Celebrating 20 years of Iron Man Pro Muscle in LA!
As we are only a few weeks away from the 20th Annual Iron Man Pro contest, it seemed appropriate to look back over the 19 fantastic years of this event, started by John Balik and Mike Neveux in 1990.
 
Over the years there have been 11 different winners as follows:
Shawn Ray 1990
J.J. Marsh 1991
Vince Taylor 1992, 1994
Flex Wheeler 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998
Chris Cormier 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002
Jay Cutler 2003
Dexter Jackson 2004
Gustavo Badell 2005
Lee Priest 2006
Toney Freeman 2007
Phil Heath 2008
Who will it be in 2009?

Obviously Flex Wheeler and Chris Cormier have dominated this event. The other interesting fact is that Ronnie Coleman has never won this title, along with 2 other Mr. Olympia winners since 1990 in Lee Haney and Dorian Yates.

Here is a very brief summary of the 19 years of the event with words taken from the DVD covers from 1990 to 2008. It gives you a good feel for the wonderful history of the Iron Man Pro, probably the 3rd longest running current men’s pro show – after the Mr Olympia and the Arnold Classic. The now discontinued Night of Champions made it to around #24 contests, with the last one being held in 2006.

There have been a number of NPC Iron Man Figure events held in conjunction with the Iron Man Pro in recent years. However this brief history only covers the men’s event, soon to celebrate its 20th birthday. My hats off to the many wonderful competitors who have graced the IM stage and to the promoters for their hard work, loyalty to pro bodybuilding and love of the sport over so many years.

The Iron Man Pro is famous for having the best lighting seen at any bodybuilding event. I have been shooting contests for over 40 years and I totally agree with this accolade regarding the Neveux lighting design. It is the greatest.

1990 Iron Man Pro Invitational

The 1990 Iron Man Pro contest was an historic event being the first ever Iron Man Pro competition. SHAWN RAY has the distinction of being the inaugural Iron Man Pro Invitational winner. Of special note was the appearance of Gary Strydom making his last IFBB appearance before going on to be the 1991 and 1992 WBF champion.

Of the competitors listed included Pavol Jablonicky and Gary Strydom. Both are still competing in pro shows.

1991 Iron Man Pro Invitational

This event was staged at Aviation Park Auditorium, Redondo Beach, CA on February 23rd, 1991.  J.J Marsh outmuscled his opposition to win the title on the big day in this the second ever Iron Man Pro contest.

There was a strong presence from Europe with Andreas Munzer of Austria in 3rd place and Thierry Pastel from France in 4th. Such was the amazing standard that one of the favourites in Vince Taylor had to settle for  5th. Other legends of the sport included Francis Benfatto, Mohammed Benaziza, Bob Paris and John Brown.

1992 Iron Man Pro Invitational

See some of the greatest physiques of the early 90s in this classic contest held in Southern California! This was only the 3rd year of the event. These were the outstanding physiques of the 90s with many of them going on to be stars over the next 10 years or so. The winner Vince Taylor competed in the Mr. Olympia as recently as 2007. He has had a long and fantastic career with a large number of Grand Prix and Masters Olympia victories.

Taped at Aviation Park Auditorium, Redondo Beach, CA.
Special guest star was DIANA DENNIS.

1993 Iron Man Pro Invitational

See 1993's early season line-up of the best pro bodybuilders in the world. The 4th sensational Iron Man Pro Invitational showcases the best, most incredible physiques of the early nineties. See such legends as Flex Wheeler, Paul Dillett, Vince Taylor, Lee Labrada, John Terilli, Samir Bannout, the late Ray McNeil and many more.

After a titanic battle, a ripped Flex Wheeler emerged victorious. The DVD includes highlights of the prejudging as well as the evening finals. The event was shot at Aviation Park Auditorium, Redondo Beach, California.

1994 Iron Man Pro Invitational

The 1994 Iron Man Pro was the fifth staging of the sensational Iron Man Pro Invitational.  It was another spectacular lineup of magnificent muscle which is the norm with this first pro show of the season.  The DVD  includes some prejudging highlights as well as all the action from the Final.

It turned out to be another magnificent pro victory for VINCE "THE PRINCE" TAYLOR. This year also saw a rare appearance of Bertil Fox in the Iron Man event. Other top men included Chris Cormier and Lee Priest who both went on to become future winners of the Iron Man Pro.

The top competitors in 1994 included VINCE TAYLOR, CHRIS CORMIER, AARON BAKER, LEE PRIEST, DAVID DEARTH, SONNY SCHMIDT, JIM QUINN,  BERTIL FOX and TONY PEARSON. Some of these guys were the super stars of the 80s and early 90s and are not seen very often on DVD, making this release a rare treat.

The competitors were as follows: VINCE TAYLOR, CHRIS CORMIER, AARON BAKER, LEE PRIEST, DAVID DEARTH, SONNY SCHMIDT, FLAVIO BACCIANINI, HENDERSON THORNE, TOM VARGA, JIM QUINN, JONNIE MORANT, PATRICK LYNN, BERTIL FOX, TONY PEARSON, JERRY RODGERS.
Of special note, Vince Taylor and Sonny Schmidt both won Masters Olympia titles.

1995 Iron Man Pro Invitational

February 25, 1995 Los Angeles, CA.

FLEX WHEELER blitzed the opposition to walk away with his 2nd Iron Man Pro Invitational Trophy making it 2 out of 2.
There was a terrific battle between AARON BAKER and LEE PRIEST for 2nd place. This time Lee had to settle for 3rd.  The DVD includes introduction of competitors and some prejudging footage.

Top competitors included FLEX WHEELER, AARON BAKER, LEE PRIEST, PATRICK LYNN, DARREM CHARLES and DAVE FISHER.
Guest performer was Groovin' Reuben of FIBO guest posing fame.

1996 Iron Man Pro Invitational

The 1996 Iron Man Pro Invitational was a rumble between the four top competitors - Flex Wheeler, Paul Dillett, Shawn Ray and Lee Priest. This is no disrespect to Darrem Charles and Patrick Lynn who filled 5th and 6th places respectively. Lee Priest went on to be a future winner of this event in 2006. The Austrian marvel Roland Kickinger received his highest ever placing in the Iron Man with his well deserved 7th place.
 
See all the action from Redondo Beach in this magnificent, hard fought contest in which Paul Dillett felt he was hard done by in placing 2nd. Were the judges correct? You decide when you view this outstanding presentation.

1997 Iron Man Pro Invitational.
Oh my God - what a lineup! That was the cry that day.

Over 20 top athletes compete in the biggest show of muscle in this history of the IM Pro!

The Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, Aviation Auditorium was the site for the 1997 IFBB Iron Man Pro Invitational. This was the 8th year for this event, and by far, the largest collection of athletes to battle it out for the championship. Twenty three athletes, from all over the world, were present in the first IFBB pro show of the year.
Pre-judging started at 12 o clock, but by 11, there were already 300 or so fans outside the doors waiting to get in. Backstage, there was nervousness, and intense concentration by the athletes, as they prepared themselves for the event.

At the end of the event it was Flex Wheeler again and Lee Priest had to settle for second place.

 The RESULTS in order:
1 Flex Wheeler USA 
2 Lee Priest Australia 
3 Ronnie Coleman USA 
4 Aaron Baker USA 
5 Paul Dillett USA 
6 Patrick Lynn USA 
7 Eddie Robinson USA 
8 Henderson Thorne Canada 
9 Bruce Patterson Canada 
10 Ian Harrison England 
11 Roland Kickinger Austria 
12 Jeffrey Long USA 
13 Fauzi Hanst Caribbean 
14 Alessandro Komadina Italy 
15 J.P. Pulkkinen Finland 
16 Mohamed El Makkawy Egypt 
16 Joe Spinello Canada 
Dis- 6th  Alq Gurley USA 
Dis-12th Gunter Schlierkamp Germany 
Dis-16 Max Shamaya Israel 
Dis-16 B.J. Johns New Zealand 
Dis- Jerry Rodgers USA 
Dis- Porter Cottrell USA
 

1998 Iron Man Pro Invitational

FLEX WHEELER showed up in the best shape of his life - 229 lbs on his 5'10" frame - fuller yet as wickedly ripped and detailed as ever. His arms were said by many to be the most perfectly shaped in bodybuilding.

Darrem Charles scored a close 2nd over Aaron Baker, and all 3 qualified for the '98 Olympia. (The DVD also includes some prejudging highlights). There is not a lot of video footage on Aaron Baker of huge arms fame, making this DVD one of the best records available on him.
 
Of special note, two new Aussie Pros made it to the top 10. This was quite a rare achievement and is not likely to be repeated soon! They were both ex NABBA Mr Universe winners.
Aussie Kevin O’Grady placed a very commendable 8th, followed by another ex-NABBA champ, Grant Clemesha at 10th. Grant Clemesha is the only Australian to ever win the Overall Amateur NABBA Mr Universe title. That was in 1995.

Another popular star was Dennis Newman who finally made his pro debut, together on debut with Ron Coleman, O’Grady and Clemesha. Note that this was not THE Ronnie Coleman but his name sake Ron.
 
The Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center was the site for the 1998 IFBB Iron Man Pro Invitational. This was the 9th year for this event, and the 5th year in a row that Ken 'Flex' Wheeler has won this event. The evening show started off with a tribute to Vince Gironda, who died last November, three weeks shy of his 80th birthday. IM publisher John Balik and Vince were close friends, and John was planning an 80th birthday bash for him. Flex Wheeler holds the record with 5 Iron Man victories.

1999 Iron Man Pro Invitational

Chris "The Real Deal" Cormier is the 10th year winner of the Iron Man crown. This year's Iron Man event was the biggest ever with 28 competitors. Key comparisons and the posing routines of all competitors are shown in the DVD.

Top 10 placings (in order) were as follows: CHRIS CORMIER, MILOS SARCEV, JAY CUTLER, DARREM CHARLES, GUNTER SCHLIERKAMP, LEE PRIEST, ALQ' GURLEY, DON LONG, PATRICK LYNN and WILLIE STALLING.

Chris seemed to be building some real momentum at this event and looked very likely to do it all again in 2000. This is our first mention of Jay Cutler and Lee Priest slipped to 6th. Held on February 27, 1999 at Redondo Beach, CA.
 

2000 Iron Man Pro Invitational

"The Real Deal" CHRIS CORMIER makes it back to back victories at the first Iron Man Pro Invitational of the new millennium.

Close behind was multi-title winner Flex Wheeler, and new guys Dexter Jackson of USA 3rd and Gunter Schlierkamp of Germany 4th. This gave Gunter qualification for his first ever Olympia.

The DVD also includes the Pump Room, Prejudging highlights and the full posing routines from the top 15 competitors, plus dramatic posedowns and awards. Also see guest poser Russ Testo in his new routine.

It was an incredible contest, the largest ever field for an Iron Man Show at 34 competitors, and a great way to start the new century. In this event, no one knew who would win, and in a very close finish, Chris Cormier repeated as the Iron Man Champion, beating out the great 'Flex' Wheeler in a hard fought duel. Dennis Newman's comeback after severe illness was another highlight.
February 19, 2000, Redondo Beach, CA.

2001 Iron Man Pro Invitational

Held in the superb Redondo Beach Performing Arts Centre before a sell-out crowd, this famous Pro Show kicked off the season with 24 fantastic competitors.

It was a 3-peat victory for “The Real Deal” Chris Cormier, in the best condition of his life. In second place was the posing maestro "Marvellous" Melvin Anthony and in third place, newcomer "King" Kamali. The King also performed a wonderful routine that brought the house down.

Anthony & Kamali have now qualified for their first Olympia later this year.

This DVD includes key comparisons from the Prejudging; posing by all 24 competitors, the complete posing routines of the top 10; pose-down, awards and impromptu posing by JAY CUTLER.

2002 Iron Man Pro Invitational

Chris Cormier made it four after winning the 2002 Iron Man Pro Invitational - with a hungry LEE PRIEST snapping at his heels in second place!!

In this PREJUDGING & SHOW DVD - EVERY ROUTINE IS SHOWN!!

Also includes great interviews with Chris Cormier and Lee Priest.
A highlight of the evening was when Fitness Guru Jack LaLanne was awarded the Peary Rader Award for excellence in the sport of bodybuilding.  The Art Zeller Award for photographic excellence in Bodybuilding was awarded to Jimmy Caruso.
February 16, 2002, Los Angeles, CA.

2003 Iron Man Pro Invitational

Carrying 267 pounds of lean beef on his 5’9” frame, JAY CUTLER - the Ultimate Beef - stormed to victory with a perfect score in every round. Many experts say this was the best Jay Cutler has ever looked.

A shredded MELVIN ANTHONY in 2nd place edged out FLEX WHEELER with new pro TROY ALVES making a sensational debut.

The Peary and Mabel Rader Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Bill Pearl, with the Art Zeller Photography Award for Artistic Excellence going to Leo Stern and the Outstanding Achievement in Cinematography Award to Wayne Gallasch of GMV Productions.

2004 Iron Man Pro

DEXTER “The Blade” JACKSON opened the 2004 pro season with a hard fought victory over the “Blond Myth” LEE PRIEST.  Once again Lee was denied victory, this time by the man who was to become the 2008 Mr. Olympia winner. This was Dexter’s first Iron Man victory.
Also qualifying for the Olympia with his 3rd place finish was Puerto Rico’s GUSTAVO BADELL.

See key comparisons from prejudging, complete posing routines of all 20 competitors, posedown and awards. 

RESULTS

1 Dexter Jackson USA
2 Lee Priest Australia
3 Gustavo Badell Puerto Rico
4 Ahmad Haidar Lebanon
5 Craig Titus USA
6 David Henry USA
7 Johnnie Jackson USA
8 Bob Cicherillo USA
9 Idrise Ward-El USA
10 Ronny Rockel Germany
11 Jason Arntz USA
12 Lee Powell England
13 Paul Baker Jamaica
14 Mohamed Antouti Lebanon
15 Rod Ketchens USA
16 George Turmon USA
17 Ntuk Ntuk Nigeria
18 Dragan Paunovic Yugoslavia
19 Ken Jones USA
20 Clifton Torres USA
Withdrew Tom Prince USA  

Highlights also include: (Shown in full on this DVD)

** The Peary & Mabel Rader lifetime achievement award being presented to Ben Weider;
** The Art Zeller Award for Artistic Excellence presentation to Chris Lund.

2005 Iron Man Pro

GUSTAVO BADELL blitzed the field at this year’s event and achieved his first ever pro victory. Once again the “Blond Myth” LEE PRIEST settled for second with
TROY ALVES in third place. 4th place finisher MELVIN ANTHONY was too good for KING KAMALI in a closely fought contest. Includes key comparisons from
prejudging, the complete posing routines of all the competitors, posedown and awards.

Special Features:

The Peary & Mabel Rader Lifetime Achievement Award presented to JIM LORIMER.
The Art Zeller Award for Artistic Excellence presented to ALBERT BUSEK.
Vince Gironda Award For Outstanding  Presentation goes to MELVIN ANTHONY.
Overall winner NPC Figure Class presentation to ALEXIS ELLIS.

2006 Iron Man Pro

Held in Pasadena, CA the 2006 Iron Man Pro is always the first pro show of the new season. This is the one the guys all specially prepare for with everyone in superb, ripped condition.

It was sweet success at last for LEE PRIEST as he took the title at this year’s event and achieved his first ever IRON MAN PRO victory. It was a very strong field with David Henry pushing Lee every inch of the way. See Eryk Bui make his sensational pro debut gaining 8th position. The DVD includes the complete posing routines of the top 15 finalists plus posing from all of the non finalists. It includes key comparisons from prejudging, plus posedown and awards.

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
The Peary & Mabel Rader Lifetime Achievement Award presented to JIM MANION.
The Art Zeller Award for Artistic Excellence  presented to BOB GARDNER.
Vince Gironda Award For Outstanding  Presentation goes to LEE PRIEST.
Overall winner NPC Figure Class presentation to Halcyon Duarte.


2007 Iron Man Pro

Held in Pasadena, CA the 2007 Iron Man Pro is always full of surprises. This is the one the guys all specially prepare for.

Toney Freeman came to the 2007 Iron Man Pro in incredible shape, displaying his famous X frame and conditioning. This was Toney's second pro show win, his defined and muscular 6'2" 280-pound physique proved to be too much for the rest of the quality field. The contest saw a line up of 27 athletes give it everything at the first Pro show of the year.

A highly conditioned and symmetrical Mark Dugdale achieved his highest ever placing with second. Englishman Eddie Abbew took third place. One of the big stories from the contest was the emergence of the previously unknown Silvio Samuel. This Nigerian born pro had the fans and the media talking with his incredible thickness, amazing abs and dry conditioning. Samuel placed a strong fourth.
 
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
The Peary & Mabel Rader Lifetime Achievement Award posthumously presented to Mickey Hargitay.
Vince Gironda Award For Outstanding Presentation to Silvio Samuel.

2008 Iron Man Pro

February 16, 2008 Los Angeles Convention Center.
THE 19TH ANNUAL IRON MAN PRO!  HISTORIC DVD RELEASE!

Held in the spacious Los Angeles Convention Center for the first time, the 2008 Iron Man Pro is always the first pro show of the new season.  2008 proved to be not only the biggest Iron Man event in years regarding competitor numbers, it was also the best year ever for the IRON MAN Pro and FitExpo.

PHIL “The Gift” HEATH brought his “A” Game to the Iron Man by presenting his wonderful shape and new improved size and symmetry, while still displaying his famous conditioning. This was Phil’s first Iron Man victory at his first attempt at this title. His overall package proved to be a little too much for Gustavo and the rest of the high quality field

An outstanding GUSTAVO BADELL pushed Phil all the way to achieve his second placing while MOE ELMOUSSAWI achieved his highest ever placing in a Pro show with his brilliant 3rd place and an a first ever Olympia appointment for September in Las Vegas. This was the best condition that Moe has ever achieved in his career and it was well rewarded.

Rounding out the top 5 who all qualify for the 2008 Olympia were SILVIO SAMUEL in 4th place and JOHNNIE JACKSON in 5th spot. The man with the amazing legs, DESMOND MILLER just missed out on Olympia qualification with his 6th placing in this incredibly tough field. The contest saw an amazing line up of 32 athletes.
Also see the presentation to DANIELLE EDMONDS as the overall winner of the 2008 Iron Man NPC Figure Contest.

BRING ON 2009 AND THE 20TH EVENT on January 24th at the LACC!!

Please click here for more info on the Iron Man DVDs available from GMV.

Please click here for more info on this year’s Iron Man Pro and FitExpo.
To see the full event poster, please click here.

A large selection of GMV’s DVDs will be available once again on the FitExpo Merchandise booth. Our thanks to Iron Man Magazine, John Balik and Mike Neveux for having us as part of this wonderful show.