Daniel naroditsky American chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky dies at 29
American chess Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, who garnered a large online following through his livestreamed games and accessible teaching, has died at the age of 29.
The Charlotte Chess Center, a chess academy in Charlotte, North Carolina, where Naroditsky served as head coach, announced his death in a statement on social media on Monday. The announcement did not provide a cause of death or the location of his death.
The Charlotte Chess Center, quoting Naroditsky’s family, said in a statement, “We are deeply saddened to learn of the unexpected passing of Daniel Naroditsky. Daniel was a gifted chess player, commentator, and teacher, and a beloved member of the chess community. He was also a loving son, brother, and loyal friend to many.”
Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Naroditsky began learning chess at the age of 6, and this journey earned him the title of Grandmaster—the highest title awarded to the world’s top players by the International Chess Federation—before he was a senior in high school, according to the center.
His talent was evident at an early age: he twice won grade-level national championships and, in fifth grade, became the youngest player to win the California K-12 Championship. That same year, in November 2007, he earned international fame as the Under-12 World Youth Chess Champion, establishing himself as one of the country’s most promising young talents.
After taking a year off to focus solely on chess, Naroditsky enrolled at Stanford University and earned a bachelor’s degree in history in 2019.
This chess legend has also demonstrated his talent for teaching the game. The first of his two chess booklets was published when he was only 14, and he later became a regular contributor to Chess Life magazine and other platforms dedicated to the game. The New York Times appointed Naroditsky as its chess columnist in 2022.
Naroditsky also amassed a large following on his online platforms, with nearly half a million subscribers on his YouTube channel and 340,000 followers on Twitch. His online presence brought the game to life for many, as he livestreamed games and guided viewers through key moves, making even the most complex moves accessible.
Naroditsky wrote on his Twitch profile, “Join my stream for great chess, great tunes, and an amazing community!!”
The International Chess Federation issued a statement mourning Naroditsky’s passing, calling him “a gifted chess player, commentator, and teacher.”
According to Chess.com, the 2025 US Chess Championship, currently taking place in St. Louis, began on Monday with a moment of silence for Naroditsky.
The St. Louis Chess Club called Naroditsky “a beloved pillar of the chess community” whose “passion for the game and commitment to teaching inspired countless players around the world.”
According to a statement released by the Charlotte Chess Center, Naroditsky’s family has asked for privacy following his passing.
“Let us remember Daniel for his passion for chess and the joy and inspiration he brought to us every day,” the family said in the statement.
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