IFBB expands Mr. Universe events all over the world in 2022.
The IFBB has decided to expand on the great success of the Mr. Universe event that was brought back to life in 2021.
The IFBB Mr. Universe was and still is one of the most prestigious events in the history of the IFBB.
After a 44 year absence from IFBB’s calendar of events, the IFBB made the decision in 2021 to bring this prestigious event back to the sport.
A brief History
NABBA has been organizing the Mr. Universe contest since 1948 till 2019, with the 2020 edition unfortunately being cancelled due to the Covid-19 restrictions. The NABBA version of this event has absolutely no association with the IFBB’s Mr. Universe event.
The IFBB organized their first IFBB Mr. Universe contest in 1959. The name ‘Mr. Universe’ would be used by the IFBB until 1977. Bodybuilding legend Robby Robinson would win the last IFBB Mr. Universe overall title in 1976.
Arnold Schwarzenegger won the overall title of this event in 1969.
The IFBB then decided to replace the Mr. Universe contest with the IFBB World Amateur Championships. This contest would become the worlds biggest and most prestigious amateur contest in the history of the sport.
The most popular bodybuilders from the 1980’s to 2020 have competed at the IFBB World Amateur Championships.
The IFBB Mr. Universe and the IFBB World Amateur Championships are amateur events.
The Pro version of the IFBB Mr. Universe was only organized for six years, between 1975 and 1981
Read More: The IFBB Mr. Universe contest returns after 44 years
The return of the Mr. Universe in 2021
The historic events took place in Marbella, Spain and Paraguay.
The IFBB Elite Pro event was held in Spain, while the amateur event took place in Paraguay.
The original Mr. Universe Pro was a male dominant event, now in 2021, a number of divisions were added, including female events.
Along with the IFBB Mr. Universe Pro, other events included were Men’s Physique, Bikini Fitness, and Wellness categories. A total of $20,000 in prize money will be up for grabs for the Mr. Universe Pro while another $12,000 will be shared between the other divisions, bringing the total to $32,000.
Speaking to IFBB President Dr. Rafael Santonja, he was very happy with the organization and outcome of this event. Dr. Santonja continued to explain that such a historic competition added to the IFBB Elite Pro calendar of events, will give much more opportunities for the Elite Pro athletes to achieve success.
Read More: 2021 Mr. Universe Pro: The legendary event returns with success
Read More: 2021 IFBB Mr. and Miss Universe – Photos and Results
The IFBB expands to six Mr. Universe events in 2022
Building on the success of the Mr. Universe event in 2021, the IFBB has decided to expand on this great event and organize it in six different countries.
15 – 17 April: IFBB Mister Universe India (Pune, India)
1 – 3 July: IFBB Mister Universe Amateur (Beirut, Lebanon)
21 – 24 July: IFBB Mister Universe Africa (El Cairo, Egypt)
19 – 20 August: IFBB Mister Universe Brazil (Sao Paolo, Brazil)
14 – 16 October: IFBB Mister Universe Marbella (Marbella, Spain)
20 – 22 May: IFBB Mister Universe Europe (Prague, Czech Republic)
These events will be open to all amateur and pro athletes from all over the world, affiliated with the IFBB and IFBB Elite Pro.
It is evident the IFBB will replicate the incredible success of the IFBB Diamond Cup series of events with the Mr. Universe.
The Mr. Universe will be organized all over the world to give more opportunity to the amateur and pro athletes.
