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

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WFF-WBBF, ISU and Universities Around the World – Decades of International Academic Cooperation

Alongside its extensive and active international sports activities, we are launching a series of publications dedicated to the cooperation between the World WFF-WBBF Federation and the International Sport University (ISU) with universities in various countries around the world.

The origins of this cooperation date back to 1986, when qualification courses for athletes and methodological seminars for coaches and sports specialists were first organized in Klaipėda, Lithuania. Over time, these initiatives developed into an international network of educational and academic partnerships, extending beyond sports practice to include higher education and scientific collaboration.

For nearly four decades, the World WFF-WBBF Federation has consistently expanded its cooperation with universities, aiming to improve the professional qualifications of athletes, coaches, judges, and sports administrators, while promoting scientific research and international academic exchange. Since 2015, these activities have also been carried forward by the International Sport University (ISU), which has become an important platform for international educational projects and academic cooperation.

Among the Federation's most significant academic partners are one of the largest universities in the Indian State of Punjab, with approximately 200,000 students, the Jozef Raciborski University in Poland, the University of Physical Education in Bydgoszcz, the Polish State Higher School Wyższa Szkoła Gospodarki, the Ivan Franko University of Physical Education in Lviv (Ukraine), Stavropigion University, and a number of other institutions of higher education throughout Europe and Asia.

These partnerships have gone far beyond formal agreements and official visits. Over the years, numerous international conferences, seminars, lectures, qualification development programs, and joint academic projects have been organized, enabling the exchange of scientific knowledge, educational methodologies, and professional experience. Such activities have significantly contributed to the development of sports science, the improvement of coach education, and the strengthening of international professional cooperation.

The greatest value of this collaboration lies in its long-term commitment to connecting the practical world of sport with the academic community. This partnership has enabled the World WFF-WBBF Federation and the International Sport University not only to organize international sporting events but also to become active promoters of sports science, education, and professional development worldwide.

In this series of publications, we will present the major stages of this international cooperation, partnerships with universities across different countries, joint projects, significant meetings, and their outcomes. This is an important chapter in the history of the World WFF-WBBF Federation and the International Sport University, reflecting their enduring commitment to uniting sport, science, education, and international cooperation.

More information is on international site www.wff.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!

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WWW.WFF.LT