After announcing his retirement from competitive bodybuilding, six-time Classic Physique Olympia champion Chris Bumstead has revealed plans to continue giving back to the division he dominated for years.
One day after claiming his sixth consecutive title at the 60th anniversary of Joe Weider’s Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend, Bumstead shared his post-retirement vision for the Classic Physique division.
His biggest goal? Boosting the prize money for the 2025 Olympia contest.
A Bigger Prize Awaits: Bumstead’s 2025 Plan
Chris Bumstead has always been passionate about elevating the Classic Physique division, and now he’s taking it one step further.
During an athlete seminar on October 13, 2024, Chris Bumstead revealed that he intends to personally contribute to increasing the prize money for the 2025 Classic Physique Olympia.
This gesture reflects his deep appreciation for the sport and his desire to ensure that future athletes are rewarded for their hard work and dedication.
“I haven’t said this anywhere else, but I want to talk to Dan [Solomon, Olympia President] about spicing up the prize a little bit for Classic, coming from myself,” Bumstead stated. “That’s going to be some Cbum money, that’s coming from me. Next year, they’re going to be getting a fatter check than I got this year.”
Chris Bumstead‘s personal investment in the prize pool is a testament to his commitment to the growth of the Classic Physique division, even as he steps away from the competitive stage.
By increasing the prize money, Chris Bumstead hopes to inspire the next generation of athletes to strive for excellence and keep the Classic Physique division thriving.
His contribution will not only add excitement to the 2025 competition but will also raise the stakes for competitors aiming to fill the void left by his retirement.
Who Will Take Over the Classic Physique Throne?
With Chris Bumstead stepping down, the spotlight shifts to the next generation of Classic Physique athletes. During his seminar, Chris Bumstead discussed the contenders who could rise to the challenge and potentially claim the 2025 title.
He mentioned names like Mike Sommerfeld, Urs Kalecinski, Ramon Queiroz, and Wesley Vissers, all of whom are poised to make significant waves in the division.
“Every year it’s been swapping around. I’m really excited that I’m hoping me stepping away is going to put a fire under everyone’s ass to come back even better and better,” Bumstead said. “It’s going to be a tight show. It could be Ramon coming back up, Wesley could prove what everyone wanted to see this year next year, Mike could take it, Urs could take it—it could be anyone.”
Bumstead’s retirement sets the stage for a new champion to emerge, and the 2025 season promises to be one of the most competitive yet.
The upcoming Arnold Classic in Ohio this March will be a key event where athletes can establish themselves as frontrunners for the next Olympia.
Chris Bumstead Reflects on Retirement
Chris Bumstead’s decision to retire was not made lightly. In fact, he revealed that he nearly stepped away from the sport in 2023 after a particularly difficult prep that included a lat injury and personal struggles.
However, he chose to push through another year, determined to leave on his own terms.
“Honestly, the truth is last year was almost my last year,” Bumstead shared. “It was from a place of a bit of fear, a bit of resentment… I felt like I was walking away from the sport in a way that I didn’t want to, and I finished on such a beautiful note.”
His final prep in 2024, which he described as his “favorite prep,” allowed him to deliver one of the best performances of his career.
Chris Bumstead also reflected on how his life has changed in recent years, particularly since welcoming his daughter Bradley with his partner Courtney King in 2023.
“Just understanding in life what’s truly important to you… In the last year since having a daughter and a family now, my perspective has changed a lot about what’s most important for me. Sometimes more isn’t always more,” Bumstead explained.
Related: Chris Bumstead Announces Retirement After Sixth Classic Physique Olympia Win
The Legacy of a Champion
Chris Bumstead’s impact on the Classic Physique division cannot be overstated. His six consecutive Olympia titles and unparalleled influence have helped shape the division into what it is today.
Though he is stepping away from competition, his legacy will live on through the athletes he has inspired and the division he helped popularize.
By increasing the prize money for the 2025 Classic Physique Olympia, Chris Bumstead is ensuring that the next generation of competitors will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport.
As fans say goodbye to Cbum the competitor, they can look forward to seeing him contribute to bodybuilding in new and exciting ways.
His retirement marks the end of an era, but his influence on the sport is far from over.