Tragic Passing of US Chess Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky at 29

Tue Oct 21 2025 18:51:41 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Daniel Naroditsky, a celebrated US chess grandmaster known for his engaging online commentary and contributions to the chess community, has died unexpectedly at 29, leaving behind a legacy of talent and passion for the game.

Daniel Naroditsky, the renowned US chess grandmaster and online personality, has passed away at the age of 29. His family announced the unexpected death, which has left the chess community mourning. Naroditsky rose to fame as a young chess prodigy, winning prestigious championships and gaining a substantial online following with his insightful commentary and tutorials. Tributes have poured in from fellow players and federations, marking his significant impact on the chess world.

Tragic Passing of US Chess Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky at 29

Daniel Naroditsky, a celebrated US chess grandmaster and online commentator, has tragically died at the age of 29. The news was announced by his family through a statement released by the Charlotte Chess Center, revealing that his death was unexpected and did not disclose the cause.

The statement expressed deep sorrow over Naroditsky's passing, highlighting him as a talented player, educator, and a valued member of the chess community, greatly respected and admired by fans and fellow players around the globe.

Tributes have been flooding in from various corners of the chess world, including from US and International chess federations. American world number two Hikaru Nakamura expressed his devastation, stating, This is a massive loss for the world of chess.”

Naroditsky's journey in chess began at the tender age of six, with his older brother introducing him to the game during a birthday party. His natural talent was quickly recognized by family and coaches. He garnered international attention in 2007 by winning the under-12 boys world youth championship in Antalya, Turkey. He became a published author by age 14 with his book titled *Mastering Positional Chess*, a practical guide covering essential skills and strategies.

In 2013, he won the US Junior Championship, which earned him the title of grandmaster, achieving this at a very young age. Following his successes in the competitive arena, Naroditsky graduated from Stanford University and took on the role of a chess coach in Charlotte, North Carolina.

He seamlessly transitioned into the online chess sphere, amassing a substantial audience on platforms such as YouTube and Twitch, where he offered chess tutorials and live streams that attracted hundreds of thousands of viewers. Known affectionately as 'Danya,' his engaging style and insights made him a favorite among the chess community.

In 2022, Naroditsky became the "new chess columnist" for the New York Times, where he contributed to chess puzzles for their games section, further cementing his influence in the chess landscape.

Describing his passion for chess in a 2022 interview, Naroditsky noted, Even at my level, I can still discover beautiful things about the game every single time I train, teach, play or am a commentator at a tournament.”