Chess Community Mourns Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky’s Sudden Passing in Shocking News
The chess community is mourning the sudden loss of American Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, who passed away on October 20, 2025, at the young age of 29. The Charlotte Chess Center shared the tragic news on their X account, revealing that Naroditsky’s passing was unexpected and requesting privacy for the grieving family.
Tributes from the Chess World
Naroditsky’s death has elicited a strong emotional response from fellow players and fans. World No. 2 Hikaru Nakamura expressed his devastation on social media, stating, “This is a massive loss for the world of chess.” Grandmaster Srinath Narayanan echoed this sentiment, calling the situation “tragic” and highlighting Naroditsky’s youth and brilliance.
- Hikaru Nakamura: “I’m devastated. This is a massive loss for the world of chess.”
- Srinath Narayanan: “Lost for words. The word ‘tragic’ doesn’t even begin to describe the emotion felt.”
- Vidit Gujrathi: “This is absolutely shocking! My deepest condolences.”
- RB Ramesh: “Cannot believe such a nice human being is not among us anymore.”
- Alireza Firouzja: “Heartbreaking. My deepest condolences.”
Daniel Naroditsky’s Legacy
Becoming a Grandmaster at just 18 years old in 2013, Naroditsky established himself as a formidable player. He consistently ranked in the world’s top 200 and was among the top 15 players in the United States in Classical Chess. He also achieved remarkable standings in Rapid and Blitz formats, placing in the top 75 and top 25, respectively.
Achievements
Key milestones of Naroditsky’s career include:
- Crossing a FIDE Blitz rating of 2700 for the first time in 2024.
- Winning the US National Blitz Championship this year.
- Achieving a FIDE blitz rating of 2732 by August 2025, ranking him 18th in the world and 6th in America.
In addition to his competitive achievements, Naroditsky was active on social media platforms. He gained significant followings on his Twitch and YouTube channels, with 340,000 and 482,000 subscribers, respectively. His content focused on commentary and educational materials, showcasing his dedication to promoting chess.
Controversies and Challenges
Naroditsky was not without controversies. In 2024, he made headlines for calling former world champion Vladimir Kramnik “worse than dirt” amid allegations of cheating in the World Rapid and Blitz Championship. This incident reflected the intensity of competition and rivalries in the chess world.
The chess community clearly feels the profound impact of Naroditsky’s passing. He was not only a formidable competitor but also a cherished educator and a beloved figure among chess enthusiasts. His absence will be felt for years to come, as tributes continue to pour in, honoring his life and contributions to the game.
