The Classic division of the Olympia weekend has quickly risen to one of the competition's most anticipated parts. Greg Doucette, an IFBB pro and record-holding powerlifter, has given his predictions on what the top eight may look like this year.
With a change in the weight restrictions this year allowing for seven more pounds of body weight, we should see some truly impressive physiques coming to the stage. Without any further ado, here are Greg Doucette's predictions for the top eight of the 2023 Men's Classic Physique Olympia.
8. Wesley Vissers (NED)
Wesley has made a name for himself from his bodybuilding YouTube channel Vintage Genetics and impressive showings by taking 1st in the Europa Pro and 3rd in the Dubai Pro this year. While 8th place isn't an improvement from last year, it still shows Wesley's competitiveness in this growing field.
7. Breon Ansley (USA)
Breon was looking to make the jump to the 212 class until the weight restrictions were changed for Classic Physique. 7th place may seem a bit low for someone who was a 2x Classic Physique winner, but Doucette explains that time is not on Ansley's side, which may allow some of the younger competitors to capitalize.
6. Alex Cambronero (Costa Rica)
Cambronero was originally a 212 competitor that made the jump to Classic Physique. Placing well in the 212 division by usually bringing a thin waist and broad shoulders, Alex can look at cracking the top 6 if he comes in shredded.
5. Mike Sommerfeld (Germany)
Sommerfeld placed first at the Saudi Arabia Pro earlier this year and qualified for the big show. Doucette reasons that the extra seven pounds allowed could go a long way for someone who is only 5'6" like Sommerfeld. Whether he will make it to the top 6 will remain to be seen.
4. Terrence Ruffin (ISA)
Only measuring 5'5", Ruffin gives up a lot of muscle to his taller competitors. Known for his outstanding posing, Ruffin could see his way back toward the top of the rankings if he comes in with better conditioning than last year.
3. Ramon Rocha Queiroz (Brazil)
Doucette is predicting that Ramon will take the third spot. While his physique is impressive, and his conditioning is usually spot on, his weakness lies in his posing. Not being able to show off all his hard-earned muscle can ultimately keep him from taking 1st.
2. Urs Kalecinski (Germany)
Urs has a great shot at taking the title this year. Last year, he was hampered by a bout of food poisoning that left him at less than his best. You can expect the Miracle Bear to give Bumstead a run for his money.
1. Chris Bumstead (Canada)
It's no surprise that Chris Bumstead would be at the top of these predictions. The 4x Mr. Olympia Classic winner consistently brings the complete package to every competition. His small waist, spot-on conditioning, and trademark vacuum pose make him almost impossible to beat.
Well, those are Greg Doucette's Classic Olympia predictions. Do you agree with them? Let us know in the comments.
You can watch his whole video below.
(Cover image courtesy of Chris Bumstead's Instagram)
Tyler DiGiovanni
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