Daniel Naroditsky, the highly regarded American chess grandmaster, has tragically passed away at the age of 29. Born and raised in San Mateo County, California, Naroditsky rose through the ranks to earn chess grandmaster status at age 14. He became the miniature cosmos’s most prodigious figure, thriving both as a board member and as a teacher.
The son of Jewish immigrants from the Ukrainian SSR and Azerbaijan SSR, Naroditsky started playing chess competitively at the age of 6. He won the Under 12 World Championship in 2007 and earned the title of grandmaster at 18 years of age. Throughout his career, he consistently ranked among the top 200 players worldwide in traditional chess and maintained a top-25 ranking in blitz chess, showcasing his versatility and skill in various formats.
Just this August, Naroditsky won the United States National Blitz Championship. This victory helped to solidify his status as the world’s preeminent chess player at the time. His play in tournament and match play competitions has been impressive, with a ninth-place finish in the blitz world championship last year.
Aside from his competitive success, Naroditsky shone bright in the chess world in his amazing career as a commentator and chess educator. In both roles, he coached many of the best junior players in Charlotte, North Carolina. He did so with inspiring exuberance, infecting a new generation with his wisdom and reverence for the game. His ability to commentate, combined with his unique and lively style, was respected in the chess community.
In the process, Naroditsky gained a massive following on his far-reaching YouTube and Twitch channels. Now, he educates and inspires thousands of committed viewers every week with his action-oriented strategy sessions. He authored several chess strategy books during his teenage years, reflecting his deep understanding of the game and commitment to sharing that knowledge.
His unexpected passing shocked the entire chess community. The Naroditsky family released a statement expressing their grief:
“It is with great sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Daniel Naroditsky.”
Viswanathan Anand praised him as “an excellent chess commentator and educator” and described him as “a genuinely nice person.”
Friend and fellow player Benjamin Bok expressed his disbelief at the news:
“I still can’t believe it and don’t want to believe it.”
Hikaru Nakamura, another prominent figure in chess streaming, remarked on Naroditsky’s passion for sharing knowledge:
“He loved streaming, and he loved trying to be educational. The chess world is very grateful.”
Naroditsky’s influence on the chess world went well beyond his chess prowess. His dedication to teaching, coupled with his engaging personality on streaming platforms, earned him admiration from fans and fellow players alike.
