Chess became the center of Faustino Oro's life, but his path to the world elite began almost by chance. What started as an alternative for entertainment during the pandemic, when his mother could no longer stand the ball games inside the house, ended up transforming into an extraordinary career that today, at just 13 years old, places him among the great emerging phenomena of the discipline.
From Zaragoza, Spain, where he currently resides, the young Argentine participated in an interview on the YouTube channel of Agustín Creevy, former captain of Los Pumas, where he spoke about his training, daily habits, and the goals he aims to achieve. Among the various answers, one particularly caught attention: he has never read a chess book.
His learning method
Far from the traditional methods used by grandmasters for decades, Oro explained that his learning is completely linked to technology. His preparation takes place in front of the computer, using analysis engines and virtual training. "It's a generational thing", he summarized while explaining his unique way of studying.
The teenager also has a coach with whom he works remotely. "I have an online coach, with whom I always practice, and obviously, I never tell him what we should do", he joked during the conversation.
Behind his talent, there is, nonetheless, a demanding preparation routine. "I train about six hours a day and play almost every day in online tournaments or here in Zaragoza", he detailed. He also explained how the most important in-person competitions work, where he usually faces tournaments of nine rounds, with longer games and greater strategic demands.
