In a stunning turn of events, bodybuilder Chris Bumstead has decided to compete in the Men’s Open division. In a recent Instagram post shared on October 28, 2024, Bumstead confirmed his entry for the 2024 EVLS Prague Pro on November 16-17 in the Men’s Open.
“Alright, no sense beating around the bush, something has been posted. It’s already been announced. I’m finally doing an Open show. I’ve been wanting to do this my whole life.”
In early October, Chris Bumstead earned a sixth Classic Physique Olympia title against runner-up Mike Sommerfeld and Urs Kalecinski. Shortly after the triumph, he gave an emotional speech announcing his retirement. While many thought that meant from the sport, apparently he was just saying goodbye to the Classic Physique category.
This shocking announcement comes after he hinted several times that he was entertaining a move to the Men’s Open. This won’t be ‘Cbum’s’ first time competing in the Men’s Open class as he started his illustrious career in the division when he first stepped foot on a bodybuilding stage (2016 IFBB North American Championships).
Chris Bumstead To Compete in Men’s Open Division at 2024 EVLS Prague Pro: “One More Run”
Chris Bumstead shared the announcement via Instagram and the EVLS Prague Pro official Instagram handle confirmed the bombshell news.
Find Bumstead’s statement below:
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“Y’all said I had a decent physique and should try competing… so I figured I’d give it shot.
One more run just for fun, giving the people what they want.3 weeks out @evls_prague_pro_official Open Bodydbuilding🫡
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.
More info in my latest YouTube video,” Bumstead shared.
On his YouTube channel, Bumstead discussed his decision to enter the contest, which he described as a ‘romantic ending to my competitive stage career.’
“Definitely the last three years I’ve been looking at shows post-Olympia, been wanting to jump in them and do them and this is my last opportunity to ever do it. I’m in shape. It’s three weeks until the Prague show. Why not do it? Shaun Clarida is going to be doing it, Martin is going to be doing it, that’s a Mr. Olympia in 212, that’s a fourth-place Mr. Olympia Open bodybuilder guy.
“I’m going to be going up against some fucking really good bodybuilders. It’s kind of like a romantic ending to my competitive stage career because I started in Open Bodybuilding when I was a junior, younger.”
This will be Bumstead’s first bodybuilding competition in Europe.
“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 and be part of it on November 16-17 in Prague at PVA EXPO PRAGUE.🤜🏼🤛🏼Coach: @hanyrambod
Time is slowly running out and tickets are limited so don’t miss it out 💥🎟️❗️ ” wrote EVLS Prague Pro on social media.
Fans who have waited to see Bumstead in an unrestricted division will have their wish granted. Bumstead will not have to make weight to compete in the Men’s Open division at the upcoming 2024 EVLS Prague Pro. Best of all, we already know that the fourth-place finisher at the 2024 Mr. Olympia, Martin Fitzwater, has announced his participation at the Prague Pro. Therefore, we’ll get to see ‘Cbum’ square off against a high-caliber Open Pro on stage.
This news certainly came out of left field considering all signs pointed to Bumstead distancing himself from competing in the Classic Physique division. Don’t miss his splash in Open Bodybuilding on November 16-17 in Prague, Czech Republic!
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