Fitzwater vs. Two Olympias: Prague Decides Who Falls

 

Last year’s Prague competition wasn’t just another event on the bodybuilding calendar, it was a statement of intent. Chris Bumstead, after announcing his retirement following his sixth Mr. Olympia Classic Physique title, shocked the world with one final move. This wasn’t a farewell tour or a symbolic appearance. CBUM chose to compete once more, but this time in uncharted territory: the Open category.

The announcement sent shockwaves through the circuit. Was it an act of defiance, a personal test, or a calculated move to see how far he could push without the constraints of Classic Physique? His physique had evolved so much that it was already pushing the boundaries of his original category. But crossing into the Open wasn’t a whim, it was an open declaration of war against the planet’s biggest titans.

The result was as gripping as it was unexpected. Martin Fitzwater, a regular in the Mr. Olympia Top 10 and a symbol of the Open’s new generation, claimed victory with authority. Yet Bumstead was no footnote, his second place finish was a warning: the Classic could hold its own, and nearly triumph, in the Open. It was his final battle, his way of closing a chapter.

A year later, history seems to repeat itself, but with a new protagonist. Urs Kalecinski, Germany’s “Miracle Bear” from the Classic division, followed the same path to the Open. He secured two first place finishes, a feat CBUM didn’t achieve in that category. But the glory was fleeting: he fell outside the Olympia Open Top 10. The message was clear, jumping divisions demands more than muscle, it demands identity.

Meanwhile, Fitzwater continues his ascent. His recent fifth place finish at the 2025 Mr. Olympia, just behind Samson Dauda, solidifies him as a real threat to the elite. Dauda, the former champion who seems to be losing ground, confirmed his participation in Prague. He’s not chasing trophies, he’s chasing redemption. After losing to Derek Lunsford twice and suffering a humbling fourth place finish, Prague could be his last chance to prove he’s still a force in bodybuilding.

But Dauda won’t be the only hurdle. Keone Pearson, the current Mr. Olympia in the 212 division, has also confirmed his presence. Though he didn’t bring his best this year, and many believe Shaun Clarida could have defeated him, his potential is undeniable. The stage is set like a chessboard: the reigning 212 champion, the former Open Mr. Olympia, and the defending Prague champion. Three reigns clashing fiercely in a single night.

Fitzwater, the man who toppled the Classic icon last year, could now defeat the 212 champion and the former Open king. If he succeeds, it would be more than a victory, it would be a symbol of transition, the confirmation of a new era in bodybuilding. Prague is no longer just a city, it’s the crucible where the limits of the body and human ambition are tested.

What a challenge awaits Fitzwater in a few days. Facing two Mr. Olympias on the same stage, this time as challengers. Now it’s Martin’s turn to defend his title against what may be his fiercest opponents yet. It’s worth noting that Fitzwater is in his element and has every chance of emerging victorious. A loss for Keone wouldn’t be catastrophic. A loss for Dauda could mark the beginning of the end. A win for Fitzwater could spark a streak that propels him higher in his division’s rankings, cementing him as a Top 5 Open contender and a serious threat for the Mr. Olympia title.