Jay Cutler & Milos Sarcev Challenge Chris Bumstead’s Assertion That Classic Physique is Surpassing Men’s Open in Popularity
The debate over whether Classic Physique is overtaking the Men’s Open division in prominence has resurfaced, igniting discussions among bodybuilding enthusiasts. On March 4, 2025, legendary bodybuilders Jay Cutler and Milos Sarcev shared their perspectives on the ongoing rivalry between the two divisions, analyzing which category truly captivates fans the most.
During the 37th annual Arnold Sports Festival, six-time Classic Physique Olympia champion Chris Bumstead voiced his belief that Classic Physique has become more engaging than the Open class. This argument has sparked controversy multiple times within the bodybuilding community, dividing opinions on the sport’s future trajectory.
Notably, at the 2022 Boston Pro, Classic Physique competitors were showcased as the event’s final act—an apparent indicator that the division was gaining ground as a headliner. Additionally, Bumstead’s extraordinary reach on social media, boasting 25.7 million Instagram followers, further fuels the notion that Classic Physique is surging in popularity.
However, when considering financial incentives, the Men’s Open remains the dominant force in the IFBB Pro League. Bumstead, despite securing his sixth consecutive Olympia victory in Classic, took home $60,000 in prize money. In stark contrast, Open-class champion Samson Dauda pocketed a staggering $600,000 for his Olympia triumph, underscoring the Open division’s continued prestige and financial supremacy. While Classic Physique is undoubtedly gaining traction, seasoned veterans like Cutler and Sarcev remain skeptical of the claim that it has eclipsed the Open in mainstream appeal.
Jay Cutler & Milos Sarcev Push Back Against Chris Bumstead’s Claim That Classic Physique is the Sport’s Premier Division
In a recent YouTube discussion, Milos Sarcev elaborated on why he disagrees with Bumstead’s assertion that Classic Physique has become the more exhilarating division. Jay Cutler echoed a similar sentiment, acknowledging that while Classic Physique may hold an edge in the amateur ranks, the undeniable draw of sheer mass and conditioning in the Open still resonates deeply with fans.
“Cbum said that Classic is taking over. It’s going to be more popular than Open. I disagree with that. I don’t know what you think,” shares Milos Sarcev.
“On the amateur side, yeah, definitely on the amateur side. Men’s Physique is more popular than Open in the amateur side. But when you get into the Open Pros, I feel like eyes are still drawn to the massive muscle. Yes, there’s more competitors in Classic, but a lot of the guys, it’s like splitting hairs on who looks the best.”
Cutler also highlighted a key disparity between the two categories, emphasizing that many elite-level Classic Physique athletes remain overshadowed, whereas the top competitors in the Open receive far more visibility and recognition. He also argued that part of Classic Physique’s rising popularity is due to the division’s more attainable aesthetic, making it more relatable for aspiring bodybuilders.
“Where the Open is like guys who are way ahead of the pack or way behind. I feel like the competition it’s like anyone’s game where I feel like Classic, I don’t know… I feel like there are so many good guys that are overlooked, in my opinion,” Cutler said
“Let’s be honest. It’s more appealing to an up-and-coming person to say, ‘Hey, I can get to that.’ It’s more attainable,” shares Cutler.
Ultimately, as long as Open-class prize purses continue to dwarf Classic Physique payouts, it is difficult to declare that Classic has overtaken the Open in overall fanfare. Nevertheless, with outliers like Bumstead, whose superstar status is unparalleled, Classic Physique remains on an upward trajectory, steadily closing the gap on bodybuilding’s marquee division and potentially reshaping the sport’s hierarchy in the years to come.
