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American Chess Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, dead at age 29

Posted on 10/20/25 at 3:54 pm
Posted by WaterLink
Baton Rouge
Member since Sep 2015
20404 posts
Posted on 10/20/25 at 3:54 pm
Dunno how many here are that tuned into the chess world but Danya's content helped me improve my game a lot, he got really big as a streamer and educator especially during the covid lockdowns when chess grew in popularity.

I'm in shock reading the news today. No cause released yet.

chess.com article

quote:

GM Daniel Naroditsky, the popular U.S. grandmaster, commentator, creator, educator, and author, unexpectedly passed away on Sunday at the age of only 29. The news has been met with shock and sadness by the chess community.

This is a developing story. Chess.com will provide updates as we have more information and reactions.

The devastating news was first shared by Naroditsky's club, Charlotte Chess Center, on Monday, and confirmed by Chess.com with multiple sources.

It is with great sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Daniel Naroditsky. Daniel was a talented chess player, educator, and cherished member of the chess community. He was also a loving son, brother, and loyal friend.

We ask for privacy for Daniel’s family during this extremely difficult time. Let us honor Daniel by remembering his passion for chess and the inspiration he brought to us all.



Naroditsky, who was three weeks away from turning 30, has long been known as one of United States' most talented players. He achieved his grandmaster title at the age of 18 in 2013 and has a peak rating of 2647 from 2017. He leaves a legacy that spans strong over-the-board competition and highly popular chess instruction and commentary on streaming platforms.

Born in San Mateo, California, Naroditsky first learned the game from his father at the age of six. He quickly established himself as a prodigy, becoming the youngest player ever to win the Northern California K–12 Chess Championship.
Posted by jbgleason
Bailed out of BTR to God's Country
Member since Mar 2012
19755 posts
Posted on 10/20/25 at 3:55 pm to
I am sad anytime someone that young passes. Chess or not.
Posted by Ingeniero
Baton Rouge
Member since Dec 2013
21643 posts
Posted on 10/20/25 at 4:01 pm to
I considered posting this but I didn't know if anyone on TD knew about Danya and would've been watching him. Bortnyk, who's a good friend of Daniel's, is the one who found him after he wasn't streaming or responding to texts.

I'm just speculating but I think it has something to do with Vladimir Kramnik harassing Naroditsky for the past year. Naroditsky was a very good blitz/bullet player and was the victim of constant harassment from Kramnik claiming that he was a cheater. It was bad enough that Daniel spoke about it often and said it was heavily weighing on him. Even if it wasn't suicide, it was clear that the accusations and harassment messed with him mentally.
Posted by Martini
Near Athens
Member since Mar 2005
49556 posts
Posted on 10/20/25 at 4:04 pm to
was he the one a few years ago that got accused of cheating in the online chess forums?
Posted by Broski
Member since Jun 2011
78642 posts
Posted on 10/20/25 at 4:05 pm to
quote:

Vladimir Kramnik harassing Naroditsky for the past year


No idea if this is what caused his death, but regardless, the chess world seems very toxic because you hear about these bullying stories a lot it seems.

It's like it's a bunch of nerds, who were picked on as kids, are finally finding themselves in a "jock" setting and are just doing what was done to them.
Posted by Master of Sinanju
Member since Feb 2012
11847 posts
Posted on 10/20/25 at 4:06 pm to
No one takes Kramnik seriously. He's a joke. Hopefully, his crazy accusations had nothing to do with this.
Posted by wileyjones
Member since May 2014
2688 posts
Posted on 10/20/25 at 4:07 pm to
Danya was clearly a good person and was so willing to share his knowledge.. he just uploaded a new youtube tutorial yesterday after a long hiatus.

You never know what someone's demons are but geez hard to believe it's anything other than suicide
Posted by Penrod
Member since Jan 2011
51470 posts
Posted on 10/20/25 at 4:10 pm to
quote:

hard to believe it's anything other than suicide

quote:

We ask for privacy for Daniel’s family during this extremely difficult time.

Yep
Posted by WaterLink
Baton Rouge
Member since Sep 2015
20404 posts
Posted on 10/20/25 at 4:19 pm to
quote:

was he the one a few years ago that got accused of cheating in the online chess forums?


No, I believe you're thinking of Hans Niemann with this one
Posted by Ingeniero
Baton Rouge
Member since Dec 2013
21643 posts
Posted on 10/20/25 at 4:24 pm to
Kramnik has accused just about everyone of cheating because he's lost his mind. Like WaterLink said, I think you're thinking of Hans (who was the butt of some cheating memes) but Kramnik blames his losses on people using engines. He's an old retarded schizo and no one takes him seriously.
Posted by DeltaTigerDelta
Member since Jan 2017
13307 posts
Posted on 10/20/25 at 4:25 pm to
Checkmate
Posted by VermilionTiger
Member since Dec 2012
38766 posts
Posted on 10/20/25 at 4:29 pm to
quote:

DeltaTigerDelta


quote:

Checkmate


Posted by BlackPawnMartyr
Houston, TX
Member since Dec 2010
16137 posts
Posted on 10/20/25 at 4:33 pm to
Really sad to hear this. Saw him break many a mouse during live streams back in the day. Rip.
This post was edited on 10/20/25 at 4:33 pm
Posted by TheHarahanian
Actually not Harahan as of 6/2023
Member since May 2017
22658 posts
Posted on 10/20/25 at 4:33 pm to

One night in Bangkok and the tough guys tumble.
Posted by fr33manator
Baton Rouge
Member since Oct 2010
132899 posts
Posted on 10/20/25 at 4:36 pm to
quote:

One night in Bangkok and the tough guys tumble.



It makes a hard man humble
Posted by CatsGoneWild
Pigeon forge, Tennessee
Member since Jan 2008
14704 posts
Posted on 10/20/25 at 4:37 pm to
He had no chess
Posted by kywildcatfanone
Wildcat Country!
Member since Oct 2012
134895 posts
Posted on 10/20/25 at 4:49 pm to
I read it as cheese grandmaster and wanted to apply for the job.
Posted by cgrand
HAMMOND
Member since Oct 2009
46068 posts
Posted on 10/20/25 at 4:51 pm to
there has always been drama in the chess world as I’m sure you know. It’s the internet that has changed it from gamesmanship to bullying
Posted by audodger
Member since Jun 2010
7083 posts
Posted on 10/20/25 at 5:20 pm to
I was really sad to see this. Loved Danya and learned a lot from him.
Posted by Rebel
Graceland
Member since Jan 2005
140931 posts
Posted on 10/20/25 at 5:21 pm to
Sam Rivers passed away today too.
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