Mr. Olympia Classic Physique 2022 First Callout: Chris Bumstead Faces Ramon Queiroz, Urs Kalecinski and Others

The 2022 Mr. Olympia had not one but two headliner events: The Men’s Open category and the Classic Physique category. With the pre-judging for Men’s Open done and dusted, all eyes turned towards the Classic Physique pre-judging event. Three-time defending champion Chris Bumstead walked along a field with competitors he has faced often.

While ‘CBum’ was a heavy favorite heading into the event, he faced serious competition this time. The major attraction of the event had to be the callouts, and when the time came, it did not disappoint.

Classic Physique Callout Group 1 had some serious heat

The Classic Physique event, happening for just the seventh time ever, has grown immensely popular. A huge 65-man lineup was on point at the Venetian Expo and Convention center in Las Vegas. Each bodybuilder posed to the best of their abilities in front of a loud and proud audience.

With Bumstead a definite lock to win the title yet again, his competitors took the callouts as their chance to leave a mark on the competition. But the first callout group was the major highlight.

The group comprised all five top contenders at the event, namely: Chris Bumstead, Ramon Queiroz, Urs Kalecinski, Breon Ansley, and Terrence Ruffin. ‘CBum’ dominated the proceedings, spending all of his time in the center of the stage. Ramon and Urs took spots on either side of Bumstead as the bodybuilders showcased their 360 roundups.

READ MORE: “Too Much Risk”: Despite His Monstrous Build, Chris Bumstead Once Revealed Why He Never Competes in Mr. Olympia Men’s Open Event

Numerous bodybuilding fans and experts suggest Bumstead will have to be entirely off his peak to allow his competitors to have a chance to dethrone him. Although a tall order, it is not impossible, especially in a year that has already showcased many upsets in the sporting world. Could fans have one last surprise in store?

The path to Mr. Olympia glory might not be too easy for ‘CBum’ this year

As the competition dates inched closer, the Classic Physique category seemed to have been won already. Fans and experts pitched Canada’s Chris Bumstead to win his fourth consecutive Classic Physique title with ease. However, the competing bodybuilders had other plans for the reigning champ.

With Brazilian Ramon Queiroz almost getting disqualified for his weight, he made the cut in time and is one of the contenders for the title. Showcasing classic symmetry and proportion, the Brazilian has sensationalized the bodybuilding realm altogether.

Two-time Classic Physique winner Breon Ansley has promised to give ‘CBum’ a tough time on stage. He will look to equal Bumstead’s record of three Sandow Trophies. The 2022 Classic Physique event marks Ansley’s last appearance at the event, as he will compete in the 212 event from 2023.

Terrence Ruffin is also aiming to get his revenge against Bumstead after finishing as the runner-up at the last two Mr. Olympia events. Germany’s Urs Kalecinski is another remarkable athlete at the event. Entering the competition with momentum on his side, Kalecinski has already won the Kuwait Pro and Boston Pro titles this year. He will hope to improve his fourth-place finish from last year’s Mr. Olympia event.

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December 17, 2022, will see the crowning of this year’s Classic Physique champion. Whether Bumstead picks up a record fourth title or we have an upset on our hands will be interesting to watch.