Breon Ansley’s story is about never quitting. A bodybuilding star who ruled the Classic Physique stage, he’s faced tough challenges but keeps pushing forward. After planning to move to the 212 division, the two-time champ changed his mind. In an Instagram post on July 10, 2025, Ansley announced he’s back for the 2025 Classic Physique Olympia, chasing an open title after Chris Bumstead’s retirement.
Breon Ansley found his calling in bodybuilding. He earned his IFBB Pro Card in 2013 at the NPC USA Championships, winning the middleweight class. In 2016, he took first at the Prestige Crystal Cup in Classic Physique, launching his pro career. He won the Classic Physique Olympia in 2017 and 2018, showcasing a chiseled physique and sharp posing. At 5’7”, the Classic Physique weight cap of 187 pounds made cuts tough. He placed second in 2019, third in 2020 and 2021, fourth in 2022 and 2023, and fifth in 2024, often outshined by taller rivals like Chris Bumstead.
Christopher Bumstead, who won from 2019 to 2024, retired after his sixth title, leaving the 2025 Olympia title open. Wesley Vissers, the 2024 Arnold Classic champ, planned to compete but announced on March 9, 2025, he’s skipping the Olympia after the Detroit Pro to focus on improving his physique.
Why Ansley Stayed in Classic
Ansley shared his choice on Instagram.
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“After a whole lot of thought I have decided to compete at this years’ Olympia in the Classic Division! I know some of you might know I made the decision to compete in the 212 division this year however due to traveling and potential business opportunities the process of preparing for the 212 got away from me,” he wrote.
Travel and business deals messed up his 212 prep, leaving him unready for the switch.
Skipping the Olympia felt wrong.
“Ultimately I was beginning to not feel great thinking about the Olympia passing by and not being up there!! The feeling of goosebumps while thinking about being up there was the other emotion and you definitely can’t pass moments like this as they won’t always be here!! So here we go!! Classic!!” he said.
The chance to win a third title pulled him back. The open title, with Wesley Vissers and Christopher Bumstead out, became his goal.
Ansley’s not just competing—he’s aiming to win.
“As always I have been confident enough to win and nothing has changed!! There is No Ordinary Love when it comes to this because yes I have a lot of work to do but it excites the hell out of me to get busy with it!!” he wrote.
At 44, he’s set to battle top names like Mike Sommerfeld, Urs Kalecinski, and Ramon Rocha Queiroz at the 2025 Olympia, set for October 9-12 in Las Vegas.
Ansley’s been here before. In 2024, he won the Dubai Pro to qualify for the Olympia, finishing fifth. His 212 plan was about adding muscle, but Classic is his home. He’s banking on his tight physique and posing to take the open title.
The 2025 Olympia is wide open. Ramon Rocha Queiroz, the 2023 Olympia runner up, is a big threat. Urs Kalecinski, who took third in 2024, is focusing on Olympia after skipping the 2025 Arnold Classic. Mike Sommerfeld, who placed second at the 2024 Olympia and won the 2025 Arnold Classic, is a major contender. Breon Ansley’s plan is simple, bring a sharper, fuller look. His confidence is high, and he’s ready to work.
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