Argentinian chess prodigy Faustino Oro is set to compete in the Aeroflot Open 2026, aiming to secure his third grandmaster norm. In an interview, he expressed excitement about the tournament's rich history and his focus on performing against top opponents. Oro also shared insights on his preferences for chess formats and his views on the ongoing FIDE Candidates.
Faustino Oro, a young talent from Argentina, will participate in the Aeroflot Open 2026, a prestigious chess event known for its historical significance. Oro is pursuing his third grandmaster (GM) norm, with the ambition to surpass the record held by American player Abhimanyu Mishra. Speaking to the tournament's press service, Oro outlined his approach: "I am very excited to play in a tournament with as much history as the Aeroflot Open. Rather than obsessing over the norm, my goal is to play my best chess against high-level opponents. If I play well, the norm will come naturally."
When asked about his preferred tournament formats, Oro highlighted the round-robin system as his favorite. "My favorite is the Round-robin (closed) because you can prepare specifically for each opponent, but I actually enjoy all three," he said. He noted the excitement of knockout formats and the unique energy of Swiss systems, where "every round is a different battle."
Oro also commented on innovative time controls, describing the "rapid classic" format as "a very interesting format. I believe the public receives it much better because it is more dynamic and exciting to watch, which is very positive for chess."
Balancing his passion for chess with other responsibilities, Oro maintains equilibrium in his daily life. "I try to maintain a balance. Although chess takes up most of my day and is my great passion, I continue to fulfill my school responsibilities," he explained.
Looking ahead to the FIDE Candidates tournament, Oro predicted a competitive field. "I think Fabiano Caruana is coming in very strong, although it will be very close and anyone having a good tournament could take it," he stated. The Aeroflot Open provides Oro a platform to showcase his skills among elite players, building on his rapid rise in the chess world.
