Classic physique is a new division in bodybuilding, but classic physiques are the oldest of old school. They go back to at least Ancient Greece. Classic means pleasing shape over pure size, aesthetics over freakishness. It used to be the norm in bodybuilding, but as guys started to grow bigger in the late ’60s (drugs) bodies morphed. And in subsequent decades, a divide formed between shape-first and size-first. The latter may have gotten out of hand this century. But with the recent, immense popularity of Chris Bumstead, the tide may be turning. Classic is cool. Listed in chronological order, we salute the 10 best classically built male bodybuilders of all time.
STEVE REEVES
(1926-2000) 1947 Mr. America, 1950 Mr. Universe
Steve Reeves is the O.G. of classic physique. He was noted for his flawless proportions and handsome aesthetics. In the late ’50s and early ’60s, he achieved worldwide fame as the titular star of Hercules and similar Italian sword-and-sandal movies.
SERGE NUBRET
(1938-2011) 1973 Mr. Olympia 2nd, 1976 Pro Mr. Universe
Serge Nubret looked best standing relaxed with pecs and abs that seemed chiseled to perfection. His back and legs lagged, but he possessed what many still regard as the men’s physique ideal.
FRANK ZANE
(1942- ) 1970 Mr. Universe, 1977-79 Mr. Olympia winner
Frank Zane was frequently out-massed. It didn’t matter. He went a different way and used his classical aesthetics and crisp conditioning to defeat much bigger competitors, including Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1968. At his best, Zane three-peated as Mr. O.
MOHAMED MAKKAWY
(1953- ) 1975 & 1977 Mr. International, 1983-84 Mr. Olympia 2nd
The smallest man in our honor roll at merely 5’3” and 155 pounds, Mohamed Makkawy, dubbed The Magic Egyptian, cast a spell with his flawless proportions and masterful posing that carried him all the way to the runner-up spot, twice, in the Mr. Olympia.
SAMIR BANNOUT
(1955- ) 1983 Mr. Olympia winner
Often struggling with conditioning, Samir Bannout was a bit of one-hit wonder. But that hit, winning the 1983 Mr. Olympia, vaulted him into bodybuilding’s most exclusive club. Though only 5’7” and 188 pounds, Bannout’s combination of a pleasing shape, flowing lines, masterful posing, and the right amount of striations and size is regarded by some as the bodybuilding paradigm.
BOB PARIS
(1959- ) 1983 NPC Nationals winner, 1984 Mr. Olympia 7th
Bob Paris had arguably the most aesthetic physique of all time, and unlike others on this honor roll he wasn’t undersized by the standards of his day. At 5’11 and 230, he burst on the scene at 23 in 1983, winning the top amateur American and world titles. Over nine years and 32 contests, Paris never won a pro title. He always refused to push striations and size into the freaky zone. Instead, like a classical sculptor, shape was always paramount to him.
LEE LABRADA
(1960- ) 1989-90 Mr. Olympia 2nd, winner of 7 pro shows
Quietly, Lee Labrada had one of the greatest pro bodybuilding careers of all time: top four in all seven Mr. Olympias he entered, including two seconds, and top five in all 24 pro shows he entered, including seven victories. He did it at only 5’6” and 185 pounds with stellar proportions, crisp conditioning, and classical poses.
FRANCIS BENFATTO
(1957- ) 1990 Mr. Olympia 6th
Francis Benfatto redefined the classic physique in the early ’90s with just enough modern mass on his 5’6” frame, a flawless V-taper, and excellent arms. He never came close to winning a pro show, but Olympia judges awarded his aesthetics with a 6th in 1990 and 7th in 1991. He would’ve collected pro titles in the 212, classic physique, or men’s physique divisions, if they’d existed 35 years ago.
SHAWN RAY
(1965- ) 1987 NPC Nationals winner, 1994 & 1996 Mr. Olympia 2nd
Shawn Ray competed in all 12 Mr. Olympias from 1990-01—a period that included the best lineups ever—and never finished below fifth. At 5’6” and 210 pounds, he was bigger than shapesters who preceded him, but his proportions were flawless, his conditioning was always on-point, and his soaring routines included a plethora of classic poses.
CHRIS BUMSTEAD
(1995- ) 2019-24 Classic Physique Mr. Olympia winner
Chris Bumstead is the GOAT of the new classic physique division, which staged its first Olympia in 2016. Cbum won the ultimate title six straight years and then retired after last year’s win. At 6’1” and 235 pounds, he’s celebrated for his excellent proportions (including his legs—a strength), V-taper, and crisp conditioning.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
We could easily add 20 more classic physique bodybuilders, but we’ll stick to five. These honorable mentions are listed alphabetically.
BREON ANSLEY
Two-time Classic Physique Olympia winner (2017-18). With a denser if narrower body than others, Ansley flexes two of the roundest guns in classic physique.
CHARLES CLAIRMONTE
In 1993, the 6′ Clairmonte won four pro shows, defeating such legends as Flex Wheeler and Kevin Levrone, with his flawless proportions, sharp abs, and classical poses.
BERRY DEMEY
The 6′, 230-pound DeMey used his flowing lines and aesthetic look to finish third in the 1988 Mr. Olympia.
AHMAD HAIDAR
Noted for his abs, the 5’7” Haidar had superb proportions. Competing professionally in the ’00s, the Abdominal Showman was too early for classic or 212.
TERRENCE RUFFIN
Two-time Arnold Classic Physique winner (2021-22). Though only 5’5”, Ruffin sports a striking X-frame.
