Celebrity3 min(s) read
American chess grandmaster dies unexpectedly aged 29 - family speaks out
Daniel Naroditsky, a US chess grandmaster and beloved YouTube personality, has passed away at the age of 29. His death, which came just two weeks before his 30th birthday, was confirmed by his family in a statement released by the Charlotte Chess Center. No cause of death has been shared at this time.
Naroditsky was widely known in the chess world, both for his competitive play and his educational contributions to the game. He gained a massive following through his YouTube channel, where he offered tutorials, commentary, and live-streamed matches.
His passion for chess resonated with hundreds of thousands of viewers around the world. "He inspired hundreds of thousands of people to play chess – a lot of people loved his videos," said Hikaru Nakamura, the world number two chess player, who was also a close friend of Naroditsky.
A legacy of inspiration and passion
Naroditsky's chess journey began at a young age. He was introduced to the game by his older brother at six years old and quickly gained recognition for his exceptional talent. At the age of 14, he published his first book, Mastering Positional Chess, and earned his grandmaster title shortly after winning the 2013 US Junior Championship. Naroditsky also graduated from Stanford University and later worked as a coach at the Charlotte Chess Center.
His online presence was a vital part of his legacy. Naroditsky’s YouTube channel, which had nearly 500,000 subscribers, and his popular Twitch streams made chess more accessible and enjoyable for beginners and experienced players alike. His content was known for being informative and approachable, with Naroditsky always prioritizing the joy of the game over financial gain. "It wasn’t about money for him," said Nakamura. "He had a true passion for the game."
Tributes from fans and fellow players
Naroditsky's influence extended far beyond professional players. Fans from around the world paid tribute to him after hearing the news of his passing. Zara Graham, a 20-year-old chess player from the UK, shared how Naroditsky's videos motivated her to pursue chess more seriously. "He was a brilliant chess teacher who inspired me to start playing when I was 14. He explained things in his YouTube videos so that everyone could understand," she said. "He made an impact on thousands of people around the world."
Nemo Zhou, a Woman Chess Grandmaster and fellow content creator, reflected on Naroditsky’s warmth and passion for the game. "He had this way to make chess fun," Zhou told the BBC. "He was a true historian of the game, and he did everything with kindness."
Daniel Naroditsky’s sudden passing leaves a void in the chess community, but his contributions will continue to inspire future generations of players. His teaching, calm demeanor, and love for the game have left an undeniable impression on those who followed his work.