Terrick El Guindy Predicts Chris Bumstead’s Comeback in Men’s Open at the 2026-27 Mr. Olympia
Chris Bumstead's retirement has been a major talking point in the bodybuilding world, but not everyone is convinced he’s stepped away for good.
The reigning Classic Physique legend announced that he was finished with competition, yet speculation continues about his potential return. After his impressive showing in the Men’s Open division, many wonder if this could be the next chapter in his career. During a recent segment of OlympiaTV, bodybuilding analyst Terrick El Guindy shared his belief that Bumstead will step back onto the Olympia stage in 2026 or 2027.
“Everybody who thinks Chris Bumstead is retired for good is wrong, and I’m gonna tell you why.”
Following his dominant victory in the Classic Physique Olympia in October 2024—marking his sixth consecutive title—Bumstead officially declared his retirement. However, just weeks later, he took the stage at the EVLS Prague Pro in the Men’s Open division, where he delivered a stellar performance and secured a runner-up finish. Since then, he has focused on new personal goals while maintaining his impressive size and conditioning. Though Bumstead has expressed his commitment to life beyond competitive bodybuilding, some insiders speculate that his passion for the sport could eventually pull him back onto the Olympia stage.
Could Chris Bumstead Make a Comeback in Men’s Open?
Chris Bumstead turned heads with his Prague Pro performance, demonstrating exceptional mass, symmetry, and stage presence. Despite finishing second to Martin Fitzwater, his ability to transition into Open bodybuilding so seamlessly fueled discussions about his long-term potential in the division. El Guindy believes that Bumstead’s future lies in the Men’s Open category, where he initially launched his bodybuilding career.
“Chris Bumstead started his career as a bodybuilder at the North Americans. He won the heavyweight class. He ended his supposed career with a second place. This man is young, he’s used to winning. He did not like losing. I think as time passes by, he’s going to say ‘I’m going to come back and compete as an Open bodybuilder.”
Throughout the years, Bumstead has mentioned that he would only consider competing in an Open show if it occurred shortly after the Olympia. That scenario played out in 2024, and in just a few short weeks, he made remarkable strides to prepare for one of bodybuilding’s most demanding categories. Following his experience in Prague, Bumstead admitted it was "arguably the most fun" he has ever had on stage—raising further speculation about a future return.
“He needs to go back to the Open at the Mr. Olympia. I think he’s going to ask Dan Solomon for an invitation for the 2026 or 2027 Open Mr. Olympia and I think he’s training very hard for that.”
While Bumstead has maintained that he is content in retirement, he has not entirely shut the door on competing again. If he does make a comeback, El Guindy predicts it will be on bodybuilding’s grandest stage—Mr. Olympia—potentially via a special invitation to the Men’s Open division.
