Argentinian IM Faustino Oro will participate in the Aeroflot Open 2026 in Moscow, Russia, running from February 27 to March 6.

The event features a 60+30 time control over 9 rounds in Swiss System between 180 players. In case of ties for first place, winner will be determined by Tiebreaks. The combined prize pool for the festival is approximately $240,000. The event includes three tournaments:

• Group A (Required rating 2300+)
• Group B (Children born in 2014 or later)
• Group C (Personal invitations by organizers)

The Aeroflot Open Festival is an annual, prestigious international chess event held in Moscow and known as Russia’s strongest event, sponsored by the national airline Aeroflot. This event follows the 2025 edition, where Ian Nepomniachtchi won Group A with 7 points and a half-point advantage.

12-years-old Argentinian IM Faustino Oro (2516) holds all records as the youngest player to reach 2500 in Classical, Rapid, and Blitz. Oro has one month remaining to achieve his third and final GM norm and break the record for the youngest Grandmaster in history. A successful performance by Faustino at the Aeroflot Open 2026 will set this world record.

Credit: Harry Gielen