1987 Night of the Champions – Gary Strydom’s pro debut victory.
Evolutionofbodybuilding.net takes a trip back to the 1987 Night of the Champions.
The Night of the Champions is one of bodybuilding’s most historic events. The event lasted 26 years, from 1978 to 2004. After 2004, the event was renamed the New York Pro.
The event winners went on to have very successful careers, many of them launching their pro careers at this event.
In 1987, a young bodybuilder named Gary Strydom, was looking to start his pro bodybuilding career.
Gary earned his pro status by winning the overall title at the 1986 NPC National Championships. Gary had to defeat a very deep line-up of bodybuilders, which included Matt Mendenhall, who placed second, behind Gary Strydom in the Men’s Heavyweight category.
Gary would only focus on one event in 1987, and that would be the Night of the Champions.
The 1987 Night of the Champions, had an incredible line-up of bodybuilders. 24 of the world’s best bodybuilders arrived in New York, to compete at this prestigious event.
Gary was the new guy on the scene, and the majority of veteran bodybuilders had no idea who this kid was.
From the moment Gary stepped on stage, all eyes would be on him. Gary presented a fantastic physique, the had the perfect balance of size and symmetry.
It was not an easy task for the South African bodybuilder. Breathing down his neck were Mike Ashley, Ron Love, Robby Robinson, Bertil Fox, and Steve Brisbois, to name a few.
After an intense battle, Gary Strydom would emerge the winner, with Mike Ashley placing a close second, and Ron Love had to settle for third.
During his pro career, Gary would go on to win four IFBB Pro events and was the WBF champion in 1991.
Gary’s best placing at the Mr. Olympia was fifth, on his debut in 1988.
1987 Night of the Champions Official Results
1 Gary Strydom
2 Mike Ashley
3 Ron Love
4 John Hnatyschak
5 Robby Robinson
6 Shane DiMora
7 Bertil Fox
8 David Hawk
9 Steve Brisbois
10 Tom Terwilliger
– Roy Callendar
– Thierry Gunst
– Larry Jackson (1)
– Sean Jenkins
– Edouard Kawak
– Rod Koontz
– Ron Magnum
– Ali Malla
– Ken Passariello
– Tony Pearson
– Jocelyn Pelletier
– Frank Richard
– Wayne Robbins
– Scott Wilson
