Questions around the future of Chris Bumstead’s bodybuilding career continue to swirl, leading Wesley Vissers to discuss how he’d fare in the Open. In a recent Instagram post shared on September 4, 2024, ‘The Dutch Oak’ revealed that ‘Cbum’s’ current physique would result in a top 10 finish at the Open Mr. Olympia in 2024, stating that “I don’t think he would place that well, to be honest.”
Since 2019, Canada’s Chris Bumstead has set the standard in the Classic Physique category. His stature combined with impressive conditioning and posing abilities have only added to his allure as a dominant titleholder. Last year, Bumstead pulled off a five-peat victory despite a troublesome lat tear plaguing his preparations.
In addition to teasing his retirement at 30 years old, Bumstead has flirted with a potential move into the Men’s Open class. While in jest, he previously mentioned that he would like to balloon up to 310 pounds and challenge Derek Lunsford for the Sandow trophy in 2025.
Now, arguably his biggest rival Wesley Vissers is giving his two cents on how Bumstead would do if he brought his current physique to the Open at the 2024 Mr. Olympia, set to take place October 10-13 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Wesley Vissers Discusses How Chris Bumstead Would Fare in Open at 2024 Mr. Olympia, Says He Would Not ‘Surpass’ Samson Dauda
Vissers was approached with this question: If Chris Bumstead went to the Open class, where would he place this year? According to the Classic Physique standout, even with an extra 10-15 pounds, Bumstead would struggle with fullness and mass standing against contenders such as Samson Dauda, who regularly exceeds over 300 pounds during his off-seasons.
“If he went to the Open class this year with his current physique I don’t think he would place that well, to be honest. He’s still not full enough, not enough mass, but with 10-15 pounds extra, I don’t think he would surpass someone like Samson still.”
With that in mind, Vissers envisions Bumstead taking a top 10 spot with his current physique if he chose to compete in the Open at the 2024 Mr. Olympia.
“So… top 10 for sure, but it’s still weird to say you know Classic Physique champion only top 10 but Open class is just a different ball game. Trust me, it’s different guys,” Vissers said about the reigning Classic Physique Olympia.
Using our imagination, we can break down some of the comparisons Bumstead would be up against if he made the unlikely move up to the Open. He would likely struggle with the sheer density and size of contenders like Samson Dauda, Nick Walker, Derek Lunsford, and Hadi Choopan. Not only that, but Vissers maintains that he’d run into problems with those outside of the top five, like last year’s finishers, which included stars Andrew Jacked and Hunter Labrada.
Whether or not Bumstead actually takes on the Open class remains to be seen. It appears he’s solely focused on producing a record sixth Classic Physique Olympia title on the horizon. Perhaps we will get to see him take on the big boys in the future but for now, we can only speculate about his potential against the best in the world.