Daijiworld Media Network - Charlotte

Charlotte, Oct 21: Daniel Naroditsky, a prodigious chess talent and one of America’s most influential voices in the sport, passed away on Monday at the age of 29. The Charlotte Chess Club, where Naroditsky trained and coached, announced his death on social media, calling him “a talented chess player, educator, and beloved member of the chess community.”

“Let us remember Daniel for his passion and love for the game of chess, and for the joy and inspiration he brought to us all every day,” his family said. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Naroditsky became a grandmaster at 18, the highest title in chess next to World Chess Champion. A former Under-12 World Champion, he wrote chess strategy books as a teenager and consistently ranked among the top 200 players worldwide, excelling in blitz chess with a top 25 ranking throughout his adult career. Most recently, he won the U.S. National Blitz Championship in August.

Known affectionately as Danya, Naroditsky popularised chess by livestreaming matches and providing commentary on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, reaching thousands of viewers worldwide. “He loved streaming, and he loved trying to be educational. The chess world is very grateful,” fellow grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura said.

Born in San Mateo County, California, to Jewish immigrants from Ukraine and Azerbaijan, Naroditsky studied history at Stanford University, earning a degree in 2019 before moving to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he coached top junior players.

Global chess players expressed shock and grief. Dutch grandmaster Benjamin Bok, a lifelong friend, said, “It was always a privilege to play, train, and commentate with Danya, but above all, to call him my friend.”

Naroditsky’s legacy as a player, educator, and livestreaming pioneer has left a lasting mark on the chess community.