Lionel Messi of Chess: Oro’s Meteoric Rise in Speed Chess
At just 11 years old, Argentine prodigy IM Faustino Oro is making waves in speed chess, earning the nickname “Messi of Chess.” His recent performances showcase a fearless talent taking on the world’s elite. At the 2025 FIDE World Rapid and Blitz Team Championships in London (June 10-16), Oro stunned the chess world by defeating Indian speed maestro GM Nihal Sarin and Czech GM David Navara in rapid games, showcasing mature play and composure. His teammates erupted in celebration as his win against Sarin secured a crucial 3-3 draw for Turkish Airlines Club. In blitz, Oro held none other than the World Blitz Champion GM Ian Nepomniachtchi to a 76-move draw, proving he can compete with the best under time pressure.
On June 17, 2025, Oro added another scalp, defeating GM Alireza Firouzja in Chess.com’s Late Titled Tuesday event, a testament to his growing prowess in online blitz. Hikaru Nakamura on his streamed remarked that the 11-year-old is destined for the Grandmaster title; it’s the only a matter of time. Oro’s trajectory suggests he’s on track to challenge records, including Abhimanyu Mishra’s of achieving the GM title at 12 years, 4 months, and 25 days. The chess world eagerly awaits his next move.
Photo courtesy: Lennart Ootes/FIDE
