Argentine chess player Candela Francisco hosted the Emova Cup at the Las Heras station of Line H of the Buenos Aires Subway, allowing children and young people to challenge the world champion. This event, part of the third edition of “Chess in Motion: Challenge in the Subway,” aims to transform transport into a space for learning and gathering.
Candela Francisco, born on August 14, 2006, in Pilar, shared her future goals in a pre-event interview. Recently, she became the first woman in history to win the Absolute Pan American Under-20 Championship and to obtain the title of Absolute International Master. “I want to achieve the title of Grandmaster; I already achieved my first norm at the Under-20 Pan American Championship,” Francisco explained. Her dream extends to becoming the world champion for women of all ages, something she considers a significant effort, but not impossible.
The chess player also reflected on how to balance her passion for chess with the demands of competitions: “It’s a matter of managing time well. I believe that those who want can create moments to study, have quality time with family and friends, and enjoy other hobbies.” She also advised her younger self to enjoy the process, every victory and every defeat on the path to achieving goals.
Mariana Giacumbo, Director of Institutional Relations and Media of the company that operates the Subway, highlighted the impact of Francisco’s participation: “It is a satisfaction to accompany Candela’s growth and achievements with sponsorship so she can train and participate in international tournaments.”
Despite her youth, Francisco has accumulated significant achievements, including being Argentine youth champion in several categories, South American champion, and world youth champion. Recently, in 2025, she was crowned as continental two-time champion. The chess day in the subway focused on the values that Candela represents, including a new tournament format and the prize awarded by the chess player herself.
The tournament began with 20 participants aged between 8 and 21 in rapid games, under the supervision of an international referee. The 10 winners advanced to the final round, where they played a simultaneous game against Candela Francisco. Argentine Matías Arce managed to draw with her, standing out in the competition.
Source: www.infobae.com
