Stefan Kienzl Breaks Down Bodybuilding’s Biggest Debates: Judging Criteria, Pro Cards, and Open vs. Classic
The third episode of GI Conversation with Stefan Kienzl, hosted by Vlad Yudin, continues to provide deep insights into the world of elite bodybuilding coaching. Stefan Kienzl, a highly respected coach known for guiding athletes like Nathan De Asha, Shaun Clarida, William Bonac, Urs Kalecinski, Wesley Vissers, and Martin Fitzwater, shared his thoughts on some of the most talked-about moments in bodybuilding from 2024.
This episode explored Martin Fitzwater’s breakthrough performance at the Olympia, the impact of Chris Bumstead’s unexpected entry into the Men’s Open division, and the evolving landscape of Classic Physique.
Martin Fitzwater’s Rise at Olympia 2024
Martin Fitzwater’s fourth-place finish at the 2024 Olympia shocked many, but not Stefan Kienzl. He explained that he and Fitzwater were confident in their placement, even if social media didn’t predict it. Kienzl pointed out that many bodybuilding fans judge competitors based on Instagram pictures rather than the detailed work happening behind the scenes. Those who saw Fitzwater dominate at the New York Pro knew he was a serious contender for Olympia.
Fitzwater’s biggest strength is his incredible bone structure and overall balance—qualities that define top-tier bodybuilding success. Kienzl emphasized that bodybuilding judging is often based on minimizing weaknesses rather than just maximizing strengths. Fitzwater had the fewest weaknesses on stage, making his high placement a natural outcome of their preparation.
The Prague Pro: Fitzwater vs. Bumstead
Shortly after the Olympia, Fitzwater entered the Prague Pro as the favorite to win—until Chris Bumstead shocked the bodybuilding world by announcing he would compete in Men’s Open at the same event.
Stefan Kienzl saw this as a great opportunity rather than a threat. The higher the stakes, the bigger the win, and facing an athlete of Bumstead’s celebrity status only added prestige to the competition. While Vlad Yudin suggested that Bumstead’s entry might have increased pressure on Fitzwater, Kienzl maintained confidence in their strategy.
Despite Bumstead’s incredible talent and dominance in Classic Physique, Kienzl was certain that transitioning to Men’s Open in just four weeks wouldn’t be enough to surpass a true Open competitor like Fitzwater. The thickness and muscle density required for Open bodybuilding take years to build, not mere weeks.
Fitzwater’s Performance at Prague Pro
Going into the Prague Pro, Stefan Kienzl was highly confident that Fitzwater would secure victory. However, an unexpected challenge arose—Fitzwater tore his hamstring during his second turn for a back pose. Despite the injury, he powered through the competition, and Kienzl remained assured of his athlete’s ability to win.
Kienzl also believed that Shaun Clarida should have placed higher than Chris Bumstead at the Prague Pro. While Bumstead’s presence was undeniable, Kienzl felt that Clarida’s conditioning and volume at his size should have given him the edge over Bumstead in the final rankings.
What Bumstead’s Success in Men’s Open Means for the Division
Even though Martin Fitzwater defeated Chris Bumstead, the reigning Classic Physique champion still placed second, outperforming over 90% of Men’s Open competitors. This raised a major question—what does this mean for the Men’s Open division as a whole?
Stefan Kienzl acknowledged Bumstead’s exceptional physique and charisma but clarified that Bumstead did not challenge the true top-tier Men’s Open competitors. He noted that Bumstead wasn’t close to beating Fitzwater, according to the judges’ scorecards and Kienzl’s own conversations with IFBB head judge Steve Weinberger.
Bumstead’s dominance in Classic Physique comes not just from his structure but from his stage presence. While bodybuilding is judged on physique alone, human nature is drawn to charisma. If Bumstead continues to refine his Open physique while maintaining his signature stage appeal, he could become a formidable force in Men’s Open in the future.
Is Bodybuilding Judging Criteria Clear Enough?
Yudin asked whether bodybuilding’s judging criteria are clear, given how frequently fans argue over results.
Stefan Kienzl admitted that the criteria are not always black and white because judging is influenced by the specific competitors at a show. He gave the example of the Women’s Bikini division—sometimes a harder, more conditioned athlete wins despite the division traditionally favoring a softer, more feminine look. This happens when the most conditioned athlete still presents the most balanced package compared to the rest of the field.
Ultimately, Kienzl believes the judges do a great job overall, even if fans occasionally question results. The sum of a competitor’s physique matters more than isolated details.
The Increase in Pro Cards: Good or Bad for the Sport?
With more pro cards being awarded than ever, many have debated whether this is beneficial or harmful to bodybuilding.
Stefan Kienzl sees both positives and negatives. More pro cards create more opportunities for athletes, which is great for the sport. However, he cautioned that many newly minted pros have unrealistic expectations. The reality is that despite hundreds of pros in the IFBB, only 10–20 athletes truly stand out and become contenders for major titles.
The increased saturation of the pro league means that earning a pro card no longer guarantees success. Athletes must recognize that the true battle begins after turning pro, not before.
Classic Physique at Olympia 2024
Kienzl’s coaching portfolio includes several Classic Physique athletes, and he reflected on their performances at the 2024 Olympia.
Wesley Vissers, for example, won the Arnold Classic but placed eighth at Olympia. Kienzl explained that the difference in competition played a role. At the Arnold Classic, Vissers’ unique structure stood out against competitors who lacked strong hamstrings and glutes. However, at Olympia, he faced a much deeper lineup of “glute and hamstring monsters” like Urs Kalecinski and Ramon Dino, which made his weaknesses more noticeable. Even though Vissers brought the same physique that won the Arnold, the competition landscape at Olympia altered the outcome.
Could Anyone Beat Bumstead in Classic Physique?
With Chris Bumstead dominating Classic Physique for five straight years, Yudin asked whether competitors like Urs Kalecinski and Wesley Vissers truly believed they could dethrone him.
Stefan Kienzl firmly believed that his athletes had the right mindset. Confidence often comes from past success, and they had performed well enough in previous competitions to enter Olympia with genuine belief in their abilities.
When asked whether Classic Physique athletes were being too friendly with Bumstead rather than competing aggressively, Kienzl didn’t address the social dynamics directly. Instead, he analyzed Bumstead’s physique from a technical standpoint.
Bumstead’s biggest weakness, according to Kienzl, is the “beauty” of his individual muscles. While his overall structure is breathtaking, his muscle details aren’t as aesthetically pleasing as some of his competitors. However, his frame creates such a dominant visual impact that these minor flaws don’t hurt his placements.
Who Will Win Classic Physique Olympia 2025 Without Bumstead?
With Bumstead announcing that 2024 was his final Classic Physique Olympia, the division is now wide open.
Kienzl sees this as an exciting opportunity. There is no clear frontrunner, which means any top athlete could rise to claim the title. He emphasized that success in 2025 will come down to who can improve their weaknesses the most.
This unpredictability makes the 2025 Classic Physique Olympia one of the most highly anticipated events in bodybuilding. With no reigning champion, the division is more competitive than ever, promising intense battles and major surprises.
Wrap Up
Episode three of GI Conversation with Stefan Kienzl offered a fascinating look at bodybuilding’s most pressing topics. From Martin Fitzwater’s breakout performance to Chris Bumstead’s impact on Men’s Open, Kienzl provided expert analysis and behind-the-scenes insights.
With the 2025 season approaching, the bodybuilding landscape is evolving rapidly. Kienzl’s perspective sheds light on what it takes to succeed at the highest level, making this episode a must-watch for fans and athletes alike.
Stay tuned for future episodes as Vlad Yudin and Stefan Kienzl continue to explore the intricacies of professional bodybuilding.
