Former Chess Champion Vladimir Kramnik Investigated for Bullying After Grandmaster’s Death
Vladimir Kramnik, a former world chess champion, is under investigation for bullying and harassment following the unexpected death of fellow grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky. FIDE, the international chess governing body, announced the inquiry amid claims that Kramnik accused Naroditsky of cheating in online chess.
Death of Daniel Naroditsky
Daniel Naroditsky, an American grandmaster, passed away at the young age of 29. His family confirmed the news through the Charlotte Chess Center, but no cause of death has been disclosed. Naroditsky was notable for his online presence, accumulating a substantial following through streaming and teaching chess.
Kramnik’s Accusations and Online Behavior
Kramnik has a history of alleging that Naroditsky cheated in online matches. Naroditsky denied these claims and expressed the emotional burden they created during his final Twitch stream. He highlighted the negative impact of Kramnik’s allegations on his career and mental health.
FIDE’s Response and Investigation
FIDE’s president, Arkady Dvorkovich, condemned Kramnik’s accusations as reckless. He indicated that FIDE’s fair play commission is investigating the matter, emphasizing that bullying and harassment are unacceptable in chess. “Any kind of sanction is possible,” he noted, emphasizing the responsibility that comes with Kramnik’s status in the chess community.
Statements from the Chess Community
- Magnus Carlsen, a five-time world champion, labeled Kramnik’s behavior as “horrible.”
- Hikaru Nakamura, currently ranked second in the world, called Kramnik’s approach “insane.”
- Nemo Zhou, a noted streamer and woman grandmaster, requested FIDE to remove Kramnik’s records and titles.
- Grandmaster Nihal Sarin described Naroditsky’s experience as filled with “relentless, baseless accusations.”
Kramnik’s Defense
In his defense, Kramnik referred to the FIDE investigation as “insulting” and part of a “shameful campaign” against him. He stated that FIDE’s criticisms are unacceptable from both moral and legal perspectives. Kramnik has long advocated against cheating in chess, labeling it a “rapidly spreading disease.”
Legacy of Daniel Naroditsky
Naroditsky was a celebrated figure in the chess community. Raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, he learned chess at six and achieved the title of grandmaster before graduating high school. He had roughly 500,000 followers on YouTube and 340,000 on Twitch, and served as a chess columnist for the New York Times in 2022.
Arkady Dvorkovich, in his remarks, praised Naroditsky’s contributions to chess, stating, “He was loved by many.” The ongoing investigation aims to address the serious implications of Kramnik’s accusations as well as uphold the integrity of chess.
