[BendtheBar]

I've interviewed close to 100 top natural bodybuilders over the last 3 years, some that chase the pump for gains, and some that don't. For the average pro who is not top 20 in the world, I see no difference in their physiques whatsoever.

As far as the top 20 guys, Doug Miller is a strength and volume guy, and Layne Norton trains for both strength in a lower rep range, and strength in more conventional rep ranges. I could also add Cleveland Thomas and Shaun Clarida. Shaun recently squatted 500x4 reps, or something ridiculous like that - at a bodyweight under 160 I believe.

I can't name any pump-centric bodybuilders that are bigger than these guys.

I was mentioning the other day (I forgot to whom) that all of the Elite level bodybuilders I know have near-Elite/Elite levels of strength. On the other hand, the pros I know who are more around the 3-4-5 level of strength have nice physiques and plenty of size, but my best guess is that they are at least 5-10 pounds of muscle behind guys like Doug Miller, etc.