After reigning supreme in the Classic Physique category for five years straight, will this be the year Chris Bumstead is finally dethroned? In a YouTube video posted on August 11, 2024, Dennis James revealed he believes the five-time Classic Physique champion will compete for the final time at the 2024 Mr. Olympia, bringing the best package fans have seen yet.
Boasting impressive muscular development combined with an overall aesthetic appeal, it is no surprise that Chris Bumstead has dominated the bodybuilding world. Having first been introduced to the sport by his brother-in-law and fellow bodybuilder, Iain Valliere, Bumstead had unwavering support at the start of his now flourishing career in the industry.
After earning his Pro card at the age of 21 in 2016, Chris Bumstead got straight to work on his quest to be the best. His potential on the competitive stage became evident immediately following back-to-back second-place finishes behind Breon Ansley in 2017 and 2018. However, it was in 2019 that Bumstead kicked it into high gear and snatched the coveted Classic Physique Olympia title that he hasn’t since let go.
While Bumstead has made his reign appear nearly effortless, he has hit a few bumps now and then. Remaining transparent with his fans, Bumstead has shared his struggles with mental health along with several injuries, yet still flawlessly maintains control on stage.
Dennis James Predicts Chris Bumstead Will Be ‘Best We’ve Ever Seen,’ Says 2024 Mr. Olympia Will be ‘His Last One’
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Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and as the years tick by, many fans can’t help but wonder if he will eventually meet his match on stage. With so much talent spilling over within the Classic Physique category, it is easy to assume a new champion could be in the making. However, former bodybuilding veteran Dennis James shared his thoughts regarding whether Chris Bumstead can be defeated.
“Chris Bumstead is at this point in time, I think just on a different level [than Breon Ansley]. I’m not saying in muscularity. I’m not saying — I know Breon has a lot of shots where I like Breon better than Chris but overall, if you look at the structure, if you look at the Classic Physique, what they want to see, I think Chris Bumstead is the guy and unless he comes in totally off, I don’t think anyone is going to beat him,” explains Dennis James.
James acknowledges that despite Bumstead coming in off his game last year, he was still good enough to secure the win.
“He was not as good [in 2023] but he was good enough to win,” shares James.
“I just think he was off [last year] and they were going to pick him to win,” said Chris Cormier.
“He was not as dominant as before,” shares Milos Sarcev.
When asked if Breon Ansley could beat Chris Bumstead, Dennis James was adamant that it wouldn’t happen.
“Can Breon beat Chris? I would say no. That’s it,” said Dennis James. “I know he’s done it but that was years ago. Chris, that’s five or six years ago. People evolve. Look at Breon’s age and look at Chris, Chris is in his 20s. You think he’s going to get worse in his 20s? He’s going to get better. He’s gotten better every year except last year.”
James firmly believes that Chris Bumstead will earn his sixth title at this year’s Mr. Olympia before sailing off into retirement.
“I think that this year we were going to see unless something bad happens which I hope that’s not the case… I think this year we’re going to see the best Chris Bumstead we’ve ever seen on any stage and I also believe, and I believed it last year, that this will be his last one. That’s it.”
“I think so too,” adds Chris Cormier.
“This will be number six,” shares James.
Maybe Dennis James doesn’t believe that former champion Breon Ansley has what it takes to reclaim the Classic Physique Olympia title, but that doesn’t mean the younger standouts in the division can’t steal the show. Among them is Wesley Vissers, who has quickly established a rapport in the sport.
Known as ‘The Dutch Oak,’ Vissers has embodied what it means to be a golden-era bodybuilder. Last year, Wesley Vissers placed a respectable seventh at the 2023 Mr. Olympia. However, this year, Vissers displayed unmatched aesthetics, symmetry, and muscle definition while on the Arnold Classic stage, earning the win in Ohio and the UK.
In addition to Wesley Vissers, Ramon Rocha Queiroz has been inching closer to victory with each appearance he makes on the Mr. Olympia stage. For the past two years, Queiroz has been just shy of victory, taking second place in 2022 and 2023.
There are only eight weeks before the prestigious Mr. Olympia takes over Las Vegas, Nevada for its 60th Anniversary. Already promising to be an exciting, action-packed extravaganza, the showdown of bodybuilders In the Classic Physique division all vying for the title only adds to the anticipation building ahead of the competition.
Be sure to follow us here at FitnessVolt to find out if this year will be the year Chris Bumstead is finally defeated or if he will become a six-time Classic Physique Olympia champion!
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