2024 has already become a memorable year for five-time Classic Physique Champion Chris Bumstead. The reigning King of Classic Physique became a father on April 22nd, and he also announced the completion of a passion project. The 29-year-old bodybuilder opened the gates to Raw Athletic Club on May 25th and celebrated with an opening ceremony. Scores of fans of the Canadian bodybuilding icon attended the two-day opening ceremony and seminar.

The Raw Athletic Club’s Instagram page posted exclusive snapshots from the monumental event. Chris Bumstead, his 24-time Olympia-winning coach Hany Rambod, Nick Walker’s coach Matt Jensen, and others, spoke to the crowd of fans that gathered for the opening. “Recognition is not the reward we seek, but rather it is the growth we undergo along the way,“ wrote the official Raw Athletic Club Instagram page. The gym’s sheer size of 20,000 sq. ft. made it look more like a small concert venue. 2024 New York Pro winner Nick Walker and bodybuilder Justin Shier attended the grand opening and did a meet-and-greet.

The Raw Athletic Club has been near and dear to CBum’s heart as he harbored the dream of opening a gym for a long time. However, it took him five Classic Physique Olympia wins and worldwide recognition to turn his dream into a reality. The champion bodybuilder had teased the construction process in January. The bodybuilding icon announced the project on Jan 20th when he started the social media handle and uploaded a video of the then-ongoing construction. “Raw Athletic Club • Coming Soon • 2024,“ read the caption. Four months later, fans finally stepped into CBum’s gym.

Chris Bumstead inspired his fans

“Wow. Such a long way up. Genuinely inspiring,“ a fan commented. “From the ground up! Raw for life!“ wrote another fan. Chris Bumstead also arranged something that the fans could participate in besides a meet-and-greet and seminar. Bodybuilding enthusiasts had the opportunity to participate in a bench press competition. “Unreal… This event goes down in the books!“ wrote one fan.

The grand opening of Florida Gym attracted fans from across The States. “This event was the best thing ever! I Flew in from San Diego, CA. So glad to have made it! Can’t wait for day two!! Such great people, energy, and just overall gym opening set up!!!“ wrote a Chris Bumstead fan. “Another incredible accomplishment in the books,“ commented another.

Chris Bumstead has had an eventful 2024 so far. First, he became a father and now the owner of his first public gym in America. The only thing left to do is defend his Olympia title on October 10th in Las Vegas. Did you find CBum’s gym impressive? Tell us in the comments.