New MPD & WPD Criteria for Arnold Classic

**Joe Pietaro** · 11-09-2015, 12:41 AM

As per a video posted today by Christian Duque from information that he reports as first-hand from Jim Manion and Bob Lorimer, there is a new procedure being put in place for the 2016 Arnold Classic.

Instead of via the usual invitational of the top competitors in each respective division, the first 50 who re-up their IFBB pro cards (ie: send in the check) and return their signed contract (ie: The Kai Factor) in MPD and WPD will be headed to Columbus, Ohio.

One thing that I wasn't sure on is if it was 25 in each (50 total) or 50 in each. I reached out to Duque for clarification.

Either way, that is going to be a long and watered down line-up for a division that the IFBB is putting a lot of stock into (MPD) and one that they bounced female bodybuilding for (WPD).

Doesn't seem to be the best marketing decision IMO. The second most prestigious show on the calendar should have it's competitors determined by more than who arrived at the post office first.

Just sayin'

**FitGems** · 11-09-2015, 02:55 AM

Originally Posted by Joe Pietaro

As per a video posted today by Christian Duque from information that he reports as first-hand from Jim Manion and Bob Lorimer, there is a new procedure being put in place for the 2016 Arnold Classic.

Instead of via the usual invitational of the top competitors in each respective division, the first 50 who re-up their IFBB pro cards (ie: send in the check) and return their signed contract (ie: The Kai Factor) in MPD and WPD will be headed to Columbus, Ohio.

One thing that I wasn't sure on is if it was 25 in each (50 total) or 50 in each. I reached out to Duque for clarification.

Either way, that is going to be a long and watered down line-up for a division that the IFBB is putting a lot of stock into (MPD) and one that they bounced female bodybuilding for (WPD).

Doesn't seem to be the best marketing decision IMO. The second most prestigious show on the calendar should have it's competitors determined by more than who arrived at the post office first.

Just sayin'

I agree completely. Doing it this way cheapens what should be one of the top events for the sport to me.

**nzgs** · 11-09-2015, 03:46 AM

They seem to be worried about the recent exodus to the other federation. Maybe this upcoming lawsuit has something to do with it.

**scottg** · 11-09-2015, 07:05 AM

So the Arnold Classic could have a weak lineup, damaging its reputation for no apparent reason and jeopardising its position as the second most prestigious show in bodybuilding. Or. Duque has no idea what he's talking about.

it will be business as usual at the Arnold.

**poser** · 11-09-2015, 07:50 AM

Ok don't quote me but it is my understanding that the first 50 will be allowed to show up & get a look after paying their own way. Once it is decided who the top 10 will be the real competition will begin & they will be reimbursed for their expenses (the top 10 only)

**swingslammer** · 11-09-2015, 09:02 AM

Interesting...where is Dookie when you really need him?

Wait a minute, there is no reason we need him here.

On another note, I was disappointed that more Bodybuilders did not take a shot at the Nspire thing?

**Joe Pietaro** · 11-09-2015, 11:37 AM

Originally Posted by scottg

So the Arnold Classic could have a weak lineup, damaging its reputation for no apparent reason and jeopardising its position as the second most prestigious show in bodybuilding. Or. Duque has no idea what he's talking about.

it will be business as usual at the Arnold.

Christian said that he spoke to Manion and Lorimer directly for this info so I have to say it's one hundred percent accurate.

Will anyone really be surprised that a bad decision was made in the bodybuilding industry? What made the Arnold unique was its invitation-only status. This makes it more like a local amateur show, carnival-styel. ("Come one; come all.")

**Coolinolympia** · 11-10-2015, 10:55 AM

Yes, who cares about news from Duque? He is a jerk. Why bother using him as a source.

**Sandpig** · 11-11-2015, 07:40 AM

Originally Posted by poser

Ok don't quote me but it is my understanding that the first 50 will be allowed to show up & get a look after paying their own way. Once it is decided who the top 10 will be the real competition will begin & they will be reimbursed for their expenses (the top 10 only)

Oh I'm gonna quote you. Don't worry about that.

**bigmikecox** · 11-11-2015, 11:26 AM

So diet and fly to the show on your own dime, then have the judges determine if you are worty of competing?

**Joe Pietaro** · 11-11-2015, 03:54 PM

Originally Posted by bigmikecox

So diet and fly to the show on your own dime, then have the judges determine if you are worty of competing?

From my understanding, that's not the case. All 50 in each (MPD and WPD) who get their IFBB pro card renewal check and signed contract in first will be up on stage. But the first 10 in each will get all expenses paid.

Just how that is determined remains to be seen. (Did Sally the secretary open Bob's letter before John's, and who is 50 and 51? Story at 11.)

I reached out to Bob Lorimer in regards asking for clarification.

**lil mama** · 11-13-2015, 03:36 PM

Originally Posted by Joe Pietaro

From my understanding, that's not the case. All 50 in each (MPD and WPD) who get their IFBB pro card renewal check and signed contract in first will be up on stage. But the first 10 in each will get all expenses paid.

Just how that is determined remains to be seen. (Did Sally the secretary open Bob's letter before John's, and who is 50 and 51? Story at 11.)

I reached out to Bob Lorimer in regards asking for clarification.

ahh hells bells !!! so does this mean no letter of consideration needs to be done (written) along with submitting photos to the ifbb along with $$$ renewal fee of pro card and signed application with a list of 2016 shows you intend to do? well I received my renewal form but didnt bother to open it till now cause I thought it was the same as usual, little did I know a different letter was in the mix

**lil mama** · 11-13-2015, 04:39 PM

image.jpg Here is the letter sent to me

**lil mama** · 11-13-2015, 04:48 PM

https://www.instagram.com/p/9_u4wMK4iz/

well I just need the $ and get on my diet and am ready to rock it

...vid was taken yesterday

**Joe Pietaro** · 11-13-2015, 05:11 PM

Originally Posted by lil mama

ahh hells bells !!! so does this mean no letter of consideration needs to be done (written) along with submitting photos to the ifbb along with $$$ renewal fee of pro card and signed application with a list of 2016 shows you intend to do? well I received my renewal form but didnt bother to open it till now cause I thought it was the same as usual, little did I know a different letter was in the mix

Thank you for posting the letter. Answers a lot of questions. Looks as if everything that I thought was the case was besides the one caveat - 50 will be up on the prejudging stage and then 40 will be bounced. Only 10 for the finals.

And those 10 will not get a full free ride, but get $1,500 and then whatever first-through-sixth prize money if they place thereat.

Does anyone know offhand what the prize money was last year? Now it's $5,000 down to $500.