Is the Classic Physique division keeping more Open athletes from becoming stars? In a recent Old School Labs Podcast aired on August 30, 2024, bodybuilding veteran Samir Bannout tackled that question, underlining that he prefers the Classic look more than how Open bodybuilders are put together. He also discussed the Classic features of Andrew Jacked and Samson Dauda as they prepare for the Mr. Olympia in October.
There’s been heated debates about the popularity of Classic Physique versus Men’s Open in the IFBB Pro League for years. Reigning five-time Classic Physique Olympia Chris Bumstead is by far the most famous athlete under the federation, boasting over 24 million followers on Instagram alone. This has led many to wonder if the physiques in the Open are simply unattainable or too big to draw in a solid fanbase.
Bannout isn’t the first bodybuilding Pro to bring this topic up either. In the past, former seven-time Olympia titleholder Arnold Schwarzenegger broached the subject. In fact, ‘The Austrian Oak’ at one point, suggested that the Open Bodybuilding had become too dangerous, leading to deaths in the sport.
On top of that, even bodybuilding legend Jay Cutler has mentioned that Classic Physique has more to offer fans than the Open. During the height of his career, Cutler thought competitors from the Open class were simply ‘too damn big.’ He believes this could be the reason why fans favor physiques from Classic Physique like ‘Cbum’ while being completely unaware of other talents from the Open, such as Derek Lunsford, Hadi Choopan, and Mamdouh ‘Big Ramy’ Elssbiay.
Samir Bannout explained below why he favors looks from Classic Physique. He also dives into how competitors from the Open, like Andrew Jacked and Samson Dauda actually sport ‘Classic looks’ despite competing as mass monsters in the Men’s Open division.
Samir Bannout Says He ‘Prefers the Classic Look’ Versus Men’s Open
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According to Bannout, although Jacked competes in the Open class, he has a Classic look to him, all while maintaining a massive physique.
“To me, Andrew Jacked he’s got that beautiful body and he looks Classic to me. Massive Classic. I mean, I can’t help but tell you how I feel about guys who are massive but pretty. So what would you consider? I really consider Andrew Jacked Mr. Massive now. And he has that Classical look, that pretty body.”
If Samson Dauda can lose an additional 15 pounds, Bannout contends that he’ll also have a look that embodies a more Classic physique.
“For example, I know people favoring Classic and that’s why people start talking about Andrew Jacked. I would also say if we get Samson to get gnarly shredded and he loses 15 more pounds, in my opinion, get carved in like a rock… he’ll have that Classical look too!” he shared.
Ultimately, if he had to choose one, Bannout appreciates what the Classic look offers more than what’s on display in the Open.
“I don’t know what to say about Classical other than people with Classical, like Chris Bumstead, have way small waists, tight midsection. So Andrew Jacked came in with a tight midsection. What do we consider him, both? Classic and what? So, yeah, I prefer the Classic look. I really do.”
It will be interesting to see how the first call-out at the nearing 2024 Mr. Olympia shapes up. For Samir Bannout, the Classic features wielded by Dauda and Jacked could mean trouble for the rest of the lineup, who are relying on muscle size and density to win gold.
Winning the Mr. Olympia title in 1983, Samir Bannout has a seasoned perspective on bodybuilding, spanning all categories. He believes tight waists, aesthetics, and proportionate shape should remain hallmarks of a bodybuilding champion, whether we’re talking about Classic Physique or the Men’s Open.
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