FM Fausti Oro Gets His Second IM Norm
Our favorite 10-year-old Argentinian chess prodigy is one step closer to becoming an International Master! Fausti scored his second IM norm in the Continental American Championship in Medellin, Colombia, after some amazing performances against experienced chess masters.This means Fausti only needs one more norm to receive the International Master title, likely becoming one of the youngest-ever people to do so! He already became the youngest-ever chess player in history to receive an IM norm last year, when he was only nine years old.
Fausti at the 2023 World Rapid & Blitz Championships. Photo: Maria Emelianova/Chess.com.
The young prodigy went undefeated in his first games, reaching two draws against grandmasters and three draws against international masters. He went up against a fellow FIDE Master, FM Donaldo Londono Lopez, and scored a beautiful win.
What does Fausti still need to do to become an IM? His Elo rating has to be at least 2400 (right now he is only 20 points away from that), and he needs to earn one final IM norm. Based on how he is playing at the moment, it seems like that accomplishment is coming sooner rather than later!
But Fausti's family is focused on something more important than chasing records and numbers: they want their son to enjoy his journey to becoming an elite chess player, and simply work on becoming the best chess player he can be.
One of Fausti's coaches, GM Tomas Sosa, told Chess.com:
"As Fausti's coach I am obviously very happy, but not surprised, since his chess is growing week by week. Based on the games I have seen him playing in the Continental Championship, I would say that his level is at 2500."
— GM Tomas Sosa
What does Fausti think of all of this? Well, he would still quite like to be world champion one day! He has also previously shared these words of wisdom for other people trying to reach their goals:
It’s an effort, you always have to make an effort in any sport. You strive a little more each day, and you can reach your goal, obviously. Nothing is impossible in life
— FM Faustino Oro
We're looking forward to following Fausti's next amazing achievements... stay tuned for more updates! If you'd like to learn more about FM Faustino Oro, see his best games, and find out which football club he supports, check out his bio here!