It all started in 1970 when Worthington, Ohio Mayor Jim Lorimer was tasked to promote the World Weightlifting Championships in the neighbouring town of Columbus. In able to attract a larger crowd, Lorimer decided to organize a Mr. World bodybuilding competition in conjunction with the weightlifting tournament. He then appealed to the most popular bodybuilding personalities to participate in the contest, offering a cash prize of $500 to the winner.