Chess Veteran Manuel Alvarez Escudero Continues to Inspire at 102 Years Old

At 102 years old, Manuel Alvarez Escudero from Spain is proving that age is just a number when it comes to pursuing your passion. Celebrating eight decades as a tournament player, Alvarez is currently competing in the Moratalaz Open in Madrid, showcasing his skills and determination on the chessboard.

With a rating of 1746, Alvarez has already scored 2.5 points after five rounds, winning two games and drawing one. This impressive performance puts him on track to gain rating points and continue his success in the tournament. Last year, Alvarez scored 4.5 out of 9 and even won a prize, showing improvement year after year.

In an interview with Spanish newspaper El Mundo, Alvarez shared his secret to longevity: “Don’t drink, don’t smoke, exercise, and of the other things, do as much as you can.” Despite jokingly admitting that “age is starting to show,” Alvarez remains active and sharp, combining chess with exercise to keep his mind and body in top shape.

Aside from his impressive tournament record, Alvarez has fond memories of defeating top players like Cuban GM Jesus Nogueiras and legendary GM Valery Salov in simul matches. However, for Alvarez, chess has always been about passion and camaraderie rather than accolades.

As Alvarez continues to inspire players of all ages with his dedication and love for the game, he serves as a reminder that chess is truly for everyone, and that age should never be a barrier to pursuing your dreams.