Daniel “Danya” Naroditsky, finest often known as the chess grandmaster who might play the sport blindfolded, died on October 19, 2025, his household and the Charlotte Chess Heart introduced. He was simply 29. Because the announcement famous that his dying was “surprising,” many need to know what led to the younger chess participant’s dying.
“It’s with nice disappointment that we share the surprising passing of Daniel Naroditsky,” the assertion from Naroditysky’s household learn. “Daniel was a proficient chess participant, commentator and educator and a cherished member of the chess neighborhood, admired and revered by followers and gamers all over the world. He was additionally a loving son and brother and a loyal good friend to many.”
Beneath, learn on to be taught what we all know up to now about Naroditsky’s life and dying.
The Naroditsky household shares the unhappy information of Daniel’s surprising passing. Daniel was a proficient chess participant, educator, and beloved member of the chess neighborhood. We ask for privateness because the household grieves. pic.twitter.com/otNdUxDKtL
— Charlotte Chess Heart (@CLTchesscenter) October 20, 2025
Who Was Daniel Naroditsky?
Naroditsky was a chess grandmaster, commentator and creator from San Mateo, California. He was raised by his dad and mom, Vladimir and Lena, Jewish emigrants from the previous Soviet Union. Naroditsky discovered learn how to play chess when he was 6 years outdated by his father.
Upon proving a knack for enjoying chess, Naroditsky spent his childhood bettering his expertise and profitable the Beneath-12 part of the 2007 World Youth Chess Championship within the 2013 U.S. Junior Championship.
Naroditsky was formally awarded the grandmaster title when he was 18. He additionally constructed a YouTube and Twitch following after turning into a profitable chess participant and revealed creator.
How Did Daniel Naroditsky Die?
A explanation for dying was not instantly disclosed by Naroditsky’s household nor the Charlotte Chess Heart. Nevertheless, their unique announcement famous that he died unexpectedly.
Fellow chess grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik, took to X to seemingly talk about the aftermath of Naroditsky’s dying. In a single tweet on October 20, 2025, Kramnik tweeted, “Too excessive worth paid, but when I used to be the one individual shouting about apparent long run issues of Danya turning into alarming, requiring pressing measures from individuals round, whereas ‘pals’ solely cared about hiding it and erase proof, its rotten to the core.”
On October 20, Vladimir alleged that Naroditsky appeared “like one thing ‘very else’ than sleeping capsules [sic].” Two days prior, Vladimir tweeted a photograph that learn, “Don’t do Medicine,” on October 18.
Day by day Mail reported that Naroditsky was discovered useless in Charlotte, North Carolina, by fellow chess grandmaster Oleksandr Bortnyk.
What Occurred to Daniel Naroditsky?
Since his explanation for dying has but to be revealed, the small print of Naroditsky’s last days are unclear, although he was discovered useless on his sofa at dwelling, per Day by day Mail. Naroditsky was dwelling in Charlotte, North Carolina, after having moved there in 2020.

