Head judge Steve Weinberger believes Chris Bumstead will be successful in Prague but it will not change bodybuilding.
The news of Chris Bumstead will be competing at the 2024 EVLS Prague Pro in Open has taken the bodybuilding world by storm. Many have made their predictions and shared opinions on how he will fare. This now includes head judge Steve Weinberger.
During a recent interview, Weinberger was asked about the move and shared his thoughts on Bumstead’s Open debut.
“I think he’s going to do very well. He’s going to be 10 pounds heavier. He’s got a great team, a great trainer. I don’t see him not being in shape. I see him with excellent shape.”
Bumstead is a six-time Classic Physique Olympia champion. He announced his retirement following his victory just a few weeks ago but decided to give it one final go in Open.
While Bumstead has one of the best physiques in the world, Weinberger acknowledges that bodybuilding is about overall size.
“The problem is, it’s a bodybuilding show and it’s about muscle. Will he have enough muscle to stand next to these other guys or will his shape take him over the top?”
Steve Weinberger Talks Chris Bumstead’s Prospects In Open
Chris Bumstead has been working with Hany Rambod to add more size. This includes more food into his daily diet plans and extra work in the gym. He brings great legs to the stage but Weinberger questioned his back.
“The only problem I see with Chris, I’ve never seen him this big. Is his back going to be thick enough? It’s going to be wide enough. From the front, he’s excellent. From the side, he’s really good. He’s got that big leg sweep and hanging hamstrings.”
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Bumstead will be tasked with standing next to the mass monsters in Men’s Open. He will bring great condition and symmetry to the stage but can he add enough muscle to compete for a title?
“Chris, by himself, is going to look sick. When we put him next to guys with a lot of muscle, that’s going to be the interesting part. Did he put on enough muscle on since the Olympia because I’m sure he tore down enough muscle to make weight.
Did he put enough of it back on and in good condition and how will he stand next to the monsters.”
Along with Bumstead, the show will be headlined by Shaun Clarida and Martin Fitzwater. He recently finished fourth at the Olympia and will take the stage once again looking to compete for 2025.
“I don’t believe that. It’s whoever is good on that day. If Martin comes in totally shredded, he can win.”
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