Even though he doesn’t carry the official title of Mr. Olympia, you’d be hard-pressed to find a fan who doesn’t know the name, Chris Bumstead. Having racked up a total of four Classic Physique Olympia victories, Bumstead continues to break barriers as an athlete. In a recent Instagram post shared on October 17, 2023, ‘Cbum’ teased his physique with a few side poses weeks out from his title defense.
With unparalleled popularity, Bumstead’s rise in the league has been meteoric thanks to his relatable demeanor and enviable physique. He took the Classic Physique Olympia title from Breon Ansley in 2019 and has defended it successfully since. Last year, he prevented contenders Urs Kalecinski and Rocha Queiroz from reaching the throne with dense and bubbly muscularity.
Bumstead faced obstacles before his fourth title defense. His brother-in-law Iain Valliere stopped coaching him, though that led Bumstead to unite with bodybuilding trainer Hany Rambod. The decision proved to be astute as Bumstead managed to win 2022 Olympia with a torn bicep.
Despite Rambod overseeing his prep in 2023, Bumstead admits it’s been one of the more difficult of his career. And with hardly any physique updates all season, fans’ imaginations have run wild, as they are unsure what the champ has planned for next month. Although he’s kept things quiet, the Classic Physique kingpin offered a look into his progress today.
Can Anyone Stop Chris Bumstead From a 5th Classic Physique Olympia Title?
It’s hard to imagine Bumstead losing his crown in less than three weeks, especially after the reigning champ’s latest physique update:
“Olympia is better than Christmas imo,” Bumstead shared.
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Displaying deep striations in his shoulders and horseshoe triceps with side poses, Bumstead has dried out considerably over the last few days. He’s kept his caloric intake under 2,800 daily to shred down properly for his next appearance.
Inner turmoil and sacrifice inspire physical and mental growth, and Chris Bumstead understands these truths uncomfortably well. When looking at his competition, Bumstead doesn’t see Kalecinski or Queiroz on his radar, instead, the Canadian native’s only concern is defeating himself on stage.
In the eyes of Shawn Ray… no one can prevent Bumstead from dominating in Classic Physique. The 1990s bodybuilding veteran believes Bumstead is wasting his time in a division he’s already conquered. Instead, Ray recently advised ‘Cbum’ to try his luck in the Open where he stands the chance of becoming a two-division Mr. Olympia titleholder — the same accolade Derek Lunsford is chasing next month on the sport’s greatest stage.
RELATED: Every Mr. Olympia Classic Physique Winner Since 2016
While Bumstead remains focused on Classic Physique dominance, Milos Sarcev recently pushed a rumor that he’s entertaining an Open show in 2024. Sarcev said he would love to see how Bumstead fares in a division where athletes don’t abide by weight and height restrictions.
The world will be watching as fans witness all 11 bodybuilding divisions vie for supremacy in Orlando, Florida from November 2-5. Classic Physique’s Chris Bumstead will look to extend his reign once again as the winningest champion of the category.
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