The tragic death of Daniel Naroditsky: what is known about his life and health
22 october 2025 в 18:13
Daniel Naroditsky was a well-known chess grandmaster, most famous for his online presence and viral moments of blindfold chess. His rapid rise from a young player to one of the most respected names in the world of chess inspired many around the globe, and his death in October 2025 caused great sorrow. From peers to fans everywhere, some are asking whether Naroditsky had any health issues before his death at the age of 29.
In a statement released by the Charlotte Chess Center on October 20, 2025, Naroditsky’s family announced: «With great sorrow, we announce the unexpected passing of Daniel Naroditsky. Daniel was a talented chess player, commentator, and educator, a beloved member of the chess community who was admired and respected by fans and players worldwide. He was also a loving son and brother, a loyal friend to many».
Read on to find out what we know so far about Naroditsky’s life and health.
Naroditsky was a chess grandmaster, commentator, and author. Born in San Mateo, California, he was raised by his parents, Vladimir and Lena, Jewish immigrants from the former Soviet Union. Naroditsky learned to play chess at the age of 6. Throughout his childhood, Naroditsky honed his skills and won the under-12 section at the World Youth Chess Championship in 2007, and in 2013 he became the U.S. Junior Chess Champion. When he turned 18, Naroditsky officially earned the title of grandmaster.
Over the years, Naroditsky built a large following on YouTube and Twitch and published books «Mastering Positional Chess» and «Mastering Complex Endgames». He also trained and worked as a coach at the Charlotte Chess Center in North Carolina.
No, Naroditsky did not disclose any serious health issues throughout his life. Speculations about drug use arose after his death in October 2025, although these were unfounded claims. Former world champion Vladimir Kramnik accused Naroditsky of drug use. Kramnik had no evidence to support his allegations, and Naroditsky had previously denied accusations of fraud.
A few days before Naroditsky’s death, Kramnik tweeted: «Don't use drugs».
The cause of death was not immediately announced, although Naroditsky’s family noted that his passing was «unexpected» in their statement. It remains unclear how Naroditsky died
In a statement released by the Charlotte Chess Center on October 20, 2025, Naroditsky’s family announced: «With great sorrow, we announce the unexpected passing of Daniel Naroditsky. Daniel was a talented chess player, commentator, and educator, a beloved member of the chess community who was admired and respected by fans and players worldwide. He was also a loving son and brother, a loyal friend to many».
Read on to find out what we know so far about Naroditsky’s life and health.
Naroditsky was a chess grandmaster, commentator, and author. Born in San Mateo, California, he was raised by his parents, Vladimir and Lena, Jewish immigrants from the former Soviet Union. Naroditsky learned to play chess at the age of 6. Throughout his childhood, Naroditsky honed his skills and won the under-12 section at the World Youth Chess Championship in 2007, and in 2013 he became the U.S. Junior Chess Champion. When he turned 18, Naroditsky officially earned the title of grandmaster.
Over the years, Naroditsky built a large following on YouTube and Twitch and published books «Mastering Positional Chess» and «Mastering Complex Endgames». He also trained and worked as a coach at the Charlotte Chess Center in North Carolina.
No, Naroditsky did not disclose any serious health issues throughout his life. Speculations about drug use arose after his death in October 2025, although these were unfounded claims. Former world champion Vladimir Kramnik accused Naroditsky of drug use. Kramnik had no evidence to support his allegations, and Naroditsky had previously denied accusations of fraud.
A few days before Naroditsky’s death, Kramnik tweeted: «Don't use drugs».
The cause of death was not immediately announced, although Naroditsky’s family noted that his passing was «unexpected» in their statement. It remains unclear how Naroditsky died
© Zhinobaeva Margarita
