In a remarkable turn of events at the Tata Chess Masters, 11-year-old Argentine prodigy Faustino Oro, often dubbed the “Messi of chess,” secured a stunning victory against India’s 19-year-old International Master Divya Deshmukh. This unexpected outcome highlighted Oro’s exceptional talent. It also captivated fellow competitors, including Indian Grandmasters D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa. They momentarily paused their own games to witness the young maestro’s triumph.
A Rising Star: Faustino Oro
Faustino Oro’s ascent in the chess world has been nothing short of meteoric. In June 2024, he became the youngest International Master at the age of 10 years, eight months, and 16 days. He surpassed the previous record held by Abhimanyu Mishra. Although this record was later broken by Roman Shogdzhiev in January 2025, Oro’s achievements remain monumental. His moniker, the “Messi of chess,” draws parallels not only to his Argentine heritage but also to his precocious talent. Additionally, his diminutive stature is reminiscent of football legend Lionel Messi’s early days. Many Grandmasters are beginning to take notice of this rising star.
Oro first garnered international attention in May 2024 when he defeated World No. 1 Magnus Carlsen during a weekly Bullet Brawl tournament hosted by Chess.com. By 2023, he had achieved a 2300 rating in the classical format. This made him the youngest player to do so at that time. It was a record later surpassed by Ethan Pant in November 2024. His rise to fame has astonished many, including experienced Grandmasters.
The Match Against Divya Deshmukh
Divya Deshmukh, a formidable opponent with an impressive track record, was taken aback by Oro’s strategic prowess. A three-time gold medalist at the Olympiad and the 2022 Women’s Indian Chess Champion, Deshmukh’s defeat underscores the unpredictable nature of chess. It also highlights the emergence of new talents challenging established players like Grandmasters.
A Moment of Admiration
The significance of Oro’s victory was further amplified by the reactions of D Gukesh and R Praggnanandhaa. Both Grandmasters, engrossed in their own high-stakes matches, found themselves compelled to pause and observe the conclusion of Oro’s game. Their shared look of amazement captured the collective acknowledgment of a new talent making waves in the chess community.
The Future of Chess
Faustino Oro’s rapid rise serves as a testament to the evolving landscape of chess. Young prodigies are continually pushing the boundaries of the game. His journey from a young enthusiast to a record-breaking International Master exemplifies the dedication and passion required to excel among Grandmasters.
As the chess world continues to witness such groundbreaking achievements, it becomes evident that the game’s future is in capable hands. The talents of young Grandmasters like Oro will lead the way. The emergence of talents like Oro not only enriches the competitive spirit. It also inspires aspiring players worldwide to pursue excellence.
In conclusion, Faustino Oro’s victory at the Tata Chess Masters is more than just a single win. It’s a beacon of the promising future of chess. As he continues to develop and refine his skills, the global chess community eagerly anticipates the contributions and innovations he will bring to the game.
Sources
Link to the original article on Hindustan Times
Our Summer Chess Camps are the best!
We have daily Online Group Lessons for all players of all skill levels!
Our Monthly Chess Tournaments are great for testing your skills!
Get a School Chess Program today!
Join the official Summit School of Chess Club (on Chess.com)