Hikaru Nakamura vs Levon Aronian
Two greats, side by side: honours, records, money and the numbers that define them.
| Chess | Sport | Chess |
| United States | Nationality | Armenia |
| December 9, 1987 | Born | 6 October 1982 |
| $50M | Net worth | $2M |
| 4 | Major honours | 8 |
| 2 | Records | 2 |
Career Numbers
| 2792 (June 2026) | FIDE Rating | 2724 (June 2026) |
| 2816 (October 2015) | Peak Rating | 2830 (March 2014) |
| No. 3 (June 2026) | Current Ranking | - |
| No. 2 (October 2015) | Peak Ranking | No. 2 (January 2012) |
| - | Ranking | No. 23 (June 2026) |
Honours Side by Side
Hikaru Nakamura (4)
- U.S. Chess Champion
- World Fischer Random Chess Champion
- Chess Olympiad Team Gold Medal
- Chess Olympiad Team Bronze Medals
Levon Aronian (8)
- FIDE World Cup
- Gold Medal, Chess Olympiad
- World Blitz Chess Champion
- World Champion in Chess960
- FIDE Grand Prix Winner
- Order of St. Mesrop Mashtots
The Case for Each
Levon Aronian brings the heavier trophy cabinet: 8 documented honours against 4 for Hikaru Nakamura. Silverware is not the whole story, but it is the first line of any chess argument.
On records, Hikaru Nakamura holds 2 documented marks. Records show peaks; honours show sustained dominance. The two lists rarely agree on a winner.
Levon Aronian is the senior figure by roughly 5 years, which frames the comparison: one career is closer to its final shape, the other still has chapters to write.
Commercially, Hikaru Nakamura leads with an estimated $50M net worth. Earning power tracks fame more than form, but it is part of the legacy question.
Both profiles update daily: Hikaru Nakamura and Levon Aronian each carry full stats, honours and news on AthleteWiki.
Full profiles: Hikaru Nakamura · Levon Aronian