In a surprising announcement, Chris Bumstead, the reigning six-time Classic Physique Olympia champion, has confirmed he will compete in the Men’s Open division at the 2024 EVLS Prague Pro, scheduled for November 16-17.
Chris Bumstead, widely celebrated for his unparalleled accomplishments in Classic Physique, shared his decision on Instagram, igniting excitement among fans and bodybuilders alike as he prepares to face some of the sport’s top athletes without the limitations of a weight cap.
Chris Bumstead’s Journey to the Men’s Open Stage
Known as ‘Cbum’ to his millions of followers, Bumstead has long hinted at the possibility of competing in the Open division, though many fans saw it as a dream unlikely to be realized.
However, following his sixth Classic Physique Olympia win in early October 2024, Bumstead gave an emotional speech suggesting he was retiring—not from bodybuilding altogether, but from the Classic Physique category.
Just weeks later, he announced that he would indeed make his Men’s Open debut at the EVLS Prague Pro, embracing what he describes as “a romantic ending to [his] competitive stage career.”
Reflecting on his decision, Bumstead shared, “I started my competing career in open bodybuilding, with no expectations, just for the love of the sport. So why not finish it in the same fashion?” Bumstead first appeared on the competitive scene in the Open division at the 2016 IFBB North American Championships before making the switch to Classic Physique, where he went on to dominate the category and solidify his legacy.
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The Announcement and Excitement Leading Up to Prague
Chris Bumstead’s announcement was made official through both his Instagram and the EVLS Prague Pro’s social media, where he expressed his eagerness to give fans a show.
In his post, Bumstead wrote, “Y’all said I had a decent physique and should try competing… so I figured I’d give it a shot. One more run just for fun, giving the people what they want.” Bumstead’s excitement is evident as he prepares for what could be a memorable European debut and his first appearance in a Men’s Open contest.
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On his YouTube channel, Chris Bumstead elaborated on his decision, calling it a “last opportunity” to fulfill a long-standing desire to compete in an Open show.
“I’ve been looking at shows post-Olympia… this is my last opportunity to ever do it,” Bumstead explained. “I’m in shape. It’s three weeks until the Prague show. Why not do it?” He expressed his respect for his competitors, such as 212 Olympia champion Shaun Clarida and fourth-place Open Olympia finisher Martin Fitzwater, both of whom will also take the stage in Prague, adding to the event’s significance.
What to Expect from Bumstead’s Open Debut
Fans will finally see Chris Bumstead compete without the weight restrictions imposed by the Classic Physique division, allowing him to bring an even fuller, more massive physique.
This unfiltered look at Chris Bumstead’s potential has created a buzz in the bodybuilding community, where many have speculated for years about what he could achieve with an unrestricted build.
With Fitzwater in the lineup, fans can anticipate an electrifying competition as Chris Bumstead goes head-to-head with seasoned Open division professionals.
The 2024 EVLS Prague Pro will also mark Chris Bumstead’s first European contest, adding another layer of excitement to his Open division debut.
The organizers have shared their enthusiasm on social media, writing, “6-time Mr. Olympia winner in the Men’s Classic Physique category @cbum, will be competing for the first time in his career in Europe at EVLS PRAGUE! Don’t miss his unique debut in the Men’s Open Bodybuilding category.”
Related: Chris Bumstead Reveals His Plan To Help Increase Classic Physique Olympia Prize Money in 2025
The End of an Era and a New Beginning
After his stunning dominance in the Classic Physique division, Chris Bumstead’s entry into the Men’s Open signals a potential new chapter in his career, even as he hints at stepping away from the competitive scene.
This venture, as he described, is a nostalgic return to his roots in Open bodybuilding and a way to go out on his own terms.
Fans have closely followed his journey from an up-and-coming Classic Physique competitor to a six-time Olympia champion, and now they are eager to witness what he can bring to the Open stage.
With his exceptional aesthetics, symmetry, and the freedom to maximize his size, Chris Bumstead‘s Men’s Open debut at the EVLS Prague Pro promises to be a spectacle that bodybuilding fans won’t want to miss.
His “one more run” in the spotlight will likely be one of the most anticipated events of the year, as the world watches him bring his best in Prague on November 16-17.