The NPC has grown by leaps and ‘pounds’ since the inception of the relatively new Physique divisions (Male and Female).
NPC events that drew less than 100 contestants just a few years back are now nearly filoled to capacity with 700+ contestants during a one -day event .... are somewhat normal today
And the number of IFBB Pro Cards that are now issued on a yearly basis far exceeds the number of Pro Cards issued since the years between Scott and Wheeler in which that coveted award was presented.
Some see this as bad, while most others see this as a great opportunity that will allow new competitors the opportunity to make a living while doing something that they love
to do.
Many years ago, a bodybuilder was cpnsidered to be a “pro” if he competied in a bodybuilding contest in which there was as cash award. And any competitor who won that cash award (or something of monetary value other than the standard trophy) would be considered to be a “pro” and coul thereby ce declared as ineligible in any future NPC event.
In addition …. the IFBB would not consider that individual to be eligible to compete within IFBB events,
So now a relatively large number of individuals have the capability and potential to win that Pro Card and compete within IFBB events with the hopes of a financial rreturn.
So the big questions now are …
How many Physique Events are promoted within the IFBB that offer financial winnings?
What is the amount of those financial awards?
Is there enough of a ‘reward’ to maintain the interest of the vast number of contenders who have received IFBB Physque Pro cards within the past few years?
And … How many male and female Pro Physique contestants are there within the IFBB today who display enough interest in future competitions to maintain their yearly IFBB membership?
How many Physique pros have noteworthy contracts within the suppliment/fitness business today?
Most Get-Biggers will not agree,… but it appears to me that these Physique Division events will be the bread and butter of the NPC and IFBB in the immediate future ..,,and may damn well be the “Golden Egg” right now in this present day.
Physique – The future of bodybuilding as we used to know it
?