Its mostly politics - and its not cheap to support. I personally lost a shit ton of weight though. The most lean I was ever able to push myself to get. I stayed pretty "Hangry" the whole time lol. I do think One competition is great for a checked off bucket list item. However, I would never put my body through that hell again TBH. especially peak week. some things to note: You have to register (pay a membership fee) first with an a organization like NPC etc and then pick a realistic goal time-frame and a corresponding Competition. Then go for it. I had someone there to walk me through the process, make sure my macros were right and check my bodyfat regularly. Also, You will need to learn how to pose properly, which to me was harder than getting to 5% bodyfat. At my competition, one of the contestants refused to tan and he stood out like a sore thumb, it was funny, until he passed out on stage form being so dehydrated.

If you are in the states I would start with the NPC. Google shows in your state or nearby and go for it.

http://npcnewsonline.com/