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

WFF-WBBF PRESIDENT IN GDAŃSK. OFFICIAL RECEPTION AT GDANSK CITY HALL. International Federation Leadership Meets the Mayor of Gdańsk Ahead of the 2015 World Championship.

In June 2015, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras, President of the World Fitness Federation – World Body Building Federation (WFF-WBBF), paid an official visit to Poland as part of the Federation's international preparations for the forthcoming 2015 WFF-WBBF World Amateur Championship in Gdańsk.

The visit brought together the leadership of the World Federation, representatives of the Polish national federation and municipal authorities of Gdańsk. A central objective of the meetings was to coordinate preparations for the international championship and strengthen cooperation between the WFF-WBBF and its Polish partners.

HISTORIC GDANSK – HOST CITY OF THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Gdańsk, one of Poland's most historic cities and an important European port, was selected to host the WFF-WBBF World Amateur Championship in 2015.

The forthcoming championship represented a major international undertaking, requiring close coordination between the World Federation, the Polish national federation and the host city.

During his official visit, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras held a series of meetings devoted to the organization of the championship, the reception of international delegations, sporting arrangements and cooperation with local authorities.

Particular attention was given to ensuring that the World Championship would be organized at an international level appropriate to the status of the WFF-WBBF and its participating national federations.

OFFICIAL MEETING WITH THE MAYOR OF GDANSK

One of the most significant events of the visit took place on June 22, 2015, when Dr. Edmundas Daubaras was officially received at Gdańsk City Hall by Paweł Adamowicz, Mayor of Gdańsk.

The official meeting was attended by Aleksandra Kobielak, President of the Polish National WFF-WBBF Federation.

The discussions focused on the forthcoming 2015 WFF-WBBF World Amateur Championship and the organizational cooperation required for the successful staging of the international event.

The meeting at City Hall demonstrated the importance attached to cooperation between international sports organizations and municipal institutions when hosting major international competitions.

For the WFF-WBBF, the meeting represented another step in the Federation's long-standing efforts to develop international sporting relations and establish cooperation with national federations, public institutions and host cities.

WFF-WBBF INTERNATIONAL REPRESENTATION IN POLAND

The official visit of the WFF-WBBF President to Poland was not limited to a single meeting. During his stay, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras conducted a series of consultations concerning the forthcoming World Championship and met with representatives of the Polish sports community.

The President also held working meetings with Aleksandra Kobielak, whose leadership of the Polish National WFF-WBBF Federation was directly connected with the preparation of the championship in Gdańsk.

The meetings addressed practical organizational matters as well as broader questions concerning international cooperation within the WFF-WBBF movement.

A HISTORIC SETTING

During the official visit, Dr. Edmundas Daubaras stayed in a historic residence associated with Prussian Crown Prince Wilhelm II (Frederick William).

The residence was part of the historical heritage of the region and was traditionally associated with prominent European society and political life. Its historical character provided a distinctive setting for the visit of the President of the international sports federation.

The combination of the historic surroundings and the high-level official meetings added a special character to the WFF-WBBF President's visit to Poland.

BUILDING INTERNATIONAL SPORTING RELATIONS

The 2015 visit to Gdańsk reflected the broader international character of the WFF-WBBF organization.

The World Federation brought together national federations and athletes from different countries and, through its international championship program, sought to develop cooperation across national borders.

The official meeting with the Mayor of Gdańsk, together with consultations with the Polish National WFF-WBBF Federation, formed an important part of the preparations for the World Amateur Championship.

For Gdańsk, the forthcoming championship represented an opportunity to welcome representatives of the international fitness and bodybuilding community. For the WFF-WBBF, it was another major international event requiring close cooperation between the World Federation, the host national federation and the local authorities.

GDANSK – A MEETING POINT FOR THE INTERNATIONAL WFF-WBBF COMMUNITY

The June 2015 visit of WFF-WBBF President Dr. Edmundas Daubaras to Poland therefore became an important episode in the preparations for the World Amateur Championship in Gdańsk.

The official reception at Gdańsk City Hall, the meeting with Mayor Paweł Adamowicz and the consultations with Polish WFF-WBBF President Aleksandra Kobielak reflected the international scope of the forthcoming championship.

The Gdańsk meetings became part of the WFF-WBBF's continuing international history – a history built through world championships, national federations, international sporting cooperation and personal contacts between representatives of the Federation and public institutions.

Gdańsk, Poland – June 22, 2015.
An official meeting. An international championship. Another chapter in the history of the WFF-WBBF World Federation.

More information is on international page www.wff.lt

2006–2026 European Professional Championship. Champions, International Competition and Historical Trends.

W.F.F. – International and W.B.B.F. – International

Introduction

The European Professional Bodybuilding Championship, organized by the World Fitness Federation (W.F.F. – International) and the World Bodybuilding Federation (W.B.B.F. – International), has brought together athletes from different countries for more than two decades. The list of overall winners from 2006 to 2026 provides an opportunity to examine the development of professional bodybuilding, the diversity of participating countries, and the achievements of athletes who have made their mark on the history of the championship.

An analysis of the results reveals several important trends: repeated victories by certain competitors, the emergence of new champions, the growing geographical diversity of the participants, and the importance of different weight categories in shaping the competition.

1. Men's Bodybuilding: Champions from Different Countries

The men's results from 2006 to 2026 demonstrate the international nature of the championship. Athletes representing various countries have earned top positions, reflecting the broad geographical reach of professional bodybuilding.

Among the champions listed are Alexander Baldin, Mikhail Malek, Maroš Kanas, Andrei Rumyantsev, Jorg Fuchs, Raimundas Urbanavicius, Maris Šveiduks, Dainius Dzikevičius, Vidmantas Malakauskas, and Aleksejs Petkevics.

The diversity of winners suggests that the championship has not been dominated exclusively by athletes from a single country. Instead, its history reflects competition among athletes with different sporting backgrounds, training approaches, and competitive experience.

The results also demonstrate that success in professional bodybuilding depends on a combination of factors, including muscle development, symmetry, proportions, conditioning, stage presentation, and preparation for a specific competition.

2. Women's Bodybuilding: Champions and Consistency in Performance

The women's results are an equally important part of the championship's history. Athletes such as Martina Fric, Marina Vlasova, Hanna Skytta, Evelyn Dirocie, Oksana Filimonova, Marieta Zigalova, and Evelina Pranauske feature among the names associated with the competition's winners.

The range of champions highlights the international character of women's bodybuilding and the contribution of athletes from different countries to the development of the sport.

Women's competitions also demonstrate the importance of consistent preparation and the ability to maintain a high competitive standard. Achieving success requires not only physical development but also balanced proportions, symmetry, muscular definition, and effective stage presentation.

The results over the years provide a basis for examining how athletes' performances and competitive opportunities have evolved within the championship.

3. Repeated Victories as an Indicator of Sporting Excellence

One of the most significant aspects of championship statistics is the recurrence of certain athletes' names. Repeated victories can indicate a competitor's ability to maintain a high level of performance over time.

However, winning more than once is not simply a matter of physical characteristics. It also reflects discipline, experience, long-term planning, and the ability to adapt training and preparation to the demands of competition.

Repeated success can also contribute to an athlete's reputation within the sport. Competitors who consistently achieve strong results may become important reference points for future participants and help establish the championship's sporting legacy.

At the same time, every edition of the championship presents a new competitive challenge. The arrival of new athletes, changes in competitive form, and differences in preparation ensure that the outcome cannot be taken for granted.

4. Weight Categories and the Assessment of Results

Weight categories are an important feature of bodybuilding competitions. They allow athletes to compete against others within an appropriate competitive classification and provide a framework for assessing different physiques.

When analysing championship results, it is essential to distinguish between winners of individual weight categories and overall champions. These achievements are related, but they are not necessarily equivalent.

A category victory demonstrates that an athlete achieved the highest result within a particular division. The overall title, where awarded through a separate comparison, represents a further distinction among competitors who have already succeeded in their respective categories.

This distinction is important when evaluating historical records. Accurate comparisons require an understanding of the competition format and the titles awarded in each year.

The results should therefore be interpreted in the context of the relevant categories and judging procedures rather than by treating every category winner as an overall champion.

5. Geographical Diversity and International Competition

The championship's history illustrates the international reach of professional bodybuilding. The presence of athletes from different countries shows that high-level competition is not confined to a single national sporting system.

Geographical diversity contributes to the championship in several ways. It broadens the range of athletic backgrounds represented, creates opportunities for competitors to measure themselves against international rivals, and helps strengthen connections between bodybuilding communities.

International competition also provides a valuable basis for comparing preparation methods, presentation styles, and approaches to physique development. These exchanges can contribute to the broader evolution of the sport.

The list of winners should therefore be viewed not merely as a record of individual achievements, but also as a reflection of the championship's role in bringing together athletes from different parts of Europe and beyond.

6. 2023–2026: The Most Recent Chapter in the Championship's History

The results from 2023 to 2026 represent the latest period covered by the supplied list. These years form an important part of the championship's continuing history and provide a snapshot of more recent competitive outcomes.

The inclusion of different champions across the period highlights the ongoing nature of international competition. Established athletes and new contenders contribute to an environment in which results are determined by performance at each championship.

Recent results can be particularly useful when examining changes in the competitive field. Nevertheless, a meaningful assessment of long-term trends requires more than a comparison of winners alone. It should also consider participation levels, category structures, competition formats, and the consistency of the available records.

The 2023–2026 period should therefore be understood as the latest stage in a longer sporting history rather than as a definitive indication of future outcomes.

7. The Value of Historical Statistics

A list of champions covering 2006–2026 is valuable not only as a record of achievements but also as a source for analysing the development of the championship.

Such records make it possible to identify repeated victories, trace the changing composition of the group of winners, and examine the international distribution of successful athletes.

Historical statistics can also help recognize athletes whose achievements have contributed to the championship's reputation. At the same time, statistical conclusions must be drawn carefully. A list of winners alone cannot fully explain the level of competition in a particular year or establish which era was the most competitive.

For a more comprehensive assessment, the winners' list could be supplemented with information about the number of participants, judging criteria, category changes, and the full rankings from each championship.

The distinction between recorded facts and broader interpretation is essential to maintaining an objective view of the championship's history.

Conclusion

The history of the W.F.F. – International and W.B.B.F. – International European Professional Bodybuilding Championship from 2006 to 2026 reflects two decades of international competition, individual achievement, and continuing development in professional bodybuilding.

The results highlight champions from different countries, the importance of repeated success, and the role of weight categories in organizing competition. They also demonstrate why historical statistics should be considered within the context of the championship's rules and structure.

Ultimately, the championship's significance lies not only in the names of its winners but also in its ability to bring athletes together, provide a platform for high-level competition, and preserve a record of the sport's development over time.

Source: The supplied list of W.F.F. – International and W.B.B.F. – International European Professional Championship overall winners, 2006–2026.

For further information, visit the official website: www.wff.lt.