I do encourage forum members (especially the active ones) to apply regardless of you registering this year or like 3 years ago. Even if you have 500 posts compared to someone who has like 9k posts. But I'm not going to force anyone to enter.
In the end, If I'm opening this opportunity is because I'm considering them too. Apply, luckily become a member and from there it's not my doing but your participating in the contest to win or not.
Think about it and take a chance. That's my advice!