The chess community is in shock over the sudden death of Daniel Naroditsky, a talented grandmaster and well-respected commentator and teacher.
He died on October 19, 2025, in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, just weeks before his 30th birthday.
The Charlotte Chess Center, where he worked as a coach, shared the heartbreaking news on behalf of his family.
The Charlotte Chess Center, where he worked as a coach, shared the heartbreaking news on behalf of his family.
In their statement, they wrote:
“It is with great sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Daniel Naroditsky. Daniel was a talented chess player, commentator, and educator, and a cherished member of the chess community. He was also a loving son, brother, and loyal friend to many. We ask for privacy for Daniel’s family during this extremely difficult time. Let us remember Daniel for his passion for chess, and for the joy and inspiration he brought to us all every day.”
Via Facebook
Born on November 9, 1995, in San Mateo, California, Naroditsky discovered chess at the tender age of six
His older brother, Alan, had brought board games to a party, and their father, Vladimir, an immigrant from Ukraine, taught them the rules.
As Naroditsky later recalled in a 2022 interview with The New York Times, it wasn’t an instant obsession.
He said-:
“I think a lot of people want to imagine that it was love at first sight and that my brother couldn’t pull me away from the chessboard, It was more of a gradual process, where chess slowly entered the battery of stuff we did to pass the time. A lot of my best memories are just doing stuff with my brother.”
Via fide
Beyond chess, he enjoyed basketball and maintained a well-rounded life, even graduating with a degree in history from Stanford University while competing at high levels.
Naroditsky’s talent shone early. In 2007, at just 11 years old, he earned the FIDE Master title and won the Under-12 section of the World Youth Chess Championship.
He shared second place at the 2010 US Open, became an International Master in 2011, and clinched the US Junior Championship in 2013, the same year he achieved Grandmaster status.
His peak FIDE classical rating reached 2647 in May 2017, marking him as one of America’s top players. He excelled in blitz and rapid formats too, competing in major national and international events.
But Naroditsky’s impact went far beyond his competitive achievements. He had a rare gift for teaching chess, making complex ideas accessible to beginners and experts alike.
As a coach at the Charlotte Chess Center and with private students, he inspired countless players.
At only 14, he published his first book, Mastering Positional Chess, which he started writing at age 10. He authored several more books, sharing his deep insights into the game.
He became a prominent commentator for events on Chess.com, where his calm, clear explanations drew huge audiences.
His Twitch and YouTube channels were wildly popular, blending high-level analysis with engaging storytelling.
From 2014 to 2020, he wrote a column for Chess Life magazine, and in 2022, he began contributing to The New York Times.
Naroditsky played a key role in popularizing chess online, bridging the gap between professionals and amateurs during the game’s surge in popularity.
In recent months, Naroditsky faced challenges within the chess community, including public accusations of cheating from former world champion Vladimir Kramnik, which stirred controversy and added pressure.
While no cause of death has been disclosed, many have reflected on the intense demands of the chess world and the importance of mental health support.
Tributes have been pouring in from all around the world.
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) honored him, noting his influence as a player, author, coach, and streamer. Fellow grandmaster Qiyu “Nemo” Zhou shared:
“Danya was not only a genius chess player, but a gifted content creator, commentator, and coach. He always shared my love for speed chess and was someone I’ve looked up to as long as I can remember… He just had this way about him that made everything seem fine no matter how much I was struggling. I’m going to miss him so much.”
Via Facebook
Ryan Phillips expressed his grief:
“I’m sick to my stomach to learn of the passing of GM Daniel Naroditsky at 29 years of age. Now is not the time for speculation, but I think everyone fears the worst. Daniel was a rare combination of extremely gifted chess player and excellent writer. With those two attributes, he was arguably the best chess teacher in America, maybe even the world… The chess world had been rough on Daniel recently, a burden unfair for anyone to carry.”
Via Facebook
Mike Klein, a chess journalist, recalled:
“This is my last photo of him. He’s locked in. He was a force. He was the only commentator I would stop work to listen to. He was also so funny. His last words to me ever was a response to hearing me speak Russian. ‘I see you are also a purveyor of the dark arts.’ He loved Charlotte and we loved him. RIP Daniel Naroditsky.”
Via Facebook
Many others expressed similar feelings. Kostadin Ristovski wrote on X:
Daniel had plenty of gifts. He was a great chess player, but also, someone with vast amount of knowledge and a gift to transfer that knowledge to others in an entertaining way. Although I never met him, it was quite clear that he was a kind and caring person. Over the last years, there were times he was unfairly treated by some, but I hope he also felt the love and support from his fans.
Via X
Aubrey shared: “I am heartbroken. An extraordinary teacher, unlike 99% of anyone out there… A young man, not even 30.”
Naroditsky once summed up his philosophy with a timeless quote: “At the end of the game, both the king and the pawn go into the same box.”
Few achieve so much by 29, but Daniel Naroditsky leaves an enduring legacy in chess and beyond. He will be deeply missed.
