When Arnold Schwarzenegger came to America in 1968, he started training with some of the best bodybuilders of his time. From contemporaries to his heroes like Reg Park, Schwarzenegger found training partners with more experience. These training partners helped the bodybuilding icon improve his weaknesses and amplify his strength. After Franco Columbu joined him, the two best friends climbed to the top of the bodybuilding mountain.

Franco Columbu wasn’t just a training partner inside the gym. The duo helped one another hone their skills in many aspects. Whether it was business or a hobby, like chess. Even in his recent Netflix docu-series, Austrina Oak revealed how he misses playing chess with Columbu, although it’s been four years since the two-time Mr. Olympia passed away. However, in his latest Instagram post, Schwarzenegger has found an unlikely chess partner.

Arnold Schwarzenegger has a new chess partner who is also a mascot

Chess is one of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s favorite hobbies because he sees chess through the same lens as bodybuilding. Schwarzenegger improved his physique through each rep and set he did in the gym. It’s the philosophy of success he has relied on throughout his life. Hence, Arnie said chess,?“gives the brain a workout”?during an interview with ExtraTV.

Hence, the competitive duo of best friends enjoyed playing chess with one another. After losing Columbu, Schwarzenegger struggled to find a partner who would be consistent. However, the newest addition to the 76-year-old’s family stepped up. Earlier, the five-time Mr. Universe posted a photo on Instagram of himself and his pet pig, Schnelly.

In the picture, Schwarzenegger held his tab toward Schenelly with a game of chess open on it. Schwarzenegger had found the training partner for his brain workout. “We all need training partners – that?s why we created the village,” wrote the 76-year-old fitness icon. “Today our #ArnoldsPumpClub mascot Schnelly was helping me with chess,” added the seven-time Mr. Olympia. However, Schnelly isn’t the only person Schwarzenegger plays chess with.

The bodybuilding icon helped Chris Pratt get into chess

In the four years since Franco Columbu’s passing, Schwarzenegger has played chess with many people. However, Chris Pratt has been a somewhat regular chess partner for him lately. In May, the 76-year-old praised his son-in-law’s chess skills. Despite being new to chess, Pratt has impressed his father-in-law.

Read More | Arnold Schwarzenegger, Who Never a Lost a Chess Game to Son-in-Law Chris Pratt, Makes a Startling Revelation About Losing to One of His Pets

In the interview with ExtraTV, Schwarzenegger said “Chris Pratt has just begun playing chess, but he?s very, very focused.” The 80s action icon also said that Pratt has learned the ropes quickly and is improving fast. However, the Guardians of the Galaxy actor admitted he is yet to beat Arnie at a game of chess.

What did you think about Schwarzenegge’s new, unlikely chess partner? Tell us in the comments.

Watch this story | Arnold Schwarzenegger and Other Athletes Who Suffered From Depression and Anxiety