Urs Kalecinski, the third-best Classic Physique bodybuilder in the world, is leaving the division behind. In a recent Instagram post and YouTube video on August 20, 2025, he explained why he switched categories. It’s also been reported that he will compete at the upcoming ProMuscle Italy Pro show.
From 2022–2024, Kalecinski has taken bronze on the prestigious Mr. Olympia stage. After securing a sixth consecutive Classic Physique Olympia crown, the long-standing champ, Chris Bumstead, recently retired from the sport, paving the way for a new titleholder to emerge.
This move sent shockwaves through the IFBB Pro League, with many hailing Kalecinski as a top favorite heading into the 2025 Olympia contest. However, it now appears Kalecinski will pursue a future in the Men’s Open category.
Urs Kalecinski Leaves Classic Physique for Men’s Open, Reportedly Targets Olympia Qualification in Italy
In the Instagram post, Kalecinski confirmed his move from Classic Physique to the Men’s Open. He admitted that cutting weight for Classic Physique would compromise his health or prevent him from performing at his best.
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“I have decided to switch to open class bodybuilding and I want to inform you about my thought process behind this decision. The struggle to cut weight for classic has become increasingly difficult to a point where I either had to sacrifice my health tremendously or my best possible physique attainable.”
In addition to grappling with anxiety and depression, Kalecinski stressed that the weight cut in Classic became a constant problem.
“Those who accompanied me through last year’s Olympia know that I had suffered from depression and anxiety as I have been trying to grow and evolve my physique, while always thinking a weight cut will somehow be possible when it comes to prep for competition.
I now know, I had underestimated the consequences of such a big cut. My body has been put under continuous stress and my mental health has been afflicted with this problem constantly.”
Moving on, “The Miracle Bear” expressed gratitude for the lessons he’s learned as a Classic Physique competitor.
“Classic physique and its ambassadors from early stages of bodybuilding (Flex Wheeler, Lee Labrada, etc.) have been my biggest inspiration to pursue this sport and a similar physique.
This division will always have a special place in my heart and I’m beyond grateful for the past 5 years competing in this division with competitors that have become friends for a lifetime.”
Listening to his body, Kalecinski will aim for his all-time best look without worrying about the scale.
“I’m almost crying writing this, but my body keeps telling me to release all brakes and strive for my personal best physique possible. Sadly, this isn’t possible in classic physique anymore. I’m well aware of the consequences, be it economically, competition placings or disappointing followers – but I got to listen to my heart and follow my gut feeling.”
“I’m also aware of the fact that my chances to compete with the best of the best in Open Bodybuilding right now aren’t as good as in Classic Physique, but I don’t want this fact to keep me from the chance to fall in love with this sport again and strive for a new and mature version of my physique.”
Kalecinski revealed that he’s currently 37.4 pounds from his weight limit in Classic Physique, but his physique is near stage-ready.
“Frankly speaking, I’m now 17kg above my weight limit for classic physique, but my body is almost stage ready – meaning I’d have to lose about 15kg of pure muscle mass to make weight. Honestly, this just feels wrong.
I know that many of you will disagree and everyone of you is welcome to give your opinion on this – but I want you to stay respectful and constructive when commenting,” shared Kalecinski.
In a YouTube video, Kalecinski followed up on his decision and confirmed he will not compete at the 2025 Classic Physique Olympia.
“Not to compete in the Classic Physique Olympia this year, but to try my luck in the open class. Certainly, from a financial and economic perspective, it is not the best option, but at the end of the day, I didn’t take up the sport to be financially successful,” he shared.
Kalecinski has reportedly eyed an Olympia qualification for the Open at the upcoming 2025 ProMuscle Italy Pro contest, according to the RepOne Instagram account.
“On the 7. Urs Kalecinski will make his heavyweight debut in Milan on September 2025. In order to be able to start in the open bodybuilding at the Olympia in the future, he first needs qualification.”
Surprisingly, this wasn’t the first time we’ve heard about Kalecinski possibly making waves in the Men’s Open. Bodybuilding veteran Branch Warren discussed his potential in the Open class and predicted that Kalecinski could secure a top-10 finish at the Mr. Olympia. However, Dennis Wolf disagreed, suggesting that “The Miracle Bear” still needed to add more size.
Should Kalecinski achieve gold at the upcoming Italy show from September 6-7, his path would be cleared to compete against the biggest Open bodybuilders in the world. The 2025 Mr. Olympia is set for October 9-12 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Watch the full video from the Urs Kalecinski YouTube channel below:
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