Zack Khan makes his prediction for Chris Bumstead at the Men’s Open EVLS Prague Pro… and how it would be best for the 2025 Mr. Olympia.
In a recent exclusive interview with Generation Iron, pro bodybuilding veteran Zack Khan shared his candid thoughts on Chris Bumstead’s upcoming debut in the Men’s Open division at the EVLS Prague Pro. Known for his dominant reign in the Classic Physique category with six Olympia titles, Bumstead’s transition has ignited conversations across the industry.
Fans and experts alike are eager to see how Bumstead will stack up against the sport’s elite in an entirely different division. But while many are focused on the weekend’s competition, Khan believes Bumstead’s impact could ripple through the entire sport, potentially making him a fixture in Men’s Open for years to come.
Bumstead’s Impact on Men’s Open and the 2025 Olympia Stage
When asked if Chris Bumstead stands a chance of winning at the EVLS Prague Pro, Zack Khan offered a strategic perspective. He believes that if the competition between Bumstead and up-and-comer Martin Fitzwater is tight, it could make sense for the IFBB and Olympia organizers to support Bumstead’s victory. Khan explains that if Bumstead qualifies for the Mr. Olympia in the Men’s Open, his continued presence could dramatically boost the division’s popularity and turn the 2025 Olympia into an unmissable event for fans.
“Chris Bumstead is the most popular athlete in bodybuilding right now,” Khan said confidently. He goes on to note that bodybuilding is a subjective sport, and if the judges are even slightly inclined toward giving him the edge, it could be the right move for the industry to lean into Bumstead winning.
Zack Khan’s comment taps into a recurring theme in bodybuilding: the sport’s reliance on judges’ opinions rather than objective measures like timing or scoring goals. He acknowledged the often-controversial nature of judging, noting that fans are no strangers to questioning results. If the contest is close, Khan suggests, awarding Bumstead the win would be both strategically and financially beneficial for the sport.
He notes that bodybuilding scoring is different from something like sprinting, where the winner is clear-cut based on who crosses the finish line first. In bodybuilding, if judges decide they prefer Bumstead’s physique, it’s hard to dispute. Khan points out that people already debate judging decisions online as it is.
This possible scenario presents an intriguing “what if” moment for bodybuilding’s future. With Chris Bumstead already commanding the Classic Physique division, his potential entry into Men’s Open could bring unprecedented attention to a division where he may, in time, rival top contenders.
Does Bumstead’s Physique Need Any Help from Judges?
While Zack Khan proposed a scenario where Chris Bumstead’s popularity could give him a slight edge, Generation Iron’s Vlad Yudin raised a different point. According to Yudin, Bumstead’s remarkable physique may speak for itself, rendering any potential judging bias unnecessary. As a six-time Classic Physique Olympia champion, Bumstead has continually showcased an elite blend of symmetry, conditioning, and muscularity that could translate seamlessly into Men’s Open.
Vlad also notes that we have seen champions from other divisions, like Men’s 212, transition into Men’s Open and succeed. Given his incredible physique, Bumstead could very well claim victory on his own merits, without any subjective sway.
Agreeing with Yudin’s assessment, Zack Khan added that Bumstead’s success would largely depend on how well he could retain his signature aesthetics while filling out his frame for the Men’s Open stage. Khan believes that as long as he can add size without sacrificing that amazing quality he already has, it’ll be a good match for him.
A Call for a Weight-Limit-Free Classic Physique Show
Taking the conversation further, Zack Khan voiced his interest in seeing all Classic Physique athletes compete in a special, no-weight-limit show. Such an event, he suggested, could take place soon after the Olympia, allowing competitors to bring their best physiques to the stage without weight restrictions.
“I would love to see the Classic Physique guys compete without weight limits. Let’s see who can bring their best when they aren’t limited by the division’s restrictions,” Khan said.
For fans of Classic Physique, such an event could offer a unique opportunity to see the full potential of top athletes unencumbered by weight caps. Athletes like Bumstead, who have dominated within the weight constraints of the division, could be free to push their limits, potentially bringing physiques more comparable to Open contenders.
The Road Ahead: Could Bumstead’s Transition Change the Sport?
With Chris Bumstead’s Men’s Open debut on the horizon, Zack Khan’s insights highlight the broader implications of this transition, not just for Bumstead but for bodybuilding itself. The sport is at a pivotal moment, and Bumstead’s journey could set a precedent for future Classic Physique athletes contemplating a move to Men’s Open. Khan’s suggestions for structural changes, such as height-based divisions and no-weight-limit shows, add depth to this conversation and underscore the evolving nature of bodybuilding.
As fans eagerly await Bumstead’s performance at the EVLS Prague Pro, one thing is clear: his influence could extend far beyond one weekend, potentially reshaping bodybuilding’s competitive landscape for years to come.
