Goes top show that the NPC is slowly turning its back on bodybuilding now and supporting mens bikini more. Look how pathetic the turnout for bodybuilding is. It is awful. Mens bikini is like womens bikini - it literally destroyed figure/bodybuilding it goes to show how much loyalty the NPC has for bodybuilding and figure. Bodybuilding is dead - it is over it is done.
It all depends on what contest. Men's Bodybuilding is doing just fine, with the NPC Contra Costa last week here in California having 50+ competitors in Men's Bodybuilding. Men's Physique (this is the first contest where some will turn pro) is something that lets competitors who are in shape but don't want to get too muscular compete. Different type of physique for the body.
Womens Figure is thriving, even more than bikini, because there are major differences between the two - just go to a contest and check it out. As for Women's Bodybuilding, different story. But Women's Physique just may draw the line between what classic women's bodybuilding was 15+ years ago. We shall see where it ends up.
Will be interesting to see who the new IFBB pro's will be this weekend!