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When we look at bodybuilding history, even legendary figures such as Ronnie Coleman and Arnold Schwarzenegger called time eventually. After leaving a lasting legacy, they moved on to other ventures or had simply reached the end of their competitive careers. If you know bodybuilding, you know that their names will continue to be etched in history for generations to come.
On October 12, 2024, spectators around the world heard the words they were expecting but didn’t want to hear. After winning his sixth title in a row, Classic Physique icon and social media icon Chris Bumstead called it time.
While his message was simple and to the point, it dug deep into the heart of the bodybuilding community:
“This is going to be my last time up on stage.”
Chris Bumstead
As gasps grew out from so adoring fans, one thing was for sure. Since his first title in 2019, he’s built an iconic legacy that even the greatest athletes will struggle to beat.
A Chris Bumstead retirement plan is not a new concept. His struggles with illness and injury are well-documented on social media. It’s just one of the many things that makes him so well-liked by bodybuilding communities around the world.
At just 29 years old, he’s achieved everything he’s ever wanted. He has six Classic Olympia titles, a loving family, and multiple successful business ventures. He joins an elusive list as a Men’s Classic Physique Olympia 2024 winner.
With his retirement confirmed, it’s going to take a while to fill the void Chris has left behind. However, it sets the stage for a new and exciting group of young classical athletes. The door is well and truly wide open for a new champion to reign.
To reminisce about old times, let’s take a look at Chris’s legacy and the things that may lie ahead. Here’s to a wonderful ambassador of the sport!
Key Takeaway
Chris Bumstead, also known as CBum, retired after an iconic ten-year classic physique bodybuilding career. He leaves the stage with six Mr. Olympia Classic physique titles to his name.
- CBum is a social media superstar with over 25 million followers. Bodybuilding legends and supporters have cemented him as an icon of the sport. Competitors are thankful that he helped to build the division.
- His legacy goes far beyond bodybuilding and his six titles. He set the standard for classic physique and grew the division to what it is today.
- As he steps away from competition, he states he will take time for his family, friends, and business ventures.
Reaction From The Bodybuilding Community
Chris is nothing short of a superstar on social media. He has over 25 million followers, making him one of the most followed athletes in the bodybuilding world.
His transparent social media presence means that he leaves no stone unturned when it comes to his personal and professional struggles. Because of this, his possible retirement has been well-known for many years.
However, his news has sent shocks around the bodybuilding world. His on-stage announcement was met with gasps from the audience. Social media quickly blew up with posts of shock, admiration, and gratitude.
While people want him to continue, no one can deny it’s a good time to end an amazing career.
Bodybuilding icons have cemented him as a legend of the sport. They say it will be hard for whoever is next to follow in his footsteps. Alongside this, they tease the possibility of him someday coming back but want him to enjoy his retirement.
Fans around the world are saddened and happy at the same time. Floods of messages say that they’ll miss their favorite athlete but are thankful for ten wonderful years. Whatever Chris does next, they’re excited to follow his journey on social media.
His fellow competitors truly appreciate the way he grew the division. Each of them understands his journey and admires him for the battles throughout the years. While no one is certain what he’ll do next, they’re excited to come along for the ride.
The Legacy Of Chris Bumstead
The impact of Chris Bumstead extends far beyond his six Olympia titles.
From a young athlete in Canada, he’s become one of the most influential figures in fitness. He has over 25 million Instagram and 4 million YouTube followers. These are some of his highlights and the legacy that he leaves behind.
Highlights Of Chris’s Career
Throughout his career, he’s documented his personal and professional journeys. He’s shown the good, the bad, and everything in between. This is just one of the many reasons why he’s so popular throughout the bodybuilding community.
During his career, he became co-owner of two extremely successful companies and launched his clothing line. On a personal level, he married the love of his life, Courtney King, and recently had a baby girl.
This is a summary of his competitive career highlights:
- 2014 CBBF Canadian National Bodybuilding Championship Men’s Junior Division — 1st.
- 2015 CBBF Canadian National Bodybuilding Championship Men’s Junior Division — 1st.
- 2016 CBBF Bodybuilding Championships Open Heavyweight Division — 2nd.
- 2016 IFBB North American Championships, Heavyweight — 1st (Earned IFBB Pro Card).
- 2016 IFBB Dayana Cadeau Classic, Classic Physique — 3rd.
- 2017 IFBB Pittsburgh Pro, Classic Physique — 1st.
- 2017 IFBB Toronto Pro, Classic Physique — 1st.
- 2017 Mr. Olympia, Classic Physique — 2nd.
- 2018 Mr. Olympia, Classic Physique — 2nd.
- 2019 Mr. Olympia, Classic Physique — 1st.
- 2020 Mr. Olympia, Classic Physique — 1st.
- 2021 Mr. Olympia, Classic Physique — 1st.
- 2022 Mr. Olympia, Classic Physique — 1st.
- 2023 Mr. Olympia, Classic Physique — 1st.
- 2024 Mr. Olympia, Classic Physique — 1st (Retired).
Since starting bodybuilding in 2014, he’s never finished outside the top three. He finished first in his debut junior competition, quickly earning his pro card two years later.
Following this, he focused on the classic category, competing in 11 competitions and finishing top in eight of them. This includes eight Mr. Olympia competitions where he took six victories.
It’s safe to say that his career highlight is his six Olympia wins in a row. However, he says that this year’s win means the most to him being his last.
Set The Standard For The Community
Whenever Chris speaks, he often talks about setting the standard for the division. After six years at the top, it’s safe to say he’s done exactly that.
After two close battles with Breon, he pulled away from the other athletes, coming first in every competition he had since.
His dominance combined with his transparent social media presence showed the classic division how to be a successful champion. His void will be felt in the community. His physique brought the classic division forward, bringing many athletes and fans to the stage.
Future competitors will need to continue the work he started by defining what it is to be classic. The future of the division is bright. However, after a ten-year legacy, Chris’s boots are some hard ones to fill.
What Lies Ahead For CBum?
With such an illustrious career coming to an end, most wonder what’s next for CBum.
Firstly, Chris has a huge social media presence. Both his Instagram and YouTube accounts are extremely popular. While he won’t be on the stage, his presence in the bodybuilding community will continue.
He’ll most likely document his new lifestyle as a husband and father. He may also show many of his business ventures and some of his gym sessions as a normal athlete.
As we mentioned above, he has many business ventures, He’s part owner of Gymshark and Raw Nutrition where he has his supplement lines. He also owns a clothing brand called CBum Fitness.
He’ll likely focus more on these and go into other niches with much more time on his hands.
What’s most likely to happen over the next few years is that Chris will take some well-deserved time off. He’ll spend time with his new wife and newborn baby doing the hobbies he enjoys around the people he loves. After years of sacrifice, we think he’s earned it!
In the post-Olympia press conference, he talked about continuing to shape the classic division. During this, he also pledged to add prize money to next year’s Olympia fund. We think this means that he’ll take up some sort of ambassador role for future years.
Closing Thoughts
Bumstead’s retirement marks the end of an iconic ten-year career in which he won six Classic Olympia titles. He redefined what it means to be an athlete and set the new Classic standard. Throughout his career, he offered full transparency, showcasing the highs and lows of being a bodybuilder.
As his competitive career ends, he starts his new life as a dad and multiple business owner. One thing we know for sure is that there won’t be a shortage of doors ready for him to step through.
Christopher Adam Bumstead will be remembered as a legend and a true gentleman of the sport. Thank you, Chris, for ten years of amazing memories. Enjoy every minute of your well-deserved retirement!
Frequently Asked Questions
Chris officially retired from bodybuilding during his Mr. Olympia 2024 Classic Division acceptance speech. During this, he stated that he wanted to focus on his family and several new business ventures.
Chris won six Mr. Olympia titles in a row from 2019–2024. He also came second in 2017 and 2018, finishing behind two-time winner Breon Ansley.
The reaction has been a mixture of admiration, shock, and sadness. Generally speaking, everyone appreciates what Chris has done for the division and how he’s conducted himself. People are also sad to see him go.
Chris plans to focus on his family after his recent marriage and the arrival of his baby daughter. He also wants to develop his many business ventures including his recent partnership with Gymshark.
Chris Bumstead has set the standard for Classic physique since his first title in 2019. Above all, he massively increased the Classic Division’s popularity, bringing new fans and competitors to the sport.
Like any athlete retirement, we can’t 100% guarantee that he’ll never compete again. However, he seems very focused right now on his family and business ventures. Who knows what the future will hold?
About the Author
Chris Marshall, MSc, PT Personal Trainer
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