Chris Bumstead’s Potential Open Division Transition

by Mr. O
Posted On January 4, 2025

Chris Bumstead’s Potential Open Division Transition: A New Chapter in Professional Bodybuilding

After securing second place at the Prague Pro in late 2024, four-time Classic Physique Olympia champion Chris Bumstead has sparked intense speculation about his future in professional bodybuilding. Despite initial retirement announcements, industry insiders suggest the IFBB Pro League may have special plans for the Canadian phenomenon, potentially including a direct invitation to compete in the Open division.

Bumstead’s recent physique updates from Prague showcase his continued dedication to maintaining elite conditioning, even amid discussions of retirement. His impressive showing against Martin Fitzwater demonstrated that he could potentially make a successful transition to the Open division, where his aesthetic physique and mass development could create an interesting dynamic among today’s mass monsters.

The business aspect cannot be ignored – Bumstead’s massive social media following and entrepreneurial success with Raw Nutrition and other ventures have made him one of bodybuilding’s most marketable athletes. With millions of followers across various platforms and successful supplement lines, his potential move to the Open division would undoubtedly generate significant interest and revenue for the sport.

While Bumstead has cited family commitments, including his newborn daughter, and other business ventures as reasons for stepping back, the allure of competing in bodybuilding’s premier division might prove too tempting to resist. The IFBB Pro League’s potential special invitation would offer him a unique opportunity to test his physique against the world’s elite without going through the traditional qualification process.

Recent rumors within the industry suggest that both the Olympia organization and the IFBB Pro League are keen to maintain Bumstead’s presence in professional bodybuilding, recognizing his significant impact on the sport’s popularity and mainstream appeal. His transition to the Open division could potentially bridge the gap between Classic Physique and Open Bodybuilding, attracting new audiences and elevating the sport’s profile.