Urs Kalecinski shook the bodybuilding world with his latest announcement. Urs Kalecinski to Move From Classic Physique to Men’s Open Bodybuilding. He revealed that he is leaving Classic Physique to step into Men’s Open bodybuilding for the 2025 season.

Next, the German standout shared the news on Aug. 20, 2025, via social media. Kalecinski explained that the weight cuts had taken a toll on his health and physique.

Then, fans recalled his struggles in recent seasons. To make weight for Classic, he dropped more than 25 pounds in 2023 and again endured a grueling diet in 2024. Despite the challenges, he finished third both years behind Chris Bumstead.

Finally, his bronze medal in 2024 gave him an automatic qualification for the 2025 Classic Physique Olympia. However, Kalecinski has declined that spot. Instead, he will compete in Men’s Open bodybuilding and chase qualification for the 2025 Mr. Olympia.

Urs Kalecinski to Move From Classic Physique to Men’s Open Bodybuilding

🇩🇪 Urs Kalecinski — Transition Roster

 

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A post shared by Urs Kalecinski (@the.miraclebear)

Urs Kalecinski Explains His Move

“The struggle to cut weight for Classic has become increasingly difficult to a point where I either had to sacrifice my health tremendously or my best possible physique attainable.”

To make Classic weight, Kalecinski endured extreme measures. Each prep forced him into drastic weight cuts that compromised his ability to showcase his physique at its fullest.

“I will be giving my Open Bodybuilding debut in Maitland on Sept. 7th, [at the 2025 ProMuscle Italy Pro].”

The ProMuscle Italy Pro is the second-to-last contest in the 2025 Olympia qualification season. The season concludes on Sept. 14 at the Europa Pro Championships in Offenbach, Germany. This gives Kalecinski only two shots to secure a ticket to Las Vegas.

 

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A post shared by Urs Kalecinski (@the.miraclebear)

With both Chris Bumstead and Urs Kalecinski absent, the 2025 Classic Physique Olympia lineup looks wide open. Runner-up Mike Sommerfeld, who won the 2025 Arnold Classic Physique title, now enters as an early favorite.

Notably, if Sommerfeld wins, he would become the fourth champion in the division’s 10-year history. That milestone adds further weight to the changes Kalecinski’s departure brings.

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Overview

Urs Kalecinski’s decision to leave Classic Physique reshapes both divisions. His move to Men’s Open bodybuilding removes a consistent top-three competitor from Classic while giving him the freedom to display his physique at its peak. Additionally, it places added pressure on him to qualify with limited time. Consequently, the 2025 Olympia season gains new intrigue, with fans eager to see if “The Miracle Bear” can rise to the challenge on the biggest stage.

Featured Image – Urs Kalecinski to Move From Classic Physique to Men’s Open Bodybuilding – Credit: @the.miraclebear (Instagram)