Talks surrounding Chris Bumstead’s sudden move to the Men’s Open division are heating up. Taking to YouTube on October 30, 2024, bodybuilding veterans Dennis James and Milos Sarcev debated his chances of winning the 2024 EVLS Prague Pro. In addition, they previewed how he’d fare in a match-up against the reigning Mr. Olympia Samson Dauda in 2025.
It has been a monumental year for six-time Classic Physique Olympia champion Chris Bumstead thus far. However, despite recently announcing his retirement following the 2024 Mr. Olympia, Bumstead dropped a bombshell, revealing that he would compete at the EVLS Prague Pro in the Men’s Open division.
Chris Bumstead will be on stage with Open standouts, including Martin Fitzwater, who has also had an impressive year. Fitzwater earned his ticket to the Olympia stage at the 2024 Detroit Pro and then came razor close to defeating mass monster Nick Walker at the New York Pro. However, it was on the Mr. Olympia stage that Martin Fitzwater truly stood out, placing fourth during his debut at the prestigious event.
Shaun Clarida has also revealed that he will compete in the Men’s Open division at the EVLS Prague Pro. Having already won an Open show at the 2021 Legions Sports Fest Pro, Clarida has proven himself more than capable within the category. After recently coming second to 212 Olympia champion Keone Pearson on the Mr. Olympia stage, Clarida will be looking to make a statement.
Dennis James Talks Chris Bumstead’s Chances in Open Mr. Olympia, Says Shaun Clarida and Martin Fitzwater His Biggest Threats in Prague
Because Bumstead will have to contend with competitors such as Fitzwater, Clarida, and more, it begs the question: how will he put on the mass necessary to stack up with the Open lineup? Bodybuilding veterans Milos Sarcev and Dennis James recently discussed their opinions on Bumstead’s capability of winning at the EVLS Prague Pro and compared his physique to other Men’s Open competitors.
“He’s a tall guy even for the Open class,” said Dennis James.
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“Structurally, he’s quite perfect. Wide shoulders, small waist, so I think, let’s analyze him. Frontally, the width, structure, yeah he can hang on. He doesn’t have thickness. He doesn’t have thickness of an Open bodybuilder like Martin. Martin’s legs, tree trunks. A back that has a lot of beef there,” shares Milos Sarcev.
Sarcev doesn’t believe it’s ‘out of the question’ for Bumstead to defeat Fitzwater in Prague.
“Are you guys saying Chris Bumstead can win Prague? Can beat Martin Fitzwater?” asks Dennis James.
“It’s not out of the question,” says Sarcev. “The most popular bodybuilder, I’m not going to say politics. But as much as we want to be clear and not biased and everything, it’s also what’s good for the sport. Imagine if he wins and goes to the Olympia and he beats a guy who was fourth, who could have been third. So, that puts him in the running.”
“No, he said, also, if he wins the Prague, he’s doing the Olympia [in the Open]. It’s official,” adds Sarcev.
Milos Sarcev pointed out what Bumstead needs to bring to the stage to pull off the win.
“How should he look, should he go for extra fullness? Which I think would be a mistake. He was a little bit flat-ish in the chest in the Olympia. That was noticeable.”
“Raphael is doing it, Horse MD is doing it, Clarida is doing it [Prague],” adds Sarcev.
When comparing Bumstead to Samson Dauda, Sarcev emphasized that the only way to catch him is if he comes in off his game.
“There’s a difference between hashtag Classic or hashtag bodybuilding. Size, thickness, fullness, like you always explain Milos. How can he beat a guy like Samson or a bigger guy?” asks Dennis James. “How is that even possible?”
“You have to catch these guys off guard not being in shape, that’s the only thing,” Dennis James explains.
“Bumstead has had spectacular conditioning many times,” shares Sarcev.
However, Dennis James isn’t fully on board with Bumstead taking over the Men’s Open.
“What are we telling each other right here? We’re telling each other right now that the Classic guy is just going to come take over? Come on. Come on. Next weekend, tell me what you really feel,” shares Dennis James.
James pointed out that Fitzwater and Clarida will be Bumstead’s biggest threats on the Prague Pro stage.
“I’ll tell you something. Martin Fitzwater and Shaun Clarida are going to be his biggest threats,” says Dennis James.
Even though it has only now become a reality that Chris Bumstead will be competing in the Men’s Open, this isn’t the first time that bodybuilding veterans have discussed his capability within the division. Last year, Shawn Ray urged Chris Bumstead to compete in the Open, explaining he’d be foolish not to. Ray’s reasoning included money and Bumstead’s ability to make history as the first-ever two-division champion. However, this has since been claimed by Derek Lunsford.
While many have speculated how Bumstead would perform in the Open, the entire bodybuilding community will finally know in just a few short weeks. As for whether Bumstead has what it takes to win at the 2024 EVLS Prague Pro, only time will tell. Fans can look forward to what happens next and stay up to date on all the action here at Fitness Volt!
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