Friends, family, and fellow chess players gathered on October 21 to bid farewell to Daniel Naroditsky, one of the brightest minds in American chess, who passed away suddenly at the age of 29.
Naroditsky was found unresponsive at his home in Charlotte, North Carolina, on October 19. Police said his death is being investigated as a possible suicide or overdose. The news sent shockwaves through the global chess community, where he was admired as both a brilliant competitor and a gifted teacher.
Born in San Mateo, California, Naroditsky earned the title of grandmaster at just 18 years old and went on to become one of the most popular commentators and educators in modern chess. He was also known for his engaging YouTube and Twitch streams, where hundreds of thousands of fans learned from his calm, insightful analysis and humor.
His mother, Elena Naroditsky, described her son as a man who valued his integrity above all else. “There was nothing more important to Daniel than his dignity and his name as a chess player,” she said. “He was so brilliant, so incredibly kind and loving, thoughtful, giving, inspiring.”
Elena shared that Daniel had been planning to visit his family in the Bay Area later that week to celebrate his birthday on November 9 and to meet his brother’s newborn baby. “It’s a tragedy,” she said through tears. “He was my dearest son.”
During the private funeral in the San Francisco Bay Area, players and students remembered Naroditsky not only for his achievements — including being ranked among the top 200 classical players in the world and the top 25 in blitz — but also for his humility and passion for teaching.
The Charlotte Chess Center, where he taught and trained, called him “a beloved member of the chess community” and “a source of joy and inspiration to everyone who knew him.”
Naroditsky’s passing marks a heartbreaking loss for the chess world — not only of a grandmaster, but of a gentle and generous human being whose influence reached far beyond the board.
I’m the senior editor of Attacking Chess, a keen chess player, rated above 2300 in chess.com. You can challenge me or asking questions at Chess.com.
