Faustino Oro: Aiming to Make History as the Youngest Grandmaster at the Aeroflot Open

Argentine Prodigy Faustino Oro Aims to Make Chess History at Aeroflot Open

Last Updated: February 25, 2026, 09:22 IST

In a thrilling chapter of chess history, 12-year-old Argentine prodigy Faustino Oro is poised to become the youngest Grandmaster ever, a title that has eluded even the greatest names in the sport, including Vishy Anand, Magnus Carlsen, and Garry Kasparov. Oro, affectionately dubbed the “Messi of Chess,” is set to compete at the prestigious Aeroflot Open, where he has the chance to rewrite the record books.

Currently, the youngest Grandmaster title is held by American GM Abhimanyu Mishra, who achieved the milestone at just 12 years, 4 months, and 25 days. Oro is determined to surpass this record, but he remains grounded, emphasizing that his primary focus is on enjoying the game rather than the pressure of achieving a title.

“There’s no pressure about the record,” Oro stated confidently. “I try to play my best chess and enjoy chess. For me, it’s a sport. I’m not focusing on the record of being the youngest Grandmaster in history. I will try to do that, obviously, but I’m more focused on playing my style of chess and trying to improve a bit more every day.”

Oro’s approach to the game is methodical and strategic. He prefers positional play over quick victories, showcasing a maturity beyond his years. “I don’t try to checkmate my opponent in 20 moves. I try to play positional chess. I’m a positional player, but with tactics. I like tactics. I’m not trying to win fast. I try to play good chess and focus on winning the game,” he explained.

The young chess star will face formidable opponents at the Aeroflot Open, including renowned players like Ian Nepomniachtchi, Andrey Esipenko, Daniil Dubov, Alexander Grischuk, and Raunak Sadhwani. With 34 players ranked above him and 14 boasting an ELO rating over 2600, Oro’s journey will be challenging, yet he remains optimistic.

As the chess world watches with bated breath, Faustino Oro stands on the brink of history, ready to make his mark. Whether he claims the title or not, his passion for the game and dedication to improvement are sure to inspire future generations of chess enthusiasts.

Stay tuned as we follow Oro’s journey at the Aeroflot Open, where history could be made.