In November, Chris Bumstead’s legions of fans are going to get something they’ve wanted for a long time. Bumstead, 29, retired on top of the world after winning his sixth Classic Physique Olympia title in 2024.
- “CBum” will take one more stab at competitive physique sports when he competes in the Men’s Open bodybuilding division at the 2024 EVLS Prague Pro, which occurs on Nov. 16-17.
The most zealous of his 25-million Instagram following would consider Bumstead a shoe-in — Samson Dauda, reigning Mr. Olympia isn’t sold just yet.
Samson Dauda on Chris Bumstead Entering Men’s Open
During an interview published on social media on Oct. 31, 2024, Dauda took a beat to explain the significance of Bumstead’s swan song in bodybuilding’s biggest, beefiest division.
- “It’s something me and the whole bodybuilding world have been waiting to see,” Dauda remarked. “I want to be there in the front row.”
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It’s easy to see why Dauda was crowned the People’s Champion during the 2024 Olympia expo. He may not have a dog in the fight, but Dauda remains one of the sport’s warmest and most candid ambassadors.
Will Bumstead run away with a win in Prague? That’s a different story. “Obviously [Bumstead] is a great competitor,” Dauda continued. “At the same time, he’s going up against the very fierce Martin Fitzwater.”
Fitzwater, 27, ranked fourth at this year’s Mr. Olympia in his debut. He and Bumstead maintain a friendly, mentor-student relationship; Fitzwater, a brash and confident competitor, admitted to urging Bumstead toward Prague in the first place.
Dauda isn’t certain that Bumstead’s experience is enough to overcome Fitzwater. “I’ll tell you now, Fitzwater is one impressive bodybuilder. I don’t think the pictures and videos do justice to how good he is in person,” Dauda said.
Leading up to the 2024 Olympia, four-time winner Jay Cutler shrewdly pegged Fitzwater as the roster’s dark horse candidate capable of breaking into the top five — a prophecy that Fitzwater muscled into existence.
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Chris Bumstead in the Czech Republic
Having “set the standard” in the Classic Physique division for over half a decade, Bumstead’s last-minute pivot to Men’s Open is the best kind of fan service. Fitzwater will need to bring his A-game, plus the impeccable condition for which he was commended at the “O,” if he wants to decisively defeat Bumstead.
Bumstead isn’t the only surprise athlete to enroll in the Men’s Open division in Prague. On Oct. 29, the event confirmed on social media that two-time 212 Olympia winner Shaun “Giant-Killer” Clarida will try his hand in the class as well.
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Featured Image: @cbum / Instagram
