105 year old chess player competes in Madrid tournament

Manuel Alvarez Escudero played in a rapid chess tournament in the Moratalaz neighborhood of Madrid to celebrate his 105th birthday.

The elderly man arrived at his local chess club using a three-wheeled walker that he designed and built himself during his career as an engineer. Because of his status as a "Wundergreis," or an elderly chess wonder, the club organized a special tournament in his honor.

The event attracted 180 participants, though many more people wanted to play against him than the club had boards and pieces to accommodate. Alvarez Escudero acknowledged his declining health and joked with reporters that he felt like "trash" despite his longevity. He attributed his long life to a lifestyle of never smoking and drinking alcohol only in moderation. During the birthday tournament, he scored 2.5 out of 7 points.

He remarked that while people often say one gets better with age, his recent performance suggested otherwise. The tournament took place on October 12, a day that marked his 105th year. Alvarez Escudero has visited this club every week since his wife Pilar passed away in 2021. He noted that his height has decreased from 1.75 meters to 1.62 meters over the years.