The ongoing debate over whether Classic Physique is surpassing the Open in popularity is gaining momentum once again. On March 4, 2025, Jay Cutler and Milos Sarcev compared each of the division’s notoriety, giving their take on what moves the needle most among fans.
During the 37th annual Arnold Sports Festival, reigning six-time Classic Physique Olympia winner Chris Bumstead stated that the category he ruled over has become more exciting than the Men’s Open class. This debate has taken center stage in the bodybuilding community a handful of times.
In 2022, the Boston Pro chose to have Classic Physique talent perform last. This was interpreted by fans as a signal that the league was shifting towards favoring the division as a headlining attraction. Moreover, Bumstead’s popularity, backed up by his 25.7 million Instagram followers, supports the idea.
However, if we consider prize money, it would appear the Open class is still king of the IFBB Pro League. After securing his sixth Olympia title in Classic, Bumstead walked away from Las Vegas $60,000 richer. Meanwhile, in the Men’s Open, Samson Dauda scored a massive $600,000 payday for his maiden win at the biggest event of the year. Although some believe the tide is turning to Classic, some bodybuilding veterans like Cutler and Sarcev aren’t buying into that.
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Jay Cutler, Milos Sarcev Express Doubt Over Cbum’s Claim That Classic Is Taking Over as the Premier Bodybuilding Division
In a recent YouTube video, Milos Sarcev explained why he disagrees with Bumstead’s statement that Classic is more exciting than the Open.
“Cbum said that Classic is taking over. It’s going to be more popular than Open. I disagree with that. I don’t know what you think,” shares Milos Sarcev.
Cutler believes there’s an argument to be made in the amateur ranks but stated that fans are still drawn to the muscularity on display in the Open.
“On the amateur side, yeah, definitely on the amateur side. Men’s Physique is more popular than Open in the amateur side. But when you get into the Open Pros, I feel like eyes are still drawn to the massive muscle. Yes, there’s more competitors in Classic, but a lot of the guys, it’s like splitting hairs on who looks the best.”
He relayed the differences he’s observed in Open and Classic contests. Cutler adds that several top-tier talents in Classic are being overlooked; he doesn’t believe the same can be said for the Open.
“Where the Open is like guys who are way ahead of the pack or way behind. I feel like the competition it’s like anyone’s game where I feel like Classic, I don’t know… I feel like there are so many good guys that are overlooked, in my opinion,” Cutler explained.
He also argued that part of Classic’s popularity stems from their physiques being more attainable.
“Let’s be honest. It’s more appealing to an up-and-coming person to say, ‘Hey, I can get to that.’ It’s more attainable,” shares Cutler.
As long as the Open prize money at IFBB Pro League contests continues to surpass Classic payouts, it’s difficult to argue that the latter is the most popular bodybuilding division in terms of fanfare. Though with exceptions to the norm like Bumstead’s unmatched fame, Classic Physique continues to gain ground and could eventually shift the balance.
Watch the full video from the Cutler Cast YouTube channel below:
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