Chris Bumstead announces his retirement | BarBend

“CBum” made his announcement after winning his sixth Classic Physique Olympia.

Last updated on October 13, 2024

No king rules forever. On the evening of Oct 12, 2024Social media superstar and now six-time winner of the Classic Physique Olympia Chris Bumstead announced his retirement from competitive bodybuilding.

• “This will be my last time on this stage,” Bumstead, 29, said shortly after the final of the 2024 Classic Physique Olympia in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Bumstead's illustrious career began in 2017. Since then, “CBum” has become one of the most recognizable fitness stars in the world, earning more victories at the Classic Physique “O” than any other athlete in the division's history.

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Bumstead's retirement from Classic Physique was no surprise. Fans have long suspected that the nearly 30-year-old Bumstead would hang up his training belt after another victory in the sport's most prestigious competition.

• In the past, Bumstead had indicated that he would retire from bodybuilding after his 30th birthday. He will achieve the big 3-0 win in February 2025.

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Additionally, Bumstead has spent the last few years juggling business ventures and an extended family for a living.

Beyond partial ownership of the Florida-based RAW Athletic Club, the sportswear brand Gymshark and Bumstead and his partner Courtney King, who specialize in nutritional supplement and meal prep lines, welcomed their daughter Bradley in 2023. He also suffers from Berger's disease, which can cause progressive damage to the kidneys.

• “I've sacrificed a lot over the last few years and it's been rewarded,” Bumstead said on stage. “I was so grateful, and now it’s time to step down.”

The Classic Physique Olympia was Bumstead's only competitive appearance since his first win in 2018. The fast-growing Classic Physique division, a crowd favorite, owes its rise in large part to Bumstead's presence in the bodybuilding industry.

The champion did not specifically mention his immediate plans after the end of the 2024 Olympics. One thing is certain: next year it will be a whole new game.

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Featured image: @walaf_pro_oficial / Instagram