When Faustino Oro moved from Argentina to Spain, the parallels with Lionel Messi were hard to ignore. Just like the football legend, Oro made the leap to pursue his dreams on a bigger stage. But instead of football fields, his arena is the chessboard. At just 11 years old, Faustino isn’t merely following in Messi’s footsteps; he’s carving his own legacy as the “Messi of Chess.”
A Record-Breaking Prodigy
Born on October 14, 2013, Faustino Oro has shattered records at an age when most kids are still figuring out multiplication tables. By nine, he achieved a FIDE rating of 2300, becoming the youngest chess player ever to reach that milestone. A year later, he clinched the title of International Master (IM), rewriting the record books as the youngest to earn the title at 10 years, 8 months, and 16 days.
Oro’s path to IM wasn’t a leisurely stroll. In Barcelona this June, he faced grueling games, defending tough positions against experienced opponents to secure his final IM norm. His undefeated streak of 31 games speaks to both his talent and resilience.
Toppling Giants
As if breaking records weren’t enough, Faustino also took down the biggest names in chess: Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura. In March 2024, during Chess.com’s weekly Bullet Brawl tournament, the young prodigy defeated the five-time world champion and the best chess streamer out there.
From Pandemic Hobby to Chess Obsession
Faustino’s chess journey began during the pandemic, when his parents, looking for ways to keep him entertained, introduced him to the game. He was locked up and restless at home. So, to stop him from continuing to play with the ball inside the apartment, his parents showed him the board. And the second time, because the first attempt was unsuccessful, they convinced him and that’s where the story begins.
By the time he was seven, he was already streaming chess games online and climbing the FIDE rating ladder with astonishing speed.
Hard Work Meets Talent
Faustino’s rise isn’t just about natural talent; it’s also about relentless effort. His coach, IM Jorge Rosito, has praised his work ethic, comparing it to that of a seasoned 2600-rated player. “Fausti loves chess and works harder than most adults,” Rosito shared.
“Talking about Fausti is really exciting. He is a unique genius. Already in the second class I could see his genius, I realized that he was doing things that were unbelievable.”
IM Jorge Rosito
Faustino Oro’s journey to success has been deeply influenced by the sacrifices of his parents. Both accountants, they made the life-changing decision to leave their stable and comfortable jobs in Argentina to move to Spain. They recognized that staying in Argentina might limit Faustino’s potential in his career, so they took a bold step to give him better opportunities.
According to his coach, Faustino’s parents were financially secure and living comfortably in Argentina. However, when they realized the immense talent their son possessed, they knew they had to make a tough choice. Moving to Spain meant starting over in many ways, but it also provided Faustino with the environment and resources he needed to thrive. Their decision, though difficult, has been justified by the incredible progress Faustino has made in his career. Each of his achievements reflects the impact of their unwavering support and sacrifice.
Humble Beginnings, Big Dreams
Despite his record-breaking achievements, Faustino’s family has kept things grounded. His father, Alejandro Oro, often emphasizes that the focus isn’t on breaking records but on Faustino’s genuine love for the game. “It’s his choice to play, and he loves it. That’s what matters most,” Alejandro said.
Faustino’s next goal is to become the youngest Grandmaster in history, a title currently held by American Abhimanyu Mishra. You cannot bet against that, because…
“I beat Grandmasters everyday”,
11-year-old Faustino Oro said.
Meeting the Argentina president
On December 11, 2024, the 11-year-old prodigy was welcomed at the Casa Rosada by Argentina’s President, Javier Milei, in a meeting that underscored Oro’s incredible achievements. The President’s Office announced the occasion with a photo and a message celebrating Oro as “the youngest International Chess Master in history.” The meeting highlighted the national pride inspired by the young talent, who has been dubbed the “Messi of Chess.”
This wasn’t Milei’s first acknowledgment of Oro’s brilliance. Earlier this year, the President lauded him on social media, even sharing a congratulatory message from chess legend Garry Kasparov. “The youngest International Chess Master in history is 11 years old and is Argentine!” Milei had written in June, expressing his desire to meet Oro in person. That wish finally came true, as the President thanked the young genius for elevating Argentina’s reputation on the global stage.
The Road Ahead
With a current FIDE rating of 2419 and a growing list of accolades, Faustino Oro is only getting started. As he continues to compete and improve, comparisons to chess legends like Carlsen, Nakamura, and Praggnanandhaa are inevitable. But for Faustino, it’s not about being the next anyone—it’s about being the first him.
Just like Messi redefined football, Faustino Oro is redefining what’s possible in chess. At 10 years old, he’s already inspiring a new generation of players. And if his story so far is any indication, this is only the opening game in a very long, very successful career.
I’m Xuan Binh, the founder of Attacking Chess, and the Deputy Head of Communications at the Vietnam Chess Federation (VCF). My chess.com and lichess rating is above 2300, in both blitz and bullet.
1 thought on “Faustino Oro: The Messi of Chess”
Comments are closed.