Faustino Oro: The “Messi of Chess” Ascends to Grandmaster Glory at Just 12 Years Old

Faustino Oro: The “Messi of Chess” Claims Grandmaster Title at Just 12

NEW DELHI: In a remarkable feat that echoes the legendary journey of Lionel Messi, 12-year-old Faustino Oro has become the second-youngest Grandmaster in chess history, earning the title at just 12 years, 6 months, and 26 days. This prodigious talent from Argentina has captured the attention of the chess world, drawing comparisons to the football icon who once lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy, as celebrated commentator Peter Drury eloquently put it.

Oro’s ascent to the Grandmaster title has been a long-awaited milestone, with many believing it was overdue given the hype surrounding his extraordinary abilities. “One of the greatest challenges was the rule change imposed by FIDE regarding Grandmaster norms,” explained Mario Petrucci, Executive Director of the Argentinian Chess Federation. The new regulations, effective in 2024, required one of the norms to be achieved in open tournaments, complicating Oro’s path to the title.

A Journey from Lockdown to Glory

Faustino’s chess journey began during the COVID-19 lockdown in Buenos Aires, where he transitioned from hallway football to the chessboard. What started as a family pastime quickly evolved into a passion. “He defeated opponent after opponent, learning at an unusually rapid pace,” Petrucci recalled, highlighting Oro’s natural understanding of the game.

Currently based in Barcelona, Oro’s daily routine is rigorous. He dedicates approximately six hours to chess each day, balancing theoretical preparation, tactical training, and online practice against high-level players. “His level of concentration and dedication is highly unusual for someone his age,” Petrucci noted.

A Legacy in the Making

The “Oro” name carries weight in the Argentine chess community. Faustino’s grandfather, Luis Oro, was a formidable player, and his father, Alejandro, also holds an international rating. This familial legacy has undoubtedly influenced Faustino’s journey, as he aims to carve out his own path in the chess world.

Garry Kasparov, the six-time world chess champion, has publicly dubbed him the “Chessi,” a blend of “Chess” and “Messi,” a title that Oro embraces with humor and humility. “He handles it very naturally and enjoys the nickname because Lionel Messi is one of his greatest sporting idols,” Petrucci remarked.

Facing Challenges with Resilience

Oro’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. An anecdote from when he was just nine years old illustrates his resilience. After a rough start in a tournament, losing his first four games, he managed to recover and finish strong, showcasing a level of determination rare for his age.

As he prepares to debut for Argentina’s Olympiad team in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, later this year, the world watches closely. His entourage believes that reaching a 2600 Elo rating is within reach, but for Faustino, the ultimate goal remains clear: to become the World Chess Champion.

In the words of Petrucci, “His greatest dream is to one day become World Chess Champion.” With his extraordinary talent and unwavering dedication, Faustino Oro is undoubtedly a name to watch in the world of chess.