2024 Mr. Olympia Classic Physique Prejudging Recap: Key Takeaways

by Mr. O
Posted On October 12, 2024

The 2024 Mr. Olympia Classic Physique prejudging wrapped up, revealing intriguing dynamics among the top contenders. With some new surprises and veteran performances, this division has shaped up to be one of the most competitive yet.

First Callout Overview

The first callout saw eight competitors: Breon Ansley, Urs Kalecinski, Michael Daboul, Wesley Vissers, Jose Maria Mete Bueriberi, Mike Sommerfeld, Chris Bumstead, and Ramon Dino. This group displayed some clear standout physiques, but the real battle quickly became evident in the center of the lineup.

Wesley Vissers was placed on the far end for the duration of the callout, suggesting that he may be out of contention for a top placing. Many noted that Wesley appeared less conditioned than he did at the Arnold Classic, which has impacted his chances here.

Urs Kalecinski’s Rise to the Top

One of the biggest highlights of the callout was Urs Kalecinski, who showed up with an impressive, fuller physique. Urs has always been a rising star in the Classic Physique division, and this year, he’s made it clear that he’s gunning for a higher placement. His arms, particularly his biceps, looked improved, and his overall size gave him a new, dominant look. The decision to sport a new blonde hairstyle also helped draw attention to him, adding to his overall stage presence.

While Urs impressed with his improvements, Chris Bumstead, the reigning champion, once again demonstrated why he’s the standard-bearer of Classic Physique. However, some believe Urs came close to matching Chris in several poses, particularly in his arms and upper body conditioning.

Mike Sommerfeld’s Breakthrough

Mike Sommerfeld also made waves, securing himself a spot in the top three. His physique has come a long way since last year, and his improvement in size and conditioning is undeniable. His presence alongside Chris and Urs in the final callout has solidified his status as a top contender in this year’s competition.

Ramon Dino and Wesley Vissers Fall Behind

Unfortunately for Ramon Dino, the 2024 Mr. Olympia may not be his year. While Ramon was originally expected to be a major contender, his conditioning seemed to falter under the bright lights. He struggled with his tan, and by the second callout, it was clear that he wasn’t in the conversation for the top spots. Meanwhile, Breon Ansley seemed to be in a direct battle with Ramon for fourth place, with Breon holding a slight edge in terms of stage presence and polish.

Wesley Vissers, who finished seventh last year, looks like he may either replicate that placing or potentially finish lower based on his positioning in the callout.

Final Predictions

While the competition is fierce, it seems clear that Chris Bumstead remains the favorite to take home his sixth consecutive title. However, Urs Kalecinski’s improvements cannot be ignored, and he has likely secured a second-place finish. Mike Sommerfeld rounds out the top three with an impressive showing.

As we await the final results, one thing is clear: the Classic Physique division continues to evolve, with rising stars like Urs challenging the dominance of legends like Chris Bumstead.