Argentine chess prodigy Faustino Oro has created history by becoming the second youngest Grandmaster ever at the age of just 12 years, 6 months, and 26 days. He achieved the milestone after securing his final Grandmaster norm at the Sardinia World Chess Festival 2026.
Popularly known as the “Messi of Chess,” Oro has gained worldwide recognition for his extraordinary talent and rapid rise in international chess. His nickname draws inspiration from Argentine football legend Lionel Messi, reflecting both his nationality and exceptional brilliance at a young age.
The Grandmaster title, awarded by FIDE, is the highest achievement in professional chess. Oro now joins an elite list of players who became Grandmasters before turning 13, alongside names like D Gukesh, R Praggnanandhaa, and Sergey Karjakin.
Oro first grabbed global attention in 2024 when he defeated five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen in an online game at the age of just 10. Since then, he has consistently impressed the chess world with mature gameplay, fearless tactics, and strong performances in international tournaments.
Although he narrowly missed becoming the youngest Grandmaster ever earlier in 2026 after losing to Aleksey Grebnev at the Aeroflot Open in Moscow, Oro’s achievement in Italy has firmly established him as one of the brightest young stars in global chess.
