Chess Grandmaster Naroditsky Dies at The Age Of 29. Image credit: Harry Sekulich/ Charlotte Chess Centre.
(The Post News) – Daniel Naroditsky, a 29-year-old American chess grandmaster, passed away unexpectedly, according to a statement issued by the Charlotte Chess Centre on Monday.
The family, who described Naroditsky as “a talented chess player, commentator, and educator, and a cherished member of the chess community,” expressed their profound sadness over his passing. It is still unclear what caused the death.
When Naroditsky, who is lovingly called Danya, was barely eighteen, he became a grandmaster, the highest chess title outside of world champion. Prior to that, the prodigy from California had previously won the Under-12 World Chess Championship, garnering international notice. As a teenager, he produced a number of books on chess strategy and rose steadily in the world rankings.
In traditional chess, Naroditsky was among the top 200 players in the world for the entirety of his career. He also dominated the fast-paced blitz game, finishing in the top 25 internationally. He became known as a strong competitor and an engaging teacher due to his talent and inventiveness on the board.
Naroditsky Inspired a New Generation of Chess Players.
His victory in the U.S. National Blitz Championship in August solidified his status as one of the country’s top players. He achieved a noteworthy feat in one of the most competitive chess formats last year when he placed ninth at the World Blitz Championship.
Naroditsky was a major contributor to the popularity of chess among younger audiences in addition to his tournament achievements. On sites like YouTube and Twitch, where thousands of followers watched him evaluate positions, explain his thought process, and share his love for the game, he frequently livestreamed his games and provided enlightening commentary. He was one of the most well-liked people in the online chess community because of his kind and modest personality.
Naroditsky gleefully informed viewers that he was “back, better than ever” following a brief hiatus from streaming in his final YouTube video, “You Thought I Was Gone!?,” which was uploaded only days before he passed away. The video, which was shot in his home studio, featured him patiently guiding spectators through live chess matches, a skill that had come to define him.
The chess community around the world responded with shock and sadness. Viswanathan Anand, a five-time world chess champion, called the news “shocking” and wrote that Naroditsky was “an excellent commentator, educator, and a genuinely kind person.” Benjamin Bok, a Dutch grandmaster who had known Naroditsky since the 2007 Under-12 World Championship, expressed his sadness over the defeat. “Playing, training, and commentating with Danya, but most importantly, being able to call him my friend was always an honor,” Bok wrote on X.
Naroditsky was born in San Mateo County, California, to Jewish immigrants from Azerbaijan and Ukraine. He had a remarkable memory and was a serious, focused child, according to his parents. After graduating from college, he moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he spent a lot of time mentoring the best young chess players in the area. He is remembered by his pupils and colleagues not only for his genius but also for his patience, humility, and unshakable dedication to teaching the game he loved.
Around the world, countless chess enthusiasts and prospective players are still motivated by Naroditsky’s legacy as a player, educator, and ambassador.
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