In the world of chess, new talents appear every year, but very few capture global attention the way Faustino Oro has. Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in 2013, he is being introduced as the “Messi of Chess.” At just 10 years of age, he bears titles like International Master and scores performers will never see in their entire lives.
Faustino learned to play chess in 2020 after he was introduced to online games by his father during the pandemic. What began as a pastime became, with practice and extraordinary success, a journey of discipline. Now settled in Spain with his family, he not only continues to grow as a player but also serves as an inspiration to young kids all across the world.
His Most Memorable Games
One of Faustino’s biggest moments came in 2024, when he surprised the entire chess community by defeating five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen in an online Bullet Brawl event when Magnus blundered his knight.
Even though it was a fast-paced format, beating the strongest player of this generation at just 10 years old was a breakthrough moment.
Titles and Achievements
Here are some of Faustino Oro’s achievements so far:
- Youngest ever to reach 2200 and 2300 FIDE rating at age 9
- Youngest player to earn an IM norm at age 9 years, 11 months
- Officially became the youngest International Master in history in June 2024, at 10 years, 8 months, 16 days
- Youngest player ever to cross 3000 blitz rating on Chess.com
At present, Faustino is chasing his first Grandmaster norm in international tournaments. If his progress continues, he may also break the record for the youngest grandmaster in history.
Recognition and Praise
Chess legends and professionals have already recognized his talent.
Former World Champion Veselin Topalov said that Faustino’s progress is really good, pointing out that at the same age he was far behind in rating.
Argentina’s champion Fernando Peralta described Faustino’s IM title as the most important achievement of an Argentine chess player in recent decades, praising both his family and coaches.
Prizes and Net Worth
Chess does not bring football-level salaries, but Faustino has already started to benefit from his success. While exact numbers are not published, estimates suggest that his net worth is already in the tens of thousands of dollars, a figure that will continue to rise as he grows in fame and success.
A Role Model for Kids and Parents
Faustino Oro is testament that with family support, passion, and hard work, children can do extraordinary things. To children, his experience is inspiring: age is irrelevant, and chess is an area where intelligence, creativity, and persistence come before anything else.
For parents, his tale reminds of the immense power of encouragement. A casual introduction to chess during the pandemic became Faustino’s life-changing journey. A balanced mix of direction and independence can help children discover their own interests and abilities.
Take the First Step with The New England Chess School
Stories like Faustino’s show us how far chess can take a child. At The New England Chess School, we believe every young player has potential waiting to be unlocked. With expert coaching, regular practice tournaments, and personalized training, we help kids build focus, confidence, and problem-solving skills that last a lifetime.