The Reigning Arnold Classic Physique Champ Speaks Out
Emulating Arnold
Wesley Vissers, the 2024 Arnold Classic Physique champion, recently spoke with host Hany Rambod about his journey in bodybuilding. Vissers, also known as "The Dutch Oak," recalled winning every show he could in the Netherlands as a bodybuilder before the Classic Physique division existed.
"It’s really good to have that background," he said.
2024 Arnold Classic Win
Vissers won his first Classic Physique pro card in Europe in 2018 and rose through the ranks. He told Rambod that his first time stepping on the Olympia stage in 2018, where he finished outside the top 15, was eye-opening.
"It’s one thing to win a pro show but another to be a top guy at the Olympia. That’s a whole different ball game," he said.
Emulating Arnold Schwarzenegger
Rambod mentioned that many Classic Physique athletes, including six-time champion Chris Bumstead, use Schwarzenegger as a reference when building their physiques. Vissers validated this, stating that he is often told that his physique is reminiscent of the seven-time Mr. Olympia turned movie star turned politician.
"I was already being compared to [Schwarzenegger]. That’s what I grew up to be. His kind of physique was what I wanted," he said.
Posing
Vissers competes at the highest level of the sport and has found success, but he still feels posing is his weakness. He recalled watching videos of Schwarzenegger’s posing routine at the 1980 Mr. Olympia and trying to recreate it to improve the presentation of his own body onstage.
2024 Olympia
Aside from his win in Columbus, Vissers also won the 2024 Arnold Classic UK Classic Physique show, and many fans felt he would challenge Bumstead at the 2024 Olympia. However, he finished eighth overall at the 2024 Olympia when Bumstead won his sixth and final title before retiring.
Vissers acknowledged the pressure he feels within the sport leading up to that contest in Las Vegas, NV. He told Rambod that he spoke to head judge Steve Weinberger about that placing to get feedback.
"He said I need to be fuller. I think I overdid it at the Olympia because I wanted it all," he said.
2025 Arnold Classic
Vissers has applied Weinberger’s feedback to his 2025 Arnold Classic prep and intends to defend his title. Rambod asked him how he was approaching this contest compared to his 2024 win, and Vissers responded that Weinberger implied Vissers may have placed higher at the Olympia if he looked similar to how he did in Columbus.
"There will be improvements in the lower body, which will be visible for sure, especially in the posterior chain," he said.
Conclusion
Wesley Vissers is a dominant force in the Classic Physique division, and his dedication to his craft is evident. With his sights set on defending his title at the 2025 Arnold Classic, fans can expect to see even more impressive results from the reigning champion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Wesley Vissers’ nickname in the bodybuilding world?
A: "The Dutch Oak"
Q: How many times did Chris Bumstead win the Classic Physique Olympia title?
A: Six times
Q: What is Wesley Vissers’ goal for the 2025 Arnold Classic?
A: To defend his title and improve his physique, particularly in the lower body.