The chess world has been left stunned by the death of American Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky at the age of just 29.
“It is with great sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Daniel Naroditsky,” the family said in a statement released by his club, the Charlotte Chess Center, on Monday.
“Daniel was a talented chess player, commentator and educator, and a cherished member of the chess community, admired and respected by fans and players around the world.”
No cause of death has been disclosed.
Naroditsky, born in California, was one of the US’s most recognisable chess figures.
He became a Grandmaster in 2013 at 18 years old.
Naroditsky won the World Youth Chess Championship Under-12 title in 2007, earning his FIDE Master title at just 12 years of age.
He claimed the US Junior Championship in 2013 with a score of 6.5/9, which qualified him for the 2014 US Championship.
Most recently, in August 2025, Naroditsky’s blitz Elo rating was 2732, making him one of the 20 best blitz players in the world.
Outside of competition, he was a popular commentator, writer, and online educator in the global chess community.
Naroditsky regularly streamed on platforms like Twitch and YouTube.
Players and fans around the world have since paid tribute.
“I’m devastated,” American world number two Hikaru Nakamura said.
“This is a massive loss for the world of chess.”
Danny Rensch, one of the key figures with prominent chess website Chess.com, described Naroditsky as “more than an amazing”.
“ (Naroditsky) was more than an amazing, inspirational face of our game, he was a friend and brother,” he said.
“The news is devastating for the chess world and all who knew him. It’s impossible to put words to this kind of loss. My love, thoughts and prayers are with his family,” he said.
