Hans Niemann and Levon Aronian participated in a quiz where they answered questions about which of the two was better at a given topic on the ChessBase India YouTube channel on December 7. When asked who could do 50 push-ups, both grandmasters selected themselves, after which Hans proposed to test it, and Levon agreed. Hans began the push-ups first, and Levon immediately corrected his form.

Levon Aronian

Levon Aronian

World No. 24

“No, no, this is not a push-up! You need to pull up and down all the way! The one you did is not a push-up, it’s half push-up”

After the hand placement was corrected, Hans said:

Hans Moke Niemann

Hans Moke Niemann

World No. 26

“Trust me, if I get outdone this is going to be a bad look, no offense, but I’m a bit too young”

Hans then completed 27 push-ups in 6 sets, taking 4 minutes and 40 seconds, after which he commented:

Hans Moke Niemann

Hans Moke Niemann

World No. 26

“Okay, we’re going to have to delete this video…

I think, you’ve messed my form, I don’t usually do pushups like this. Honestly, the push-up form that I’m forced to do is quite tough.

This is the most embarrassing day of my life, losing to 43-year-old guy…”

Levon then completed 36 push-ups in one set in 46 seconds. Fabiano Caruana joined the challenge and completed 40 push-ups in 36 seconds in one set, after which Levon added:

Levon Aronian

Levon Aronian

World No. 24

“This is the old school, we don’t talk, we do!”

Hans Moke Niemann, Levon Aronian and Fabiano Caruana participated in the video recording one day before the start of the Freestyle Chess Grand Slam Tour 2025 — Cape Town. In the tournament, Hans finished 7th, Fabiano finished 5th, and Levon Aronian won the tournament.

Credit: ChessBase India YouTube