US Chess Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky Dies at 29

Authors: Harry Sekulich, Gabriela Pomeroy

Published: 4:30 PM PDT, October 21, 2025

Updated: 6:00 AM PDT, October 24, 2025

CHARLOTTE, NC — The chess world mourns the unexpected passing of US chess grandmaster and beloved YouTube commentator Daniel Naroditsky, who died at age 29, just two weeks shy of his 30th birthday. The Charlotte Chess Center, where Naroditsky was a cherished member, announced his death on Monday, October 20, 2025, in a statement from his family. No cause of death was disclosed.

Daniel Naroditsky's Legacy in Chess and Content Creation

Known affectionately as "Danya" to his fans, Naroditsky was a trailblazer in popularizing chess through his YouTube channel, which boasted nearly 500,000 subscribers, and his Twitch stream with 340,000 followers. His engaging tutorials and high-energy livestreams inspired countless players worldwide.

The International Chess Federation praised his "pivotal role in popularizing chess content online." Chess world number two Hikaru Nakamura, a close friend, told the BBC, "He inspired hundreds of thousands of people to play chess. His videos were the best for beginners." Nakamura highlighted Naroditsky’s calm demeanor and passion, noting, "It wasn’t about money for him; he had a true passion for the game."

A Prodigy’s Journey

Naroditsky’s chess journey began at age six, sparked by playing with his older brother Alan. His talent shone early, leading to a World Youth Championship victory in the under-12 category in Antalya, Turkey, in 2007. By his teens, he earned the grandmaster title after winning the 2013 US Junior Championship. At 14, he authored Mastering Positional Chess, a book on practical chess strategies.

A Stanford University graduate, Naroditsky later coached chess in Charlotte, North Carolina, and wrote for The New York Times as a chess columnist in 2022. "Even at my level, I can still discover beautiful things about the game every time I train, teach, or play," he told the newspaper.

Tributes from the Chess Community

Fellow grandmaster Nemo Zhou described Naroditsky as a "true historian of the game" with an exceptional memory for chess facts. "He made chess fun and did everything with kindness," she told the BBC. Fans echoed this sentiment, with 20-year-old Zara Graham from the UK sharing, "His YouTube videos inspired me to start playing at 14. He explained things so everyone could understand."

Hundreds of tributes have poured in from amateur players worldwide, underscoring Naroditsky’s profound impact. "Even though I never met him, I was devastated," Graham added. "He made an impact on thousands."

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