No king rules forever. On the evening of Oct. 12, 2024, social media superstar and now six-time Classic Physique Olympia winner Chris Bumstead announced his retirement from competitive bodybuilding.
- “This is going to be my last time on this stage,” said Bumstead, 29, shortly after the Finals of the 2024 Classic Physique Olympia in Las Vegas, NV.
Bumstead’s illustrious career began in 2017. Since then, “CBum” has blossomed into one of the most recognizable fitness celebrities on the planet and bagged more wins at the Classic Physique “O” than any other athlete in the division’s history.
Chris Bumstead on Retirement: “I Hope I’ve Set the Standard”
Bumstead’s retirement from Classic Physique did not come as a surprise. Fans have long suspected that Bumstead, nearing 30, would hang up his lifting belt after clinching another win at the sport’s most prestigious competition.
- In the past, Bumstead signaled he would pull back from bodybuilding after his 30th birthday. He’ll hit the big 3-0 in Feb. 2025.
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Moreover, Bumstead has spent the last few years filling his cup with business ventures and an expanded family.
Beyond partial ownership in the Florida-based RAW Athletic Club, gymwear brand Gymshark, and supplement and meal prep lines, Bumstead and partner Courtney King welcomed their daughter, Bradley, in 2023. He also suffers from Berger disease, which can be progressively damaging to the kidneys.
- “I’ve sacrificed a lot the past few years, and it’s been rewarded,” said Bumstead on stage. “I’ve been so grateful, and now it’s time to step down.”
The Classic Physique Olympia has been Bumstead’s only competition appearance since he first won in 2018. The rapidly growing Classic Physique division, a crowd favorite, owes much of its ascent to Bumstead’s presence in the bodybuilding industry.
The champ did not explicitly mention his immediate plans after the 2024 Olympia wraps up. One thing is certain — next year, it’s a whole new ball game.
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Featured Image: @cbum / Instagram
