Jesse James West, Mike Israetel, and Jared Feather recently put their upper body strength to the ultimate test in a gym bro competition that’s as entertaining as it is revealing.
The three fitness creators squared off in a challenge that prioritizes vanity muscles over functional strength, and the results might surprise you.
Their “Gym Bro Strength Challenge” consisted of three lifts: pull-ups, close-grip incline bench press, and lateral raises, each designed to measure upper body dominance.
You can test yourself using their exact standards and see where you rank among the fitness elite.
Jump to:
- The Challenge That Tests Pure Upper Body Power
- How Jesse James West Performed
- Mike Israetel’s King-Level Achievement
- Jared Feather Dominates With Consistency
- Understanding The Ranking System
- Technical Standards That Make Or Break Performance
- Why Upper Body Bias Dominates Gym Culture
- What These Numbers Mean For Average Lifters
- How To Test Yourself Properly
- Training Implications And Future Goals
- The Entertainment Value Of Competitive Fitness
The Challenge That Tests Pure Upper Body Power
The competition featured strict rules for each movement. Pull-ups required chin-to-bar contact with a momentary dead hang at the bottom, and participants could choose neutral, underhand, or overhand grip.
Mike made it clear that technique mattered more than raw numbers. Egregious swinging would disqualify reps, and judges issued warnings when form started deteriorating.
If you want something simple that actually works, this is one of the most effective tools I’ve used to build strength, conditioning, and endurance without needing a full gym setup.
- Full-body training with one weight using swings, squats, and presses
- Solid cast iron build that feels stable and lasts for years
- Comfortable grip that makes high-rep workouts easier to handle
We’re not training today, we’re testing today.
The close-grip incline bench press demanded that lifters position their hands as narrow as possible while still touching their chest. Every rep required a pause at the bottom and full lockout at the top.
Lateral raises with 25-pound dumbbells completed the trilogy. Athletes had to pause just above parallel at the top of each rep, eliminating momentum and forcing pure deltoid engagement.
How Jesse James West Performed
Jesse kicked off the competition with solid warrior-level performance across all three lifts. His pull-up attempt showcased both strength and technical precision, though his biceps dominated the movement.
Holy crap. Do my biceps how we’re doing so much? I was literally curling myself up.
Mike jumped in with his assessment of Jesse’s bicep-dominant technique.
And if I have to say something about that, that’s the bro-iest I’ve ever seen in my life.
Jesse completed 17 pull-ups before his form broke down. His close-grip incline bench netted him 12 reps, and lateral raises brought 15 repetitions.
Each performance landed him squarely in warrior status—respectable numbers that place him well above average gym-goers. Jesse maintained his natural status throughout, providing a benchmark for drug-free lifters.
If you want something simple that actually works, this is one of the most effective tools I’ve used to build strength, conditioning, and endurance without needing a full gym setup.
- Full-body training with one weight using swings, squats, and presses
- Solid cast iron build that feels stable and lasts for years
- Comfortable grip that makes high-rep workouts easier to handle
Mike Israetel’s King-Level Achievement
Mike approached the challenge with characteristic humor and competitive fire. His pull-up performance demonstrated impressive control, racking up 19 repetitions before technical breakdown.
On close-grip incline bench, Mike pushed through 27 reps, showcasing endurance that elevated him to king status for that lift. His finishing scream became an instant moment.
That is the funniest meme ever.
Jesse couldn’t help but laugh at Mike’s intensity in an empty gym.
Lateral raises proved to be Mike’s crown jewel. He powered through an astonishing 33 repetitions, catapulting himself into god-tier status for that single lift.
His combined score of 12 points placed him at king status overall, tying with Jared despite the different distribution of strengths. Mike declared his intention to train specifically for this test going forward.
Jared Feather Dominates With Consistency
IFBB Pro Jared Feather approached each lift with remarkable smoothness. His pull-up performance was technically flawless, grinding out 20 reps to achieve king status on the first exercise.
If you want something simple that actually works, this is one of the most effective tools I’ve used to build strength, conditioning, and endurance without needing a full gym setup.
- Full-body training with one weight using swings, squats, and presses
- Solid cast iron build that feels stable and lasts for years
- Comfortable grip that makes high-rep workouts easier to handle
I heard everyone in my head telling me to actually try for once. And the moment I tried for once, I got called for swinging. I’m honestly insanely disappointed.
Jared’s disappointment was palpable when his 20th rep came under scrutiny. Video review showed his chin barely missed the bar, though he’d argue otherwise.
His close-grip incline bench brought 28 reps, edging out Mike by a single repetition. This pattern of one-upping continued throughout the competition, creating playful tension between the athletes.
Lateral raises presented Jared’s only stumble. His smooth lifting style worked against him when judges demanded visible pauses at the top position.
There is no body language. Bro, your body never moved once. It was all this.
Despite technical difficulties with pausing, Jared managed 24 reps, securing king status. His consistent performance across all three lifts gave him the same 12-point total as Mike, cementing dual king status.
Understanding The Ranking System
The competition employed a five-tier classification system that assigns point values based on repetition ranges. This framework allows anyone to test themselves and establish their standing.
- Beggar (0-4 reps): 1 point per lift
- Peasant (5-11 reps): 2 points per lift
- Warrior (12-19 reps): 3 points per lift
- King (20-29 reps): 4 points per lift
- God (30+ reps): 5 points per lift
Total scores across all three lifts determine overall classification. Jesse’s three warrior performances gave him 9 points total, making him a warrior elite.
If you want something simple that actually works, this is one of the most effective tools I’ve used to build strength, conditioning, and endurance without needing a full gym setup.
- Full-body training with one weight using swings, squats, and presses
- Solid cast iron build that feels stable and lasts for years
- Comfortable grip that makes high-rep workouts easier to handle
Both Mike and Jared achieved 12-point totals, landing them at king status. Mike’s path included one god-tier performance on lateral raises, while Jared maintained king status across all three movements.
The system rewards balanced development while allowing specialists to shine in particular lifts. God status on a single lift immediately elevates your overall ranking significantly.
Technical Standards That Make Or Break Performance
Strict judging separated this competition from typical gym performances. Pull-ups required chin touching the bar, not chin over bar, with judges watching carefully for momentum.
The dead hang pause at the bottom eliminated kipping and forced athletes to generate power from a disadvantaged position. This standard dramatically reduces rep counts compared to CrossFit-style pull-ups.
Close-grip bench press technique demanded hands positioned at the narrowest grip that still allowed chest contact. Wider grips would disqualify attempts, while narrower grips would prevent proper range of motion.
The pause at the bottom eliminated bounce and stretch reflex, isolating triceps and upper chest strength. Full lockouts prevented partial reps from inflating numbers.
If you want something simple that actually works, this is one of the most effective tools I’ve used to build strength, conditioning, and endurance without needing a full gym setup.
- Full-body training with one weight using swings, squats, and presses
- Solid cast iron build that feels stable and lasts for years
- Comfortable grip that makes high-rep workouts easier to handle
Lateral raise standards proved most contentious. The pause just above parallel forced complete deltoid contraction while eliminating momentum.
Jared’s smooth lifting style actually worked against him here, as judges couldn’t see clear stops in his motion. Visible pauses matter more than internal tension when judging standardized tests.
Why Upper Body Bias Dominates Gym Culture
Mike opened the competition with a humorous prediction about competitive pull-up athletes.
I predict the people that are going to be the best at this are going to have the most ginormous shoulders, arms, upper pecs, and lats that you will see on a human being concomitantly with the tiniest legs.
This observation cuts to the heart of gym culture’s aesthetic priorities. Upper body development receives disproportionate attention because it’s visible in everyday clothing.
Pull-ups favor lighter lower bodies while punishing leg mass. Close-grip incline bench targets mirror muscles—upper chest, front delts, and triceps.
Lateral raises build the wide shoulder look that creates V-taper. None of these movements develop legs, glutes, or posterior chain.
If you want something simple that actually works, this is one of the most effective tools I’ve used to build strength, conditioning, and endurance without needing a full gym setup.
- Full-body training with one weight using swings, squats, and presses
- Solid cast iron build that feels stable and lasts for years
- Comfortable grip that makes high-rep workouts easier to handle
Mike described himself as a “sci-bro lifter,” acknowledging both evidence-based training principles and aesthetic motivations.
We acknowledge science. But we don’t let that bro stuff fall behind too far.
This balance between function and appearance resonates with modern fitness enthusiasts who want both performance and aesthetics.
What These Numbers Mean For Average Lifters
Jesse’s warrior-level performance across all lifts represents exceptional achievement for natural athletes. His 17 pull-ups, 12 close-grip incline reps, and 15 lateral raises place him well above typical gym-goers.
Most recreational lifters would struggle to reach peasant status (5-11 reps) on these movements with proper technique. Warrior status requires years of dedicated upper body training.
King-level performances like Jared’s 20 pull-ups and 28 close-grip bench reps demonstrate professional-level strength. IFBB Pro status correlates with enhanced performance capabilities, though Jared’s consistency across movements shows balanced development.
Mike’s god-tier lateral raise performance (33 reps with 25-pound dumbbells) represents truly exceptional shoulder endurance. This level of performance typically requires specialized training focus beyond general strength work.
If you want something simple that actually works, this is one of the most effective tools I’ve used to build strength, conditioning, and endurance without needing a full gym setup.
- Full-body training with one weight using swings, squats, and presses
- Solid cast iron build that feels stable and lasts for years
- Comfortable grip that makes high-rep workouts easier to handle
For context, achieving warrior status on all three lifts would place you in roughly the top 5-10% of regular gym attendees. King status puts you among competitive fitness athletes.
How To Test Yourself Properly
Testing requires honest judging and proper warm-up. Begin with general movement preparation, then perform specific warm-up sets for each lift.
Record your attempts on video to review technique. Self-judging often leads to inflated numbers through unconscious form breakdown.
For pull-ups, ensure your chin clearly touches the bar and you achieve complete arm extension with a visible pause. Any swinging motion beyond minimal body movement invalidates reps.
Close-grip incline bench should be tested at whatever incline angle your gym offers (typically 30-45 degrees). Hand position must remain consistent throughout the set.
Lateral raises with 25-pound dumbbells require strict form. Pause visibly at the top, raise to just above parallel, and avoid using momentum or body English.
If you want something simple that actually works, this is one of the most effective tools I’ve used to build strength, conditioning, and endurance without needing a full gym setup.
- Full-body training with one weight using swings, squats, and presses
- Solid cast iron build that feels stable and lasts for years
- Comfortable grip that makes high-rep workouts easier to handle
Rest 5-10 minutes between exercises. This isn’t circuit training—each lift deserves maximum effort without fatigue carryover.
Calculate your total score and determine your overall classification. Post your compilation video on Instagram, tagging the creators for potential feature consideration.
Training Implications And Future Goals
Mike announced his intention to specifically train for this test, aiming for demigod status with a 13-14 point total.
I’m going to try to get 30 on bench next time and I’m going to try to get 20 on pull-ups.
This goal requires adding just one pull-up and three bench reps while maintaining his god-tier lateral raise performance. Specific testing creates targeted training motivation.
The competition format provides clear progression targets. Moving from warrior to king status on a single lift can elevate your entire classification.
For natural lifters like Jesse, the warrior classification represents realistic achievement after 2-4 years of consistent training. King status typically requires 5+ years for most athletes.
If you want something simple that actually works, this is one of the most effective tools I’ve used to build strength, conditioning, and endurance without needing a full gym setup.
- Full-body training with one weight using swings, squats, and presses
- Solid cast iron build that feels stable and lasts for years
- Comfortable grip that makes high-rep workouts easier to handle
God-tier performance on any single lift demonstrates exceptional genetics or specialized training focus in that movement pattern. Achieving god status across multiple lifts borders on elite athletic performance.
The test also reveals individual strengths and weaknesses. Mike’s exceptional lateral raise performance versus his warrior pull-ups shows where his training emphasis has been.
Jared’s consistent king-level performances across all movements demonstrate the balanced development expected from professional bodybuilders.
The Entertainment Value Of Competitive Fitness
Beyond raw numbers, this competition showcased personality and camaraderie among fitness creators. Playful trash talk and genuine encouragement created engaging content.
Jesse’s joke about Mike “shooting up” in the bathroom played on common natty-or-not discussions in fitness culture. Mike’s exaggerated response about mixing multiple compounds “right in my eye” leaned into the humor.
The running bit about Jared consistently beating Mike by one rep added competitive tension. Personal rivalries make standardized testing more entertaining than solo performance.
If you want something simple that actually works, this is one of the most effective tools I’ve used to build strength, conditioning, and endurance without needing a full gym setup.
- Full-body training with one weight using swings, squats, and presses
- Solid cast iron build that feels stable and lasts for years
- Comfortable grip that makes high-rep workouts easier to handle
Jared’s philosophical opening set the tone.
But what I’m really afraid of is catching up and exceeding all my dreams, pimps. Cuz then what will I need to live for after that?
This blend of genuine effort and self-aware humor characterizes modern fitness content that balances education with entertainment.
The accessible nature of the test invites audience participation. Anyone with basic gym equipment can attempt the same challenge, creating community engagement beyond passive viewing.
Whether you’re chasing warrior status or dreaming of god-tier performance, this test provides clear benchmarks and honest assessment of upper body strength.
