Four-time Mr. Olympia champion Jay Cutler is a name synonymous with bodybuilding excellence. Though he no longer competes, Cutler continues to play an influential role in the sport, keeping a close eye on its evolution.
Recently, in an episode of his Jay Cutler Cast Podcast on August 29, 2024, Cutler discussed an intriguing shift in the bodybuilding landscape, highlighting why many believe Chris Bumstead, reigning Classic Physique Olympia champion, is the true embodiment of Mr. Olympia.
Additionally, Jay Cutler expressed his concerns over the direction the Open Bodybuilding division is headed, arguing that competitors in this category have become ‘too damn big.’
A Shift in Bodybuilding Ideals: The Chris Bumstead Phenomenon
Chris Bumstead, often referred to by his nickname ‘Cbum,’ is the reigning and dominant figure in the Classic Physique division, having secured multiple Mr. Olympia titles.
His aesthetic and proportionate physique has captured the hearts of millions of fans, even beyond bodybuilding’s traditional audience.
In Jay Cutler‘s recent podcast, he explains why so many now see Bumstead as the face of Mr. Olympia, even overshadowing Open class champions like Derek Lunsford or former titleholder Hadi Choopan.
“Yeah, but people think Chris Bumstead is Mr. Olympia. And the only one,” Cutler said, reflecting on Bumstead’s broad appeal. “If I asked any person that followed social media and I say, ‘Do you know who Cbum is?’ They say ‘Yeah.’ I say, ‘Do you know who Hadi Choopan or Derek Lunsford or Big Ramy?’ They don’t know.”
This observation points to a significant cultural shift in bodybuilding, where fans are drawn more to the Classic Physique’s balanced and attainable look than the extreme mass of the Open division.
While Chris Bumstead’s physique is still impressive, it is more relatable for many fans compared to the hulking frames of Open competitors.
According to Jay Cutler, this relatability is key to Chris Bumstead’s rising popularity.
From Magazines to Social Media: How Bodybuilding’s Star-Making Machine Has Changed
Jay Cutler, who grew up during the magazine era of bodybuilding in the 1990s and early 2000s, noted how dramatically the sport has changed since his time. In his era, bodybuilding stars were made through magazines and endorsements that built up athletes from the amateur level, allowing fans to follow their progress all the way to the pro stage.
“Back in our era, the magazines built up the amateurs to a point where when you turned Pro, you were cranking. You had these Weider deals, these contracts,” Cutler shared.
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Today, however, the rise of social media has altered the sport’s promotional landscape. While social media gives athletes unprecedented access to their fans, it has also created a situation where certain competitors, like Bumstead, can overshadow their peers purely due to their massive social media following.
This has contributed to a disconnect between the Open class and the fans, with many not even knowing who the current Mr. Olympia champions are.
Related: Why Chris Bumstead Can’t Build More Muscle
The Open Division’s Obsession with Size: ‘Too Damn Big’
One of Jay Cutler’s most compelling points during the podcast was his critique of the Open Bodybuilding division’s increasing focus on sheer size.
Since the 1990s, when six-time Mr. Olympia Dorian Yates ushered in a new era of mass and conditioning, the sport has seen a consistent trend toward bigger, bulkier physiques.
This trend continued into the 2000s, with Ronnie Coleman and Jay Cutler himself embracing the mass monster look that defined the Open category.
But now, Jay Cutler believes that the division’s emphasis on size may have gone too far.
“I could talk about Open Bodybuilding even when I was winning, it’s just too damn big!” he said.
Jay Cutler‘s critique of the Open division echoes similar sentiments from other bodybuilding legends, including Arnold Schwarzenegger. Arnold Schwarzenegger has also voiced concerns about the dangers of excessive size in bodybuilding, emphasizing the importance of health and longevity.
In fact, Schwarzenegger has gone so far as to claim that the Classic Physique, with its focus on symmetry and aesthetics, is the future of bodybuilding.
Given Bumstead’s immense popularity, Jay Cutler suggests that Schwarzenegger’s prediction might be coming true.
Related: Chris Bumstead Weighs Switch to Open Bodybuilding, Compares Eras
Is Bigger Always Better? The Consequences of Size in Bodybuilding
Jay Cutler‘s concern is not just aesthetic but also rooted in the potential health risks associated with the pursuit of extreme size. Over the years, bodybuilding has seen an alarming rise in health issues among its top competitors, with some even losing their lives far too soon.
Many have attributed this trend to the relentless push for bigger muscles and the toll that such a pursuit can take on the human body.
Arnold Schwarzenegger has been vocal in calling the Open division ‘dangerous’ and has urged the sport to re-evaluate its priorities. He believes that bodybuilding should focus more on health, aesthetics, and longevity rather than sheer mass.
Given that many fans now view Chris Bumstead, with his more balanced physique, as the ideal Mr. Olympia, Schwarzenegger’s vision may be gaining traction.
Jay Cutler also questions whether the Open class’s obsession with size has made the sport less appealing to mainstream audiences.
While the Open division is home to some of the freakiest and most impressive athletes in the world, its physiques have become so extreme that they are no longer relatable or attainable for the average fan.
This disconnect may explain why many fans now gravitate toward Classic Physique competitors like Bumstead, whose physiques, while still extraordinary, appear more achievable and aesthetically pleasing.
Related: Is Chris Bumstead Natural? An In-Depth Exploration
The Future of Bodybuilding: Will Classic Physique Take Over?
As bodybuilding continues to evolve, the question remains: will Classic Physique overtake Open Bodybuilding in popularity? Jay Cutler’s comments suggest that it might.
With competitors like Chris Bumstead leading the charge, Classic Physique offers a more balanced approach to bodybuilding that emphasizes aesthetics, symmetry, and proportion over sheer mass.
This approach has clearly resonated with fans, many of whom now see Bumstead as the true Mr. Olympia.
While Open Bodybuilding will likely always have its place in the sport, the rise of Classic Physique marks a significant shift in bodybuilding’s future direction.
As more and more fans and athletes embrace the ideals of Classic Physique, the days of the ‘mass monsters’ may be numbered.
Related: Chris Bumstead Height, Weight, Age, Body Measurements, Olympia Journey and Bodybuilding Career
Conclusion: Chris Bumstead, the Face of a New Era
Jay Cutler’s insights into bodybuilding’s current landscape are both thought-provoking and timely.
His observation that many now view Chris Bumstead as the real Mr. Olympia reflects the growing popularity of the Classic Physique and the desire for a more attainable and aesthetically pleasing standard of bodybuilding.
At the same time, Cutler’s critique of the Open Division’s obsession with size raises important questions about the future of the sport.
As bodybuilding continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how these two divisions—Classic Physique and Open Bodybuilding—shape the sport in the years to come. One thing is certain: Chris Bumstead, with his remarkable physique and broad appeal, is at the forefront of this exciting new era.