As far as bodybuilding talents who have competed outside of the National Physique Committee’s (NPC) parameters go, Michal Križánek is towards the top of the list. As the Men’s Open winner of the 2021 Mr. Universe Pro — a contest in the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Elite Pro League — it wouldn’t be a stretch to see Križánek attempt any relevant professional bodybuilding venture. Thanks to his building of a physique that features sterling arms and ripped legs, he may well excel, too.
According to a press release posted by the Evls Prague Pro organization on July 15, 2022, Križánek is doing precisely that. The bodybuilder has officially switched from the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) Elite Pro League to the National Physique Committee (NPC). The NPC is the only amateur organization recognized by the IFBB Pro League.
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A Lengthy Qualification
At the time of this writing, per his social media, Križánek intends to earn his IFBB Pro Card. He hopes to parlay that into a qualification for the 2022 Mr. Olympia, which will take place on December 16-18, in Las Vegas, NV.
To get his Pro Card, based on the NPC’s standards, Križánek will have to qualify for and win at least one of the National Championships, North American Championships, or the USA Championships. A top-five finish in a National Qualifier would garner him a roster spot in the North American Championships. A top-three result would place him in The National Championships and USA Championships.
Should Križánek successfully earn his Pro Card in time, he will then have to qualify for the Mr. Olympia by either winning an IFBB Pro League contest, or by finishing in the top three in point standings in his Open division. To get in by points, the official qualification period for the 2022 Mr. Olympia ends on November 20.
Križánek has not confirmed when he’ll compete in a related regional contest at the time of this article’s publication.
The 2022 NPC USA Championships will occur on July 29-30 in Las Vegas, NV. The 2022 NPC North American Championships will take place on August 31 in Pittsburgh, PA. Finally, as a potential last step before the Olympia, the 2022 NPC National Championships will take place on December 2-3, in Orlando, FL.
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A Bright Future
Based on his IFBB Elite Pro career results, Križánek earning his IFBB Pro Card might be more of a formality than a question. According to Big Bodies, in 14 Elite Pro Contests, the bodybuilder has won 13 times and only failed to make the podium once. It’ll undoubtedly be more challenging for Križánek to maintain such an impressive ledger in a new league, especially if he competes against Open athletes like reigning two-time Mr. Olympia Mamdouh Elssbiay, Brandon Curry, Hadi Choopan, Hunter Labrada, and Nick Walker.
That said, Križánek’s already making a leap in competition. It wouldn’t be surprising to see him potentially become a household name in the NPC in the future.
