Leon Masters: Anand Prevails Over the Messi of Chess

In a captivating semifinal at the 38th León Masters, held from July 4-6, 2025, at the City of Leon, chess icon Viswanathan Anand faced 11-year-old prodigy Faustino Oro, known as the “Messi of Chess.” The four-game rapid match, played with a 20+10 time control, saw all games end in draws, highlighting Oro’s ability to hold his own against the five-time world champion. However, Faustino did fail to convert a winning advantage in Game 2, giving Vishy a lifeline which he utilized effectively. Susan Polar noted Faustino’s missed chance to topple the legend, underscoring the Argentine’s immense potential. “These young kids are getting really dangerous!”, said Polgar in her X post. Following is the all-critical Game 2:

With the rapid games tied, the match moved to a two-game blitz tiebreak at a 3+2 time control. Even though Faustino’s rise can be majorly attributed to his experience in fast chess and online chess, he had a task ahead of him in the form of Vishy, who was once known as the “lightning kid”. Anand’s experience proved decisive as he capitalised on a critical blunder by Oro in the first blitz game to secure a win. A draw in the second game sealed Anand’s victory with a 1.5-0.5 score, advancing him to the final where he will face the winner of Liem Le and Santos Latasa. This generational clash showcased Anand’s enduring mastery and Oro’s promising talent. As Anand pursues an 11th Leon Masters title, Oro’s performance signals a bright future, marking him as a rising star in global chess.

Photo courtesy: Magistral De Leon