U.S. Chess Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky Dies at 29

NM

October 20, 2025

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — American chess grandmaster, author, and popular online educator Daniel Naroditsky has died unexpectedly at age 29, his family and the Charlotte Chess Center confirmed Monday.

“The Naroditsky family shares the sad news of Daniel’s unexpected passing,” the Charlotte Chess Center said in a statement. “Daniel was a talented chess player, educator, and beloved member of the chess community. We ask for privacy as the family grieves.”

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) also expressed condolences, describing Naroditsky as “a talented chess player, commentator, and educator.”

Naroditsky, known affectionately as “Danya” to fans, was among the most recognizable figures in modern chess. Beyond his achievements on the board, he was celebrated for his ability to teach, inspire, and communicate the beauty of the game to audiences of all skill levels.

Born Nov. 9, 1995, in San Mateo, California, Naroditsky learned chess at the age of six from his father. By 12, he had won the World Youth Chess Championship in the under-12 section, becoming one of the brightest young prospects in the United States. He earned the title of grandmaster in 2013, at just 18 years old.

Over the next decade, Naroditsky balanced a competitive chess career with writing, commentary, and teaching. He authored two books — Mastering Positional Chess (2010) and Mastering Complex Endgames (2012) — and wrote a long-running column, “The Practical Endgame,” for Chess Life magazine.

He represented the United States in several major international events, including the World Team Championship, and scored victories over elite players such as Fabiano Caruana, then ranked No. 2 in the world. In 2025, he captured the U.S. National Blitz Championship title with a perfect 14–0 score.

Naroditsky also became one of the most influential chess content creators of his generation. His YouTube and Twitch channels, which amassed hundreds of thousands of followers, were praised for their clarity, warmth, and teaching value. Many fans credited him for making chess approachable and enjoyable during a surge of global interest in the game following the 2020 pandemic and Netflix’s The Queen’s Gambit.

News of his death stunned the global chess community Monday, with tributes pouring in from fans and fellow players. One close friend and fellow grandmaster, Oleksandr Bortnyk, reportedly confirmed the news during an emotional live stream.

“He was the nicest person in chess,” one fan wrote on social media. “A true teacher, mentor, and gentleman. The world is lesser without him.”

In the days leading up to his death, some fans expressed concern over Naroditsky’s demeanor during a recent live stream, where he appeared distressed. Others alluded to the toll of online criticism and personal stress, though no official cause of death has been disclosed.

FIDE urged the public to “avoid speculation and instead honor Daniel’s legacy — his kindness, intellect, and contribution to the global chess family.”

Naroditsky’s career bridged traditional and digital chess, and his impact reached far beyond the board. Through his lessons, writings, and streaming, he shaped a new generation of players and enthusiasts around the world.

“Daniel had a gift for making the complex simple,” said Peter Giannatos, director of the Charlotte Chess Center. “He inspired thousands of students and fans. He loved chess deeply — and he made others love it too.”

Naroditsky lived in Charlotte since 2020, where he served as the Grandmaster-in-Residence at the Charlotte Chess Center. He studied history at Stanford University and often spoke about blending his academic and creative interests with chess.

He is survived by his parents, Vladimir and Lena, immigrants from Ukraine and Azerbaijan, respectively.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.