Chris Bumstead isn’t done just yet. The six-time Classic Physique Olympia champion‘s retirement from bodybuilding appears to be short-lived — and now, many bodybuilding fans will get what they have wanted for a long time.
On Monday, Oct. 28, 2024, it was announced that Bumstead will make his Men’s Open debut at the 2024 Prague Pro on the weekend of Nov. 16-17 in Prague, Czech Republic. The post can be seen below, noting Bumstead as a “confirmed athlete.”
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“6-time Mr. Olympia winner in the Men’s Classic Physique category, Chris Bumstead, will be competing for the first time in his career in Europe at EVLS PRAGUE! Don’t miss his unique debut in the Men’s Open Bodybuilding category and be part of it on November 16-17 in Prague at PVA EXPO PRAGUE.”
Bumstead confirmed the news himself in a separate post.
“Y’all said I had a decent physique and should try competing…so I figured I’d give it a shot. One more run just for fun, giving the people what they want,” Bumstead wrote.
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Bumstead has never competed outside of Classic Physique in his pro bodybuilding career. Many fans have wondered if he would ever leap to the Men’s Open division, and it has been asked of him many times, including in his 2021 interview with BarBend. He explained that he had considered it, but his health was his ultimate priority.
“I’d be lying if I said I never thought of it, but I have had health complications in the past. At Classic Physique, I’m not pushing my limits. I can stay super healthy. My body can handle it,” he said.
- Bumstead continued: “I genuinely love Classic Physique. It may not be as big or popular…prize money may not be as much, but it’s a neat division. To be at the top in the beginning…to play a role in shaping what it can become…if I can be a long-reigning champ, I can retire happily with absolutely no regrets.”
Bumstead’s health is good enough to scratch the itch and see how he does on the big stage. If he wins, he’ll qualify for the 2025 Mr. Olympia, but he has not confirmed whether he will actually compete afterward if he scores a victory. The site of the 2025 Olympia has not yet been announced.
The competitor list for the 2024 Prague Pro is expected to be announced the week before the contest. The 2023 winner of the Prague Pro was Samson Dauda, who won the 2024 Mr. Olympia title.
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Featured Images: @evls_prague_pro_official and @cbum on Instagram
