Chess Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky passes away at 29

Chess US grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky passed away at the age of 29 on Sunday. The news was initially shared by Charlotte Chess Center, where Naroditsky held a senior staff position and served as a central figure in the community. The grandmaster’s passing was confirmed by chess.com. Narodisky was three weeks away from turning 30, and had been long known as one of the United States’ most talented player, according to chess.com.

His family shared an official statement regarding the passing:

“Daniel was a talented chess player, commentator, and educator, and a cherished member of the chess community, admired and respected by fans and players around the world. He was also a loving son and brother, and a loyal friend to many.”

The family asked for privacy during this difficult time. 

Various leaders in the chess community shared their condolences online, including Hikaru Nakamura, Nemo Zhou, and Levy Rozman. The reason for death has not been publicized.

The r/chess Reddit community discussed the now deceased Naroditsky’s mental health a day prior to his passing. One user commented that it seems like he had a “really rough few months and is crashing out a bit. PS fuck you Kramnik I know you lurk here you old fart.”

Vladimir Kramnik is a former world champion; he alleged that Daniel Narodisky cheated in high-level online chess matches.

Daniel Naroditsky achieved the title of grandmaster at the age of 18 in 2013. He hit a peak rating 2647 in 2017, having first been introduced to the game by his father at six years old. Hailed as a prodigy, Narodisky became the youngest player ever to win the Northern California K-12 Chess Championship. Chess.com provided replays of historic matches to commemorate Naroditsky’s legacy.