Chess fans were in for a surprise at the FIDE World Cup 2025 when Indian Grandmaster Vidit Gujrathi was held to a draw by a 12-year-old prodigy, Faustino Oro. Oro, nicknamed the “Messi of Chess,” comes from Argentina and is already making waves with his impressive skills and composure, despite his young age.
As It Happened: Vidit Gujrathi vs Faustino Oro
The match happened in the second round of this prestigious tournament, held in Goa, India. Vidit, who is among the top players in India and had his eyes set on directly qualifying for the next phase of the Candidates Tournament, faced a tough challenge against Oro. The young Argentine played the Berlin Defence, a solid and respected opening, matching Vidit’s moves step-by-step without any sign of cracking under pressure.
In the first classical game, Vidit Gujrathi was pushed hard. Oro managed to maintain a time advantage throughout the game and eventually forced a draw by threefold repetition after 28 moves. In chess, this means the same position on the board was repeated three times, allowing the players to agree on a draw. In the following game, the pattern repeated, with Vidit struggling against Oro’s cocky play and time pressure, leading to yet another draw.
This result means Vidit must be at the top of his game for the return match, where he will have to play with the black pieces. The outcome of this match is crucial for Vidit, as a win would send him directly to the next round without the hassle of tiebreakers. But if the return game is also tied, Vidit and Oro will face a series of rapid and blitz tiebreak games. These shorter, faster-paced matches increase the excitement and pressure, making every move critical.
So, keep your eyes on the FIDE World Cup because this clash between the seasoned Grandmaster and the teen prodigy promises some thrilling chess ahead. It’s a perfect example of how chess remains an exciting and unpredictable sport where every move counts and new stories are written every day.
Also read: FIDE Honors Viswanathan Anand: Chess World Cup 2025 Trophy Named After the Legend
