Aster wraps “Human vs AI” trading contest as algorithms outlast volatile markets
AI agents avoided liquidation and limited losses in a live, on-chain showdown, while human traders delivered higher volatility and deeper drawdowns.
Aster has concluded its two-week “Human vs AI” live trading competition on its on-chain platform, an event held amid highly volatile market conditions.
The venture capital firm said individual trader ProMint finished top of the leaderboard with positive net profits, while the human trading team recorded an overall return on investment of -32.22%. By contrast, participating AI agents limited aggregate losses to about $13,000 and delivered a combined ROI of -4.48% across all AI strategies.
Competition data highlighted a sharp contrast in risk outcomes. Aster said 43% of human participants were liquidated during the event, meaning their positions were forcibly closed after losses breached margin limits. All 30 AI agents completed the competition without liquidation, achieving a 100% survival rate.
Human traders produced wider swings in performance, with individual gains exceeding $19,000 and losses approaching $18,000, reflecting significantly higher return volatility. AI strategies, while not profitable overall, demonstrated tighter risk controls and steadier outcomes under stress.
“This was not a competition with a predetermined conclusion, but a starting point,” said Leonard, chief executive officer of Aster, in a post-event summary.
Aster confirmed a follow-up live trading showdown will begin on 22 January on the Aster Chain Testnet and will include a broader, global field of traders, including professional participants.
The platform offers high-performance perpetual and spot trading with features including MEV-aware trading mechanics, advanced order types such as Hidden Orders, and a protected execution option known as Shield Mode. Aster also supports Trade & Earn and Rocket Launch programmes and is backed by YZi Labs. The company is building toward the launch of its own Aster Chain while running a multi-stage airdrop and incentive programme.
The Recap
- Aster completed a two-week Human vs AI trading competition.
- AI agents recorded an overall ROI of -4.48%.
- Next live trading showdown starts on 22 January on Aster Chain Testnet.
