In the heart of the bodybuilding world, where champions are forged and legends are born, the anticipation for the 2023 Olympia competition intensifies with each passing day. With just nine weeks remaining until the sport’s grandest event, two titans of physique sports, Chris Bumstead and Ramon Queiroz, sit down for a candid and revealing conversation. As they discuss their preparations and contemplate potential shifts in divisions, their dialogue offers a tantalizing glimpse into the world of elite bodybuilding.
Bumstead: A Journey to the Top
In the annals of bodybuilding history, the year 2019 marked a turning point. It was the year when Chris Bumstead ascended to the pinnacle of Classic Physique, dethroning the reigning champion, Breon Ansley, at the Olympia. With a physique characterized by a harmonious blend of muscle hardness, conditioning, and symmetry, Bumstead proved himself a commanding presence in the category. Since that crowning achievement, this 28-year-old sensation has continued to evolve, amassing an impressive tally of four Classic Physique Olympia victories.
Recent Triumphs Amidst Adversity
The most recent Mr. Olympia contest, held in December, witnessed Bumstead facing adversity head-on. Despite nursing a torn bicep, he emerged triumphant, outclassing his closest rival, Ramon Queiroz, and Urs Kalecinski. While Bumstead chose to prioritize rest, recovery, and a strategic rebound phase, Queiroz had his sights set on Columbus, Ohio, for another showdown. The Brazilian star ventured into the 2023 Arnold Classic, where he once again displayed his dominance, surpassing Kalecinski to claim the gold.
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The Open Division Dilemma
In the world of bodybuilding, where divisions define competitors, a question looms large: Could Chris Bumstead transition to the formidable Open division and maintain his success? While Bumstead has playfully teased the idea, seasoned bodybuilding veterans assert that such a transition would necessitate substantial weight gain, possibly up to 40 pounds. With this intriguing backdrop, Bumstead and Queiroz engage in a dialogue that not only sheds light on their respective Olympia preparations but also offers a glimpse into the possibilities that lie ahead in the world of elite physique competition.
Bumstead’s Forecast: Queiroz and Kalecinski Vying for Second at the 2023 Mr. Olympia
Chris Bumstead acknowledges Ramon Queiroz’s enhancements from the 2022 Olympia to the Arnold Classic, but expresses reservations about the progression of his posing going into the 2023 Mr. Olympia.
“I think he looked better, he looked sharper and leaner, he looked like he was a little bit tighter and dryer at this show [2023 Arnold Classic]. A little bit leaner and he had a lot more time to prep. I think it’s just going to be filling out his frame. I think some of his shots he can still look a little bit thin and I think he looked leaner at this show, but I think he looked better than the Olympia and he looked really good.”
“It’s hard for me to say [if he improved his posing] because I was so focused on myself at the Olympia, I didn’t notice how he was posing or not. But I know his posing looked good at the Arnold, I didn’t see any flaws in it.”
Bumstead’s Confidence: Anticipating a 2023 Olympia Repeat
Chris Bumstead seems unruffled by Ramon Queiroz’s challenge, predicting that the 2023 Olympia will mirror the outcomes of the previous year’s competition.
“I do [believe they are all fighting for second place]. It was Urs and Ramon against each other at the Arnold and I think it’s going to be them battling for it again at the next Olympia and I just have to beat myself.”
“I’m just going to do the Chris Bumstead thing. I have a strategy to be better, but the strategy is to be better than myself, not anyone else, so that’s the goal.”
Bumstead’s Secrets to Progress: Enhancing the Back
Delving deeper, Chris Bumstead elucidates on his transformative techniques. By mastering mind-muscle connection and experimenting with diverse posing variations, he has significantly bolstered the aesthetics and strength of his back.
“You looked amazing from the back at the Mr. Olympia, but I noticed that you changed a little bit of your pose, like you’re not flexing your lower back, you’re more like stretching and it looks awesome… that’s something that you improved the last prep. You are still getting better at your posing routine. That’s something you’re training a lot?” asks Ramon Dino.
“My back is always something I’ve been trying to bring up. I changed that posing. If you see my changes from 2019 to 2020, that’s when I learned how to do that pose. I switched my back pose and that made my back look a lot better. That also built my mind-muscle connection, got my training better, and I was able to grow my back by feeling it more when I pose like that.”
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Queiroz’s Challenge: Pursuit Beyond Categories
Should Chris Bumstead pivot to the Open class, Ramon Queiroz is resolute in his intent: he vows to chase Bumstead, ensuring their rivalry thrives regardless of the category.
“Chris, I just asked Ramon, ‘If Chris Bumstead goes into the Open, are you going to hunt him down in the Open?’ And he said, ‘Yes.’ Do you think that he has any chance against you in the Open or it’s going to be the same story?” asks Terrick El Guindy.
“I’m not going to the Open but I think it would be the same story. Maybe I will, maybe I won’t. You’ll find out when I do.”
Bumstead’s Open Ambitions: More Than Just Whispers
It’s not a new notion that Chris Bumstead has eyed the Open class. Earlier this year, in a candid chat with his coach Hany Rambod on The Truth Podcast, Bumstead divulged that he’d entertain the idea of competing in the Arnold Classic’s Open, provided the event’s schedule was tweaked to be closer to the Olympia.
Amongst the sport’s ardent followers, there’s an evident eagerness to witness Bumstead flex his prowess in a division devoid of weight constraints. Not just the fans, but even bodybuilding stalwart, Chris Cormier, is of the sentiment that Bumstead deserves an exceptional nod to grace the stage of the Open Mr. Olympia.
While the sands of time will reveal if Bumstead actually pivots categories, what’s undeniable is his intent to continue his reign, particularly against contenders like Queiroz, at the forthcoming 2023 Mr. Olympia event, scheduled for Nov. 2-5, in Orlando, Florida.
For those looking to dive deeper, the Olympia TV YouTube channel provides an extensive video on the subject.
Overview
In the countdown to the 2023 Olympia, champions Chris Bumstead and Ramon Queiroz provide insight into their preparations and the dynamics of their rivalry. While Bumstead reflects on his ascension since toppling Breon Ansley in 2019 and subsequent triumphs, he confidently hints that Queiroz might again be settling for the second spot. Their discussion, rich with competitive spirit, also entertains the prospect of Bumstead’s potential transition to other divisions.
Featured Image @Cbum Instagram, @OlympiaTv (Youtube) & (Instagram)
