Chess World Faces Controversy After Death of Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky

Sat Oct 25 2025 04:06:18 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The international chess community grapples with unproven cheating allegations and public harassment following the sudden death of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, aged 29.

The International Chess Federation, known as FIDE, is reviewing allegations made by Russian grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik against the late Daniel Naroditsky, who passed away at 29. Kramnik accused Naroditsky of cheating, but without substantial evidence. The chess world has condemned Kramnik's conduct, linking it to increased harassment within the community, raising concerns about the mental well-being of players. FIDE's president Arkady Dvorkovich pledged to address this issue while announcing plans to commemorate Naroditsky’s legacy.

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) is contemplating disciplinary action against Russian grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik due to his recent public accusations of cheating against American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, who died unexpectedly at the age of 29. The federation is reviewing Kramnik's statements for potential public harassment violations.

Naroditsky’s death was confirmed by the Charlotte Chess Center in North Carolina, where he had both trained and coached. The cause of his death remains undisclosed. Kramnik's allegations began last October and continued online without verifiable evidence, to which Naroditsky had firmly denied the claims.

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich stated that any unfounded allegations are taken seriously and could lead to sanctions against individuals spreading them, reflecting the rising concern regarding harassment and its detrimental effects on players in the chess community.

Kramnik has dismissed the investigation as 'insulting and unfair', insisting he has not defamed Naroditsky. However, many in the chess world, including champions like Magnus Carlsen, have criticized Kramnik's behavior towards Naroditsky, labeling it as harassment and morally damaging.

The chess community has echoed these sentiments, with high-profile players rallying against Kramnik’s frequent public allegations, which they claim have led to significant mental strain on those accused. The severity of these situations has prompted FIDE to actively address online harassment, with leaders within the organization acknowledging its detrimental impact on the players' well-being.

Naroditsky was a celebrated figure in blitz chess, winning the U.S. National Blitz Championship and ranking among the top 25 globally. As discussions around his legacy continue, Dvorkovich announced plans for the federation to establish a commemorative prize in his honor.