Talks of Chris Bumstead’s move to the Men’s Open division have dominated the bodybuilding community as of late. In a recent YouTube video shared on October 31, 2024, Mike O’Hearn discussed Bumstead’s potential in the Open, revealing that he would like him to win and become the new representative of the popular division.
Mike O’Hearn is a bodybuilder, powerlifter, actor, and model, who boasts decades of experience training and paying attention to nutrition. Having claimed titles like the Mr. Universe, he understands the intricacies of bodybuilding as well as the demands it takes to reach the highest level.
Mike O’Hearn Wants Chris Bumstead To Win in Open Class, Welcomes the ‘Era of Art’ In Bodybuilding
This has prompted him to take a closer look at Chris Bumstead‘s move to the Men’s Open division. Shortly after claiming a sixth consecutive Classic Physique Olympia title, Bumstead retired. However, just days after the decision, he reversed course, revealing plans to compete at the 2024 EVLS Prague Pro. With the bodybuilding world singing his praise, O’Hearn discussed how he could impact the Men’s Open class moving forward.
“If Chris Bumstead, who is in Classic bodybuilding, competed in Open, I would like to see him win. And I would like that to be kind of back to that era of art in a sense where I wouldn’t want Arnold to change anything.
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He had a beautiful physique. Completely the opposite of he’d be bigger, he’d be better, he’d be all this, I like how he was. Do not take away, do not change it,” shared Mike O’Hearn.
Mike O’Hearn isn’t the only bodybuilding veteran giving his two cents on Chris Bumstead testing his resolve in the Open class. Shawn Ray, who recommended ‘Cbum’ try out the Open previously, believes he has lines on his physique that even the reigning Mr. Olympia Samson Dauda lacks. Despite that, Ray contends that Bumstead’s decision to jump into the Prague Pro could ‘blow up’ in his face, but time will tell.
Meanwhile, Men’s Open star, Nick Walker, refuses to count out Bumstead’s potential in the new division. He believes the Canadian titleholder could end up winning Prague and defeating frontrunner Martin Fitzwater.
With Bumstead now a part of an Open lineup, Mike O’Hearn believes he could soon become the top representative of the category. If Bumstead does pull off the victory in the Czech Republic, talks of how he’ll perform against Samson Dauda will surely heat up.