men and women, IPC opened a category for men – the world's first. The new category received worldwide media attention, refuting the claim that pole dance is designed for the amusement of men. Competitors this year were also submitted applications via video entries. Judges from around the world from various sport and dance disciplines judged the entries and picked the finalists. Fans participated and voted online for their favorite competitor via the IPC website. The winner won the title of Pole Idol. 2010 – Tokyo A new category for disabled performers opened in 2010, inspired by sight impaired pole dancer Marie Dunot from France who had entered IPC in 2009. The competition had a live audience of 3000 fans. National champions from different countries competed, as well as an open category for competitors who submitted a video entry. Fans from all over the world went to Tokyo to support their favorite competitor. References Erotic dance