It was an enormously successful weekend in the NPC, as 11 contests were held across the country – two of which broke records in their respective states. In California, the Amateur Grand Prix played host to 350-plus competitors, the largest regional contest in the state’s history while the Shredder Classic featured over 300 entries, the largest natural contest in Texas history.
Check out the highlights below!
AMATEUR GRAND PRIX: CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA
(photos courtesy of Nga Azarian)
With 350 competitors, the NPC Amateur Grand Prix in Culver City was the largest regional competition in California history. The first-year event was held in conjunction with the IFBB Pro Grand Prix Men’s and Women’s Physique Championships.
Go here for complete galleries!
PANHANDLE SHOWDOWN: PENSACOLA, FLORIDA
(photos courtesy of John Hawley)
The 6th Annual Panhandle Showdown was held April 14th in Pensacola, FL. This National Qualifier featured 247 athletes in 24 divisions. “The array of talent was awesome,” said promoter Russ Mesey. “This was Pensacola’s first-ever National Qualifier. Guest posers IFBB pro’s Cedric McMillan and Jennifer Scarpetta revved up the crowd with their exceptional posing.”
NORTHERN COLORADO CHAMPIONSHIPS: BOULDER, CO
(photos courtesy of Isaac Hinds and Brian Williams)
Two-hundred athletes showed up to the historic Boulder Theater at the world-famous Pearl Street Mall in Boulder for the Axis Labs Northern Colorado Championships, an NPC National Qualifier for the first time ever. Newly-crowned Mr. Olympia Phil Heath sat in the audience of the show where he competed for the first time 9 years ago this month- the NPC Northern Colorado Championships.
“The depth of quality competitors this year- particularly in all of the Bikini classes- was amazing,” promoter Jeff Taylor said. The contest also featured a guest posing appearance by rookie IFBB Pro Steve Kuclo at six weeks out from the New York Pro.
(Related: Steve Kuclo guest posing photos)
JACKIE’S PLACE ALASKA STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS: ANCHORAGE, ALASKA
(photos courtesy of Mark Mason)
The contest was held at the Wendy Williams Theater in Anchorage, Alaska. The show, which is promoted by Shawn and Cinzia Clapp, attracted 74 competitors – twice as many as the previous year. IFBB Fitness pro Oksana Grishina was the special guest performer.
TEXAS SHREDDER CLASSIC: AUSTIN, TEXAS
(photos courtesy of Dan Ray)
With over 300 competitors, the 15th Annual Texas Shredder Classic was the largest drug-tested bodybuilding contest in Texas history.
NATURAL INDIANA CHAMPIONSHIPS: INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
Over 100 competitors turned out of the first-ever Natural Indiana Championships in Indianapolis.
