The world of chess is in mourning following the unexpected passing of acclaimed US chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky. He died at the age of 29, just two weeks before his 30th birthday. His family shared the heartbreaking news through his club, the Charlotte Chess Center, on Monday.
Naroditsky was a beloved figure in the chess community, known not only for his skill on the board but also as a talented commentator and educator. His contributions were widely admired and respected by players and fans across the globe. American chess star Hikaru Nakamura expressed his devastation, calling it a “massive loss for the world of chess.”
Naroditsky’s journey with chess began at age six when his brother introduced him to the game. His prodigious talent was soon recognized by his father and coaches. He gained international acclaim in 2007 by winning the Under-12 World Youth Championship. By 14, he was already a published author with his book, “Mastering Positional Chess.” In 2013, he secured the US Junior Championship, earning him the prestigious title of grandmaster while still a teenager.
Beyond his tournament achievements, Naroditsky became a prominent figure in the online chess sphere. His YouTube channel garnered nearly half a million subscribers, and his Twitch streams attracted hundreds of thousands of followers. He was celebrated for his insightful video tutorials and engaging livestreams, earning the affectionate nickname ‘Danya’ from his fans.
In recognition of his expertise, The New York Times appointed Naroditsky as its chess columnist in 2022, inviting him to contribute chess puzzles to their games section. Reflecting on the game’s enduring impact in his life, he once shared, “Even at my level, I can still discover beautiful things about the game every single time I train, teach, play or am a commentator at a tournament.” His passion and dedication have left an indelible mark on the sport.