UNITED STATES : The global chess community is reeling from the “unexpected” death of US Chess Grandmaster and hugely popular online commentator, Daniel Naroditsky, who has died at the age of 29.
Naroditsky’s death was announced on Monday in a statement released by his club, the Charlotte Chess Center. The statement did not provide a cause of death for the Grandmaster, who was widely known to his fans as “Danya.”
“It is with great sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Daniel Naroditsky,” the club’s statement read, highlighting that he was a “cherished member of the chess community, admired and respected by fans and players around the world.”
An Online Chess Pioneer
Naroditsky was a pivotal figure in popularizing chess online. His YouTube channel boasted nearly 500,000 subscribers, and his Twitch stream commanded 340,000 followers. Through his video tutorials, livestreams, and engaging speed runs, he inspired hundreds of thousands globally to take up the game.
Chess World Number Two, Hikaru Nakamura, a close friend of Naroditsky, described the passing as a “massive loss for the world of chess.” Nakamura praised his late friend’s dedication, stating, “He inspired hundreds of thousands of people to play chess. When it came to making chess content to help beginners, his was the best.” Nakamura added that for Naroditsky, content creation “wasn’t about money… He had a true passion for the game.”
A Career of Early Triumphs
Naroditsky’s talent was evident early on, having taken an interest in the game at the age of six. He first gained international attention in 2007 by winning the under-12 Boys World Youth Championship in Turkey.
He earned the prestigious title of Grandmaster—the highest title awarded by the International Chess Federation (FIDE)—while still a teenager, after winning the 2013 US Junior Championship.
At just 14, he published the book, Mastering Positional Chess, showcasing his deep strategic insights. Naroditsky later graduated from Stanford University and contributed as a chess columnist and puzzle creator for the New York Times starting in 2022.
Tributes have poured in from fellow Grandmasters and amateur players alike, all praising his kindness, passion, and unique ability to make chess fun and accessible.
