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As we approach the 2025 Mr. Olympia, it’s time for the competitors to start making headlines. Following a drama-free off-season, Urs Kalecinski, also known as “The Miracle Bear”, is the first big name to surface.
Urs has long been a close rival of classical icon Chris Bumstead. He’s been following closely behind, pushing Chris to greater heights before his retirement announcement earlier this year. His third-place Olympia finish makes him the third-best classical bodybuilder in the world, not an easy feat to achieve.
On August 20, 2025, he took to Instagram and YouTube to explain why he’s switching divisions. While unconfirmed, it’s reported that he’ll compete in the upcoming ProMuscle Italy Pro show. Here at Endomondo, we’ll be keeping a close eye on any breaking developments as news progresses.
Urs Kalecinski Switches To Men’s Open
Urs Kalecinski has long been a close rival of Chris Bumstead. After earning his Pro Card in 2021, he has been in the top three for the past two years. Many see him as the future Classic champ after Bumstead’s retirement.
On August 20, 2025, Urs announced on Instagram and YouTube that he would be switching to the Open Class. He mainly cited mental health and weight-cut struggles. Furthermore, he wants to attain his best-ever physique without a weight cap.
He’ll make his open debut at the MusclePro Italy Pro show in Milan on September 7, 2025. Here, he will aim to gain a qualification and take the first step towards Open stardom.
“The Miracle Bear” Switches To Men’s Open
In recent years, we’ve seen the Open and Classic Divisions fighting it out for top spot at the Olympia. The Open is undoubtedly still the main spectacle. It offers the most prize money and the chance to earn the coveted Sandow.
There’s no denying that the Classic Division continues to gain popularity. Most of this can be attributed to the rise of Chris Bumstead and his online fame. Even with his retirement, he left the division in a really good place.
On August 20, 2025, his statement on Instagram and YouTube sent shockwaves around the bodybuilding community. Following Bumstead’s retirement, many saw him as the future face of the classic division.
“I have decided to switch to open class bodybuilding, and I want to inform you about my thought process behind this decision.”
Urs Kalecinski
Urs went into great detail regarding the reasons behind his switch following the announcement. He discussed his difficulty with the weight cut and how it’s always held him back from bringing his best package. Now that he’s approaching his prime, he wants to try something new in a division that he believes he can do well in.
“Those who accompanied me through last year’s Olympia know that I had suffered from depression and anxiety as I have been trying to grow and evolve my physique, while always thinking a weight cut would somehow be possible when it comes to prep for competition.
Urs Kalecinski
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…I now know I had underestimated the consequences of such a big cut.”
There’s no denying that Urs has made phenomenal progress in the Classic Division. After breaking onto the scene in 2021, he’s remained a top-three placer for the last few years. Many spectators and athletes have grown fond of him, admiring him for his down-to-earth personality and larger-than-life stage presence.
After explaining why he’s moving division, he explained that building the best physique is still his main goal. He also expressed thanks for the lessons he’s learned as a top-level Classic Physique competitor throughout the years.
“My body keeps telling me to release all brakes and strive for my personal best physique possible. Sadly, this isn’t possible in classic physique anymore.
Urs Kalecinski
Classic physique and its ambassadors from early stages of bodybuilding (Flex Wheeler, Lee Labrada, etc.) have been my biggest inspiration to pursue this sport and attain a similar physique. This division will always have a special place in my heart, and I’m beyond grateful for the past 5 years competing in this division with competitors who have become friends for a lifetime.”
His sudden switch to the Open Class means that he’ll abandon qualification for this year’s Classic Olympia to pursue the Open Class. According to the RepOne Instagram account, he’ll look to gain an Open Olympia qualification at the ProMuscle Italy Pro contest.
“Urs Kalecinski will make his heavyweight debut in Milan on the 7th September, 2025. To be able to start in the Open Bodybuilding Class at the Olympia in the future, he first needs a qualification.”
If this isn’t something to get you excited about the Italy Pro contest, we’re not sure what is. Keep your eyes and ears peeled as we’ll be reporting on the events in Italy as they happen live!
Chris Bumstead Weighs In On The Switch And What It Means For Bodybuilding
Even though he’s no longer an active competitor, the words of six-time Classic physique icon Chris Bumstead still hold weight. In his recent Instagram post, Bumstead argued that the Open Olympia would look much different if all Classical competitors moved.
“Hot take: if every classic competitor moved to the Open (with a good off-season), the Olympia top 10 would look a lot different.”
Chris Bumstead
Before his retirement, Bumstead also competed in the Open Class at the 2024 Prague Pro. Many of his fans have long believed he could be a top open competitor without the weight cap. In a sensational showdown, he finished a close second behind third-place Olympia finisher Martin Fitzwater.
Now that Urs has actually made the jump, questions regarding whether this will become a popular trend are gaining traction. Veteran bodybuilder and historical icon Dennis Wolf discussed the unpredictability of the Olympia and why it’s a good thing.
“Look, it could change every year. Even at the Olympia, the top five isn’t going to stay the same forever. It’s not like back in the day when the top two or three guys were always battling for first place. Back then, the top five or six barely changed. For ten straight years, competing at the Olympia, I was in the top six almost every time. It was always the same guys.”
Dennis Wolf
A Smart Move Or A Step Too Far?
Time will tell whether Urs Kalecinski has made the right jump when seeking Olympia stardom. If his past performances are anything to go by, we know he’s more than capable of competing with the best in the world. The key will be in just how far he can push his body and how much the classic weight cap was restricting him.
On September 7, 2025, we’ll find out at the ProMuscle Italy Pro event. If he secures a qualification, he’ll have taken the first big step in what promises to be an incredible transition.
After this, the sky is the limit for “The Miracle Bear”. We’ll be following along and reporting as things develop in what has so far been an incredible career. Good luck and all the best, Urs!
Frequently Asked Questions
Urs has a realistic chance of placing inside the top 10 at the Men’s Open with the right off-season. However, he would need to put on a significant amount of size to win. With enough time and the right approach, winning the division isn’t out of the question.
His main reasons for moving include weight cut struggles, mental health issues, and a desire to attain his best physique.
He could go back to the Classic Division if he doesn’t do well and changes his mind. It will take a significant amount of time and patience for him to build his body for the Open. However, slimming back down would arguably be a lot easier.
About the Author
Chris Marshall, MSc, PT Personal Trainer
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