Daniel Naroditsky, a chess grandmaster who started as a child prodigy and quickly became one of the most influential American voices in the sport, died Monday. He was 29.
The chess community in Charlotte, North Carolina, where Naroditsky trained and worked as a coach, expressed profound sadness over the loss of a “talented chess player, educator, and beloved member” of their circle.
His family released a statement honoring him: “Let us remember Daniel for his passion and love for the game of chess, and for the joy and inspiration he brought to us all every day.”
The cause of death remains unknown.
Naroditsky became a grandmaster—a prestigious title in chess—at just 18. He previously captured the Under 12 world championship and penned several strategy books during his teenage years, illustrating his dedication and ascent in the chess rankings.
Consistently ranked in the top 200 worldwide, Naroditsky also excelled in blitz chess—earning a top 25 spot throughout his adult career. He recently won the U.S. National Blitz Championship in August, marking a high point in his career.
Fellow grandmasters credited him with expanding chess’s reach through livestreams and engaging commentary, attracting thousands of viewers on platforms like YouTube and Twitch. American grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura remarked on Naroditsky’s contributions: “He loved streaming, and he loved trying to be educational,” expressing gratitude for Naroditsky’s efforts to make chess more accessible.
In a touching tribute, Dutch chess grandmaster Benjamin Bok recalled their long friendship, stating, “It was always a privilege to play, train, and commentate with Danya, but above all, to call him my friend.”
Naroditsky, whose parents immigrated to the U.S. from Ukraine and Azerbaijan, was raised in San Mateo County, California. Described by his family as serious and focused, he excelled academically, graduating from Stanford University in 2019 before dedicating himself to chess and coaching in Charlotte.
His passing leaves a notable void in the chess world, with tributes pouring in from friends and peers alike.
