -  GINTARAS KRISCIUNAS (Lithuanian SSR), ALEKSANDR CERKASOV, GOL GRIGORIJ (Григорий Гол, Ukrainian SSR). Winners of the Main Categories were: NIKOLAJ MALYSEV (Николай Малышев, R.S.F.S.R.), PAVEL KOSENKO (Павел Косенко, Estonian SSR), BORIS RAJEV (Борис Раев, R.S.F.S.R.), VIKTORAS JUCYS. The Over All winners were ALEKSANDR CERKASOV and VIKTORAS JUCYS.

Traditional „Comsomol Cup“ («Кубок комсомола», „Komjaunimo taure“) was held in Kaunas (Lithuanian SSR). Category Winners were: STANISLAV POLIAKOV (Станислав Поляков, Latvian SSR), PAVEL KOSENKO, BORIS RAJEV, ALEKSANDR VASIN (Александр Васин, R.S.F.S.R.). The Over All winner was ALEKSANDR VASIN.

Also in Kaunas first International women contest was organized in 1987. The Over All Winner was MERIKE MADAR (Estonian SSR).

In Leningrad first Couples competition was held too. The Over All Winners were INGA MISEVICIENE and SAULIUS MISEVICIUS (Lithuanian SSR).

In Riga (Latvian SSR) was organized the „Over All Winner‘s Cup“ («Кубок абсолютных победителей»). The Over All Winner was VINCAS DUBICKAS (Lithuanian SSR).

Also in Liepaja (Latvian SSR) an International Contest was organized too. The Over All Winners were representatives of the Lithuanian SSR: EDUARDAS RUDYS (Juniors) and VIKTORAS JUCYS (Main Categories).

In Kedainiai (Lithuanian SSR) the National Championship of the Lithuanian SSR was held. It still was of two parts – power exercises and posing.

In 1986 leader of bodybuilding in the Estonian SSR INNAR MARDO (Иннар Мардо, 1976 – 2002) left sport. In 1987 for three months DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS was sent for studies to Tallinn (Estonian SSR). Communicating with local bodybuilders he learned that nobody is going to organize the traditional „Georg Tenno Memorial“ («Мемориал Георга Тенно», 1971 - 2024) Contest. Then DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS decided to organize this Contest himself. A famous bodybuilder of the Estonian SSR INDREK OTSUS helped with local technical matters and DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS collected U.S.S.R. bodybuilders. The Category Winners were: Juniors -  TOM PAUL (Estonian SSR), ALEKSANDR JEMELJANENKOV (Estonian SSR). Main Categories: NYMM IMRE (Estonian SSR), PAVEL KOSENKO, AIN PAAVO (Estonian SSR), RIMANTAS MAZIONIS (Lithuanian SSR). The Over All Winner was PAVEL KOSENKO.

Presenting bodybuilding sport in 1987 DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS organized huge public seminar in Klaipeda. It lasted for two days. The Palace of Culture of the Klaipeda Trading Sea Port was full of people. The audience was collected through addresses in the local newspapers. Bodybuilders made a show and DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS answered to the questions of the Citizen.

In 1987 „Sandow“ and „Trener“ competitions were held in the Czechoslovakian SSR. The Over All Winner at „Sandow“ Contest was PAVOL JABLONICKY (Czechoslovakian SSR). The Category Winners at the „Trener“ Contest were: ANTON SARAJ, JAN KUS (both Czechoslovakian SSR), SAULIUS MISEVICIUS and PETER MOLNAR (Hungarian SSR). The Over All Winner of the „Trener“ Contest was JAN KUS.

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

WORLD FITNESS HISTORY.

FIRST OVER ALL WORLD FITNESS CHAMPION.

Former representative of balely and gymnastics Lithuanian EDITA DAUBARAITE (now Sendriene, Dubar) was the grand grand grand daughter of BRONE DUBAR. It was Emigrant of Lithuania BRONE DUBAR (Broné “Brownie” Dubar, Daubaraitė, 1906 – 1986) who came with her family to the USA in 1912. When her sport achievements went high she started public shows. Specialists use to call her „World Fitness Pioneer“ but in her times there was no any fitness sport at all. To say more – women sport was included to „Olympics“ only in 1920. This was the reason that 100 years ago gymnastic and acrobatic exercises of BRONE DUBAR were not named as „sport“. Aiming to make fitness propaganda BRONE DUBAR made her shows through all USA – from South to North and from West to East.

In 1995 EDITA DAUBARAITE was present at the N.A.B.B.A. (National Amateur Body Building Association) World Championship in Malta. There was one exceptional athlete among many women bodybuilders. She was DANIELA HARIC (Croatia). DANIELA HARIC was not muscular. She performed a complex routine full of gymnastic elements. „I want this..“ – said EDITA DAUBARAITE and when back to Lithuania she started prerparations. Everything was ok. In 1996 the founders of the W.F.F. - International (World Fitness Federation) DSc. EDMUNDAS DAUBARAS, German KLAUS P.J. HOFFMANN, Greek ANARGIROS TSOPUORIDIS and Austrian PETER PAPULA started W.F.F. World Fitness Championships in Kaizerslautern (Germany). That was a revolution in bodybuilding. They  wanted to run away from huge muscles. This way in 1997 in Manheim (Germany) EDITA DAUBARAITE became the Over All World Fitness Champion. „Eurosport“ Television made several reports about this. The Sport Ministry of Lithuanian Republic wanted to present EDITA DAUBARAITE an Official Governmental Award but envy and intrigues among sport federations ruined this idea.

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

NIDA TO WELCOME THE WORLD OF SPORT: 37th WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS. An exceptional international sporting event will take place in Neringa on October 24–26.

Nida will become an international sports hub. From October 24 to 26, the prestigious “Agila” Cultural Centre in Nida will host the 37th World Championships for amateurs and professionals, the 51st International “World Grand Prix” Tournament, and the 3rd Neringa Mayor’s Cup Championships.

For three days, amateurs and professionals from various countries around the world will compete in Nida.

ALMOST 40 YEARS OF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP TRADITION

WFF-WBBF World Championships have been held for almost four decades. Throughout this long history, the championships have faced many challenges, yet the tradition has never been interrupted – competitions were held even during difficult periods, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

Athletes representing all continents have taken part in the championships.

The 2026 event in Neringa will continue this long-standing tradition of international sport.

742 ATHLETES FROM 32 COUNTRIES

One of the most impressive chapters in the history of the championships was 2005, when a record 742 athletes from 32 countries took part in the competition.

That year, the overall champions received exceptional prizes – original valuable diamonds.

The championship was broadcast live on the Internet to audiences around the world. AB “Lietuvos telekomas” supported the live broadcast, providing more than 144,000 Lithuanian litas, equivalent to more than EUR 40,000 at the time.

It was one of the signs that WFF-WBBF international events had already gone far beyond the boundaries of conventional sporting competitions.

THE EVENTS RECEIVED SUPPORT FROM THE LITHUANIAN STATE

The history of WFF-WBBF World Championships also includes significant attention and support from the Lithuanian state.

The 1998, 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 World Championships received support from the Lithuanian state budget.

The organizing committees have been chaired by senior Lithuanian public officials, including ministers and even two Prime Ministers.

Lithuanian Ministers of Sport Vytas Nėnius and Algirdas Raslanas attended championship opening ceremonies.

Following several championships, international press conferences were held at the ELTA news agency, while the heads of foreign delegations were received at the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania.

NIDA – AN IMPORTANT DESTINATION ON THE 2026 SPORTS MAP

The 2026 World Championships in Neringa are more than a sporting competition. They represent the continuation of a long-standing international tradition and provide Neringa with another opportunity to become a meeting place for the international sports community.

The organizers hope that this year’s championship will leave a lasting mark both on sports history and on Neringa’s international profile.

Registration for participants is already open.

The full event programme, competition schedule and registration are available at www.worldfitness.lt

A STEP TOWARDS THE 60th “AMBER PRIX”

The Nida championships will also serve as a kind of rehearsal for another major event in 2027 – the 60th International “Amber Prix” Tournament in Klaipėda.

Preparations for this anniversary event began as early as 2025. A unique historical book, to be published in several languages, is planned to mark the occasion and preserve the long history of the “Amber Prix” tournament.

The year 2026 promises to be an exceptional one in the WFF-WBBF sporting calendar – with the World Championships in Nida, the International “World Grand Prix” Tournament and in 2027 the upcoming 60th “Amber Prix” in Klaipėda forming an impressive chain of international sporting events.

More information: www.wff.lt

World Bodybuilding History.

W.F.F. – International / W.B.B.F. – International World Amateur Championship Overall Winners (1990–2025).

For more than three decades, the World Fitness Federation (W.F.F. – International) and the World Bodybuilding Federation (W.B.B.F. – International) have organized World Amateur Bodybuilding Championships, bringing together athletes from dozens of countries around the globe. Throughout the years, these championships have become an important part of international bodybuilding history, while the title of Overall World Champion has remained one of the highest distinctions an amateur bodybuilder can achieve.

From 1990 through 2025, Overall World Championship titles have been won by outstanding athletes representing Europe, Asia, South America, and other continents. Their achievements reflect the continuous growth of the federation, its expanding international recognition, and the exceptionally high competitive standards maintained over the years.

Men's Overall World Champions

Year

Competitor

Country

2025

Dainius Dzikevičius

Lithuania

2024

Andrius Pauliukevičius

Lithuania

2023

Łukasz Kuliński

Poland

2022

Vilius Pranckevičius

Lithuania

2021

Artur Kamieniak

Poland

2020

Roman Polshin

Estonia

2019

Arkadiusz Demidowicz

Poland

2018

Tolga Murat Balıkçı

Türkiye

2017

Maroš Kanasz

Slovakia

2016

Glayson Souto Ferreira

Brazil

2015

Maroš Kanasz

Slovakia

2014

Nikolaj Vorobjov

Russia

2013

Mostafa Golmirza Eskandari

Iran

2012

Nikolaj Vorobjov

Russia

2011

Ali Imani

Iran

2010

Aleksandr Sevcov

Estonia

2009

Aleksandr Anaskin

Russia

2008

Wojciech Nadolski

Poland

2007

Roman Dubovickij

Russia

2006

Antonio Osta

Uruguay

2005

Aleksandr Baldin

Russia

2004

Konstantin Zacharov

Russia

2003

Aleksandr Tumasevic

Russia

2002

Franco Carlotto

Switzerland

2001

Mindaugas Kvasys

Lithuania

2000

Massimo Monaco

Italy

1999

Franco Carlotto

Switzerland

1998

Jurgen Koch

Germany

1997

Jurgen Koch

Germany

1996

Jan Bolken

Germany

1995

Holger Dannheim

Germany

1994

Dirk Karregarn

Germany

1993

Klaus Martin

Germany

1992

Murat Aibbyak

Türkiye

1991

Reiner Gorbracht

Germany

1990

Volker Fortsch

Germany

Women's Overall World Champions

Year

Competitor

Country

2025

Olga Bogacz

Poland

2024

Vaida Budrienė

Lithuania

2023

Anna Sobolewska Kucharska

Poland

2022

Anna Sobolewska Kucharska

Poland

2021

Laura Siugale

Latvia

2020

Hanna Kristina Skitta

Finland

2019

Hollie Jade Feeney

United Kingdom

2018

Hanna Kristina Skitta

Finland

2017

Aleksandra Antipova

Russia

2016

Yamila Toledo

Argentina

2015

Liudmila Senciugova

Russia

2014

Jelena Kursanova

Russia

2013

Maria Sol Farinelli

Argentina

2012

Dalvaniza Aquino

Brazil

2011

Crecky Chaves

Brazil

2010

Liudmila Kolesnikova

Russia

2009

Liudmila Kolesnikova

Russia

2008

Jolanta Mileriūtė

Lithuania

2007

Irina Riabova

Russia

2006

Rosalia Dutra de Campos

Argentina

2005

Rachel Kauppila

Finland

2004

Marina Burinskaja

Latvia

2003

Marie Pierre Dominique Ripert

France

2002

Irina Zincenko

Russia

2001

Svetlana Pugacheva

Russia

2000

Maria Konstantinidou

Greece

1999

Tina Push

Germany

1998

Claudia Machmor

Germany

1997

Edita Daubaraitė

Lithuania

1996

Daniela Haric

Croatia

1995

Alexandra Baumann

Germany

1994

Manuela Neugebauer

Germany

1993

Sandra Bauertle

Germany

1992

Manuela Franc

Germany

1991

Sabine Weeke

Germany

1990

Bettina Binder

Germany

Summary

During the 36-year history of the W.F.F. – International and W.B.B.F. – International World Amateur Championships, Overall World Champion titles have been won by athletes representing numerous countries worldwide. In the early years of the federation, German competitors dominated the championships. Later, champions emerged from Russia, Lithuania, Poland, Slovakia, Finland, Argentina, Brazil, Iran, Estonia, Switzerland, Türkiye, Italy, Uruguay, Greece, Latvia, Croatia, France, and the United Kingdom.

Particularly noteworthy is the remarkable progress achieved by Lithuanian athletes. Over the last five years alone, Lithuania has produced three Men's Overall World Champions (2022, 2024, and 2025), while in 2024 Vaida Budrienė captured the Women's Overall World Champion title. These accomplishments demonstrate the outstanding level of Lithuanian bodybuilding and the country's significant contribution to the history of W.F.F. – International and W.B.B.F. – International.

Conclusions

The results of the World Amateur Championships from 1990 to 2025 clearly illustrate the steady development of W.F.F. – International and W.B.B.F. – International and their important role in the evolution of international amateur bodybuilding. For more than three decades, the federations have brought together thousands of athletes from every continent, providing them with an opportunity to compete at the highest international level.

Today, the list of Overall World Champions represents far more than a record of sporting achievements. It stands as a living chronicle of the international bodybuilding community, with every champion contributing to the rich traditions, prestige, and enduring legacy of W.F.F. – International and W.B.B.F. – International in the history of world bodybuilding.