With Chris Bumstead slated to compete in the Men’s Open at the 2024 EVLS Prague Pro, bodybuilders are giving their thoughts on his chances of success. In a recent Bro Chat Podcast aired on October 30, 2024, Iain Valliere explained why he believes it’s possible ‘Cbum’ can win but if he was betting money, he would back Martin Fitzwater.
Chris Bumstead claimed his sixth consecutive Classic Physique Olympia title, but not without resistance. He won three poses to two against runner-up Mike Sommerfeld. Shortly after the 2024 Olympia triumph, he retired. However, in a shocking turn of events, Bumstead announced that he was testing his abilities in the Men’s Open overseas.
He won’t be the only high-profile bodybuilder attempting to earn gold in the Czech Republic. Fourth-place Mr. Olympia finisher Martin Fitzwater has plans to qualify for the prestigious show in 2025. In addition, former two-time 212 Olympia Shaun Clarida will test his resolve in the Open class once again.
Iain Valliere Backs Martin Fitzwater to Win Against Chris Bumstead at 2024 EVLS Prague Pro: ‘In My Head, It’s 5 Poses to 3’
According to Seth Feroce, he sees Bumstead taking second place at the event. Meanwhile, Mike Van Wyck backed Bumstead to take home gold.
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“Second,” says Seth Feroce when asked where Chris Bumstead will place at the 2024 EVLS Prague Pro.
“First. I love Chris,” says Mike Van Wyck.
Valliere doesn’t understate Bumstead’s chances, admitting that it’s close.
“Because Mike did that, he’s my brother-in-law. First! I love him, he’s my favorite,” said Iain Valliere. “I think he can win. I said it, I did a breakdown on my story, I think in my head it’s five poses to three, but if one pose goes a different way then it’s four to four, and it’s close. So I don’t know.”
While Iain Valliere’s heart is for Bumstead to win gold, his brain is telling him Martin Fitzwater.
“Yeah, if I’m looking on putting money on it, if I’m like, someone is like ’10 grand,’ I’m going Martin. But do I think it’s possible Chris can win? 100 percent.
I also think he’s probably going to look — I expect him to look a decent amount bigger and fuller with the weight cap being unbridled now. I don’t know. I’m going to say Chris to be a good brother-in-law but I think Martin,” says Iain Valliere.
Bodybuilding veterans are giving their two cents on Bumstead’s chances in Prague. Chris Cormier, who competed at the highest level in the 1990s and 2000s, backed Bumstead to come out on top against Martin Fitzwater in a head-to-head battle.
With this being Chris Bumstead’s first Open show since 2016, questions about what to expect continue to arise. Don’t miss live coverage of the 2024 EVLS Prague Pro results on November 16-17 at Fitness Volt.
RELATED: Every Classic Physique Olympia Winner Since 2016
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