Daniel Naroditsky, Chess Grandmaster and Streamer, Dies at 29

Wed Oct 22 2025 16:00:52 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The chess community mourns the loss of Daniel Naroditsky, a prominent figure in competitive chess and online streaming, who passed away at the age of 29, leaving a legacy of integrity and inspiration.

Daniel Naroditsky, a pioneering chess grandmaster and beloved online personality, has died at 29. Known for his engaging livestreams and efforts to make chess accessible, Naroditsky faced controversy over cheating allegations before his untimely death. His contributions to chess and impact on aspiring players will be remembered.

Daniel Naroditsky, a standard-bearer in the world of competitive chess that flourished during the COVID-19 pandemic, died Monday at the age of 29, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greats who helped usher in the digital era of the game.

The American grandmaster won several championships and amassed a substantial following on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, where he live-streamed matches and explained strategies in real-time. However, his rise coincided with challenges, particularly issues related to cheating allegations that plagued the online chess community.

Naroditsky’s untimely death has highlighted the darker aspects of the chess world—claims that have drawn scrutiny and criticism towards him in recent months.

Legacy of Integrity

The young grandmaster had to contend with unverified cheating claims, particularly from former World Champion Vladimir Kramnik, whom Naroditsky admired as a child. Despite excelling in blitz and bullet chess formats, Naroditsky frequently voiced the emotional impact of these allegations.

“Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people assume the worst of intentions,” he stated in his final livestream. He ruminated on his legacy, hoping that the chess community would acknowledge his integrity.

Fellow grandmasters praised Naroditsky as a model ambassador for the game, emphasizing his commitment to making chess more inclusive. His family expressed hopes that he will be remembered for the joy and inspiration he ignited in countless players.

Blame Game

Following Naroditsky's death, many chess professionals called for an end to the blame culture surrounding fast-paced online play. With cheating rates significantly higher in online chess than in-person matches, some experts assert that reform is necessary to preserve the sport's integrity.

The chess platform Chess.com recently shut down Kramnik’s blog for spreading unsubstantiated allegations against numerous players, indicating a need to protect the community from undue attacks.

Nurturing Young Talent

Just a week ago, Naroditsky announced a return to his Speedrun chess video series, invigorating many followers who appreciated his engaging teaching style. His videos served as valuable resources for chess players of all levels, endorsing the importance of learning from mistakes.

Grandmasters like Hikaru Nakamura and Magnus Carlsen highlighted Naroditsky's contributions to chess streaming and community engagement. In the words of Carlsen, Naroditsky was “universally loved” and served as a key resource for the chess community.