The bodybuilding world is abuzz with anticipation as the 2024 Mr. Olympia approaches, with a particular focus on the Classic Physique division.
This year, the spotlight is on Chris Bumstead, the reigning champion, and his formidable challenger, Wesley Vissers.
Renowned bodybuilding commentators Terrick El Guindy and Chris Cormier have weighed in on the potential outcome, sparking debates among fans and experts alike.
In a recent Prime Time Muscle Podcast episode, El Guindy and Cormier discussed the upcoming showdown, suggesting that Vissers has a legitimate chance to dethrone Bumstead.
The Reigning Champion: Chris Bumstead
Chris Bumstead, often called Cbum, has dominated the Classic Physique division for the past five years.
His impressive physique, characterized by perfect symmetry, conditioning, and classic lines, has made him a fan favorite and a formidable competitor.
However, Bumstead’s reign has not been without its challenges. In recent years, he has battled injuries and openly discussed the possibility of retirement within the next two years.
Bumstead’s journey to the top has been marked by perseverance and dedication. Despite facing a lat injury last year, he managed to secure his fifth Mr. Olympia title, demonstrating his resilience and determination.
However, as El Guindy pointed out, the cumulative impact of these injuries could jeopardize his future performances.
The Challenger: Wesley Vissers
Wesley Vissers, known as ‘The Dutch Oak,‘ has been steadily rising and is now considered one of the top contenders in the Classic Physique division.
Vissers’ physique is distinguished by his impressive muscle mass, large clavicle bones, and powerful front poses, which have caught the attention of fans and judges alike.
At the 2024 Arnold Classic in Columbus, Ohio, Vissers stunned the bodybuilding world with his conditioning and performance, even surpassing Ramon Dino, another top competitor.
This victory has fueled speculation that Vissers could be the one to finally challenge Bumstead’s supremacy.
El Guindy and Cormier’s Analysis
In their recent podcast discussion, Terrick El Guindy and Chris Cormier delved into the potential for Vissers to overpower Bumstead at the 2024 Mr. Olympia.
Both commentators highlighted Bumstead’s vulnerability to injuries, suggesting that his reign could be at risk if he suffers another setback.
“This man right now that has won five titles and is incredible has defeated Ramon, Urs Kalecinski, Wesley Vissers; he could very well be one injury away from never competing again or never winning again. There’s nothing against his greatness. It’s just the history of bodybuilding,” El Guindy remarked.
Chris Cormier echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the toll that injuries have taken on Bumstead’s body.
“Lee Haney didn’t have the injuries like that. Lee Haney had the most smooth sailing career out of anyone I’d ever known and still, Terrick didn’t mention the hamstring tear and the quad injury leading up to these Olympias. That right there, tells you his whole body must feel some kind of way going into these shows,” Cormier explained.
AdvertisementContinue Reading Below
The Key to Vissers’ Success
El Guindy and Cormier believe that Wesley Vissers has the potential to capitalize on Bumstead’s vulnerabilities, particularly in the front double biceps pose.
Vissers’ superior biceps and back double biceps pose could give him a critical edge in the competition.
“Chris Bumstead last year beat all these guys including your boy Wesley Vissers, Ramon, Urs, and Breon, and he had an injury. He had a lat injury. The previous year he looked incredible, his conditioning was perfect and he had an injury. He has got himself a little bit of a distance from those guys but I think he’s one injury away from either calling it quits or losing because the body is taking a pounding,” El Guindy noted.
AdvertisementContinue Reading Below
At the Arnold Classic, Vissers demonstrated his ability to overpower Bumstead in key poses, suggesting that he could pose a significant threat at the Mr. Olympia.
“At the 2024 Arnold Classic, in Columbus, Ohio, this man [Wesley Vissers] not only surprised the world with his conditioning beating Ramon Dino but for the first time since the beginning of the Cbum era, we see a man that can overpower Chris Bumstead on the front double biceps. This guy, Wesley Vissers, has the amount of mass, the large clavicle bones to take the impact from Chris Bumstead’s front double biceps,” El Guindy emphasized.
The Road to Victory
For Vissers to achieve the improbable and dethrone Bumstead, Cormier stressed the importance of being in the best shape of his life.
“He has better biceps than Chris, correct? And a better back double biceps than Chris, correct? So it’s trouble for Chris,” Cormier stated. “If Wesley is not in tip-top best shape of his life, better than the Arnold Classic, then it’s all for nothing.”
Wesley Vissers‘ conditioning and preparation will be crucial in his quest to overpower Bumstead.
The challenger must ensure that he brings his best package to the stage, leaving no room for error.
With the stakes higher than ever, Vissers’ determination and discipline will be put to the ultimate test.
Bumstead’s Mindset and Future Plans
Despite the mounting pressure, Chris Bumstead remains focused and determined to defend his title.
He has expressed his intention to present his absolute best on stage at the 2024 Mr. Olympia.
Additionally, Bumstead has hinted at testing himself against Derek Lunsford in the Open division in 2025, indicating that he is not ready to step away from the sport just yet.
As one of the most popular bodybuilders on the planet, Bumstead’s journey continues to captivate fans worldwide.
Many are eagerly awaiting the upcoming Mr. Olympia to see if he can persevere once again and secure his sixth Classic Physique Olympia championship.
The Countdown to Mr. Olympia 2024
The 2024 Mr. Olympia, set to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, from October 10-13, promises to be a thrilling event.
The Classic Physique division, in particular, will be a battleground where the reigning champion, Chris Bumstead, faces off against the rising star, Wesley Vissers.
The outcome of this matchup could reshape the landscape of bodybuilding and usher in a new era of competition.
Conclusion
Terrick El Guindy and Chris Cormier‘s analysis of the 2024 Mr. Olympia matchup between Chris Bumstead and Wesley Vissers has ignited excitement and speculation in the bodybuilding community.
With Bumstead’s reign potentially threatened by injuries and the rise of Vissers, this year’s competition promises to be one of the most captivating in recent history.
As the countdown to the event continues, fans and experts alike will be watching closely to see if Wesley Vissers can indeed overpower Chris Bumstead and claim the coveted title of Mr. Olympia.