GM Daniel Naroditsky, the popular U.S. grandmaster, commentator, creator, educator, and author, unexpectedly passed away on Sunday at the age of only 29. The news has been met with shock and sadness by the chess community.
This is a developing story. Chess.com will provide updates as we have more information and reactions.
The devastating news was first shared by Naroditsky’s club, Charlotte Chess Center, on Monday, and confirmed by Chess.com with multiple sources.
It is with great sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Daniel Naroditsky. Daniel was a talented chess player, educator, and cherished member of the chess community. He was also a loving son, brother, and loyal friend.
We ask for privacy for Daniel’s family during this extremely difficult time. Let us honor Daniel by remembering his passion for chess and the inspiration he brought to us all.
The Naroditsky family shares the sad news of Daniel’s unexpected passing. Daniel was a talented chess player, educator, and beloved member of the chess community. We ask for privacy as the family grieves. pic.twitter.com/otNdUxDKtL
— Charlotte Chess Center (@CLTchesscenter) October 20, 2025
29-year-old Naroditsky has long been known as one of United States’ most talented players. He achieved his grandmaster title at the age of 18 in 2013 and has a peak rating of 2647 from 2017.
In recent years, Naroditsky has been balancing his playing career with creating content on his Twitch channel (340,000 followers) and YouTube (482,000 followers). He gained a huge following thanks to his insightful commentary and educational content.
His lessons also helped countless players improve their understanding of the game, and his humorous personality made him one of the chess world’s most respected ambassadors.
Rememberances:
Chess.com’s Chief Chess Officer (CCO) IM Danny Rensch is mourning the loss of a friend: “Danya was more than an amazing, inspirational face of our game, he was a friend and brother. 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.
The news is devastating for the chess world and all who knew him. It’s impossible to put words to this kind of loss.
—Danny Rensch
RIP my great friend Daniel Naroditsky , I still can’t believe
— Oleksandr Bortnyk (@BortnykChess) October 20, 2025
GM Daniel Naroditsky passed away. He was a talented chess player, commentator, and educator. FIDE extends its deepest condolences to Daniel’s family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/uxoccDbnHW
— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) October 20, 2025
— Chess.com (@chesscom) October 20, 2025
I’m devastated. This is a massive loss for the world of chess. 😢 https://t.co/U6Hq194uAK
— Hikaru Nakamura (@GMHikaru) October 20, 2025
I’ve been sitting here numb for the past hour staring at this news. The world lost a brilliant man today. May his memory live on forever and may we always cherish his contributions to our beautiful game. https://t.co/mqwlcvBaH2
— GothamChess (@GothamChess) October 20, 2025
Heart-breaking news.
Apart from being a very strong chess player, he was a very kind person.
— Peter Heine Nielsen (@PHChess) October 20, 2025
No words to describe this tragedy.
Danya was one of the most brilliant and talented people I’ve ever met. From his talent and passion over the board, to the witty and charismatic delivery in the commentary booth, Danya could do it all, he was the best at it.
Gone too soon. RIP https://t.co/hDFDSxJNXk
— Cristian Chirila (@CristianChirila) October 20, 2025
Jesus Christ… Daniel, no, no, no! 😭😭😭😭 I can’t believe it.😪 I was so looking forward to meet you once again this December, share stories. May your soul find eternal peace – you will never be forgotten. Life is so short. https://t.co/j1RjS1JI4k
— Arturs Neiksans (@GMNeiksans) October 20, 2025
This is absolutely shocking! 💔 My deepest condolences.. https://t.co/iB7ymVIMDc
— Vidit Gujrathi (@viditchess) October 20, 2025
I am at a loss of words. What an incredible human being he was. Rest in peace Danya. https://t.co/o3YFYktLIB
— Anna Cramling (@AnnaCramling) October 20, 2025
This is shocking! I knew Daniel since he was a young kid. His parents sent him to stay at my home so he can train with my other SPICE students. Always a nice and polite kid! Just saw him at the @CLTchesscenter.
I am so sad. 😭 RIP Daniel! You will be missed! https://t.co/4OP3agqB0k
— Susan Polgar (@SusanPolgar) October 20, 2025
