2021 Classic Physique Olympia Pre-Judging — Bumstead Stays Front & Center, Ruffin Brings the Heat

Since it debuted in 2016, the Classic Physique division has skyrocketed in popularity. Competitors don posing trunks akin to what athletes wore in the 1970s and present more tapered and conditioned bodies compared to the Men’s Open division. It’s also arguably the most competitive division. Two-time defending champ Chris Bumstead will have to pose down next to another two-time Classic Physique champ, Breon Ansley, as well as 2020 runner-up Terrence Ruffin and top-five regular Alex Cambronero.

On Oct. 9, 2021, the Classic Physique pre-judging took place at the 2021 Joe Wieder’s Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend in Orlando, FL. Twenty-six men took the stage for comparison rounds, known as callouts, to establish a top 16. Judges group competitors (usually three to six at a time) so that they can compare physiques they perceive to be on par with one another. The first and last callout typically contains the division’s top dogs. The callouts in between consist of the folks who are to sit outside the top six.



After six rounds of judging it was clear that Chris Bumstead is still the top dog. He was the center of every callout he appeared in and seemed to nail his conditioning. Terrence Ruffin, who placed second in 2020, also showed up in amazing shape and was nipping at Bumstead’s heels the entire time.

Two-time Chris Bumstead has become one of the most popular bodybuilders in the sport, and his fans are in full force in Orlando. His Classic Physique Olympia title defense began at prejudging. Former champion Breon Ansley and 2021 Arnold Classic Physique winner Terrence Ruffin were considered his toughest competition.

What is Classic Physique?Classic Physique is a relatively new division in the IFBB Pro League. It debuted in 2016 and was introduced to whet the appetite of fans and competitors who prefer to build physiques similar to those in the Golden Era (1965-1985).


Classic Physique competitors are larger than Men’s Physique athletes but smaller than the men in the Men’s Open and 212 Division. The athletes hit slightly different poses and can be more “artistic” when it comes to choreographing their posing routine.


How is Classic Physique different than Men's Open?The judges are focused on symmetry, aesthetics, and conditioning more than pure mass. To ensure the athletes don’t get too big, the IFBB lists weight limits in conjunction with one’s height; you can check those out on the IFBB’s website.


Who is the current Classic Physique champion?Chris Bumstead of Canada has won the Classic Physique Olympia in 2019 and 2020. His stiffest competition is against two-time champ Breon Ansley (who is in his mid-40s) and Terrence Ruffin, who came out of nowhere in 2020 to snag the runner-up spot and assert his dominance.


Olympia Weekend runs from Oct. 7-10, with the pro competitions taking place on the eighth and ninth. The Mr. Olympia finals will wrap on Saturday. Here’s the complete competition schedule:



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