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The bodybuilding lineup is getting another interesting shakeup heading into 2027. Rafael Brandao has officially announced he\u2019s leaving the Men\u2019s Open division and moving to Classic Physique.<\/p>\n
After spending approximately 10 years competing professionally in the Open, Brandao is ready for a different challenge. And honestly, I think this could be one of the best decisions he\u2019s made for his bodybuilding career.<\/p>\n
I\u2019ve never looked at Rafael Brandao as someone who needed to keep chasing more and more size. He\u2019s always had a great physique, impressive structure, and the kind of aesthetics that could make him a legitimate threat in Classic Physique.<\/p>\n
But that doesn\u2019t mean this transition will be easy.<\/p>\n
There are some serious competitors waiting for him, and he\u2019ll need to bring more than just a good-looking physique if he wants to make noise in the division.<\/p>\n
Brandao explained that he\u2019s spent years pushing against his natural genetics to compete with some of the world\u2019s biggest bodybuilders.<\/p>\n
At one point, he reached approximately 136 kg (300 pounds). That\u2019s a tremendous amount of weight to carry, especially for someone historically known for his aesthetics, symmetry, and proportions.<\/p>\n
In his announcement, Brandao said he believes Classic Physique will let him maximize the characteristics long considered his strengths.<\/p>\n
Those include symmetry, conditioning, harmony, and proportions.<\/p>\n
And I agree with that assessment.<\/p>\n
I don\u2019t think Rafael Brandao has had an easy time continually adding muscle to compete with the biggest names in the Open. That\u2019s not a knock against him. Not everyone is built to keep adding mass year after year and maintain the same level of structure and aesthetics.<\/p>\n
At some point, you need to look at what your physique does best.<\/p>\n
For Brandao, I think Classic Physique makes considerably more sense.<\/p>\n
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