Daniel Naroditsky, a US chess grandmaster renowned for his online commentary and coaching, has died unexpectedly at the age of 29. His passing was announced by the Charlotte Chess Center on behalf of his family, sending shockwaves through the global chess community.
The Charlotte Chess Center in North Carolina, where Naroditsky trained and worked as a coach, confirmed his death on social media on Monday, October 20, 2025. In a statement, his family described the loss as unexpected and expressed deep sadness, though no cause of death was provided. The news prompted an outpouring of grief from fellow players and fans worldwide, with many expressing disbelief at the sudden loss of such a vibrant figure in the sport.
Naroditsky first gained international attention as a child prodigy, winning the under-12 boys world youth championship in Antalya, Turkey, in 2007. At just 14 years old, he authored “Mastering Positional Chess,” becoming one of the youngest published chess authors in history. He earned the grandmaster title in 2013 after winning the US Junior Championship, solidifying his status among the elite while still a teenager, and consistently ranked in the top 200 worldwide for traditional chess.
Beyond competitive play, Naroditsky became an influential figure in the online chess world, known affectionately as “Danya” to his fans. His YouTube channel amassed nearly 500,000 subscribers, and his Twitch stream attracted over 340,000 followers, with hundreds of thousands tuning in for his live matches and tutorials. Through regular video content, he demystified complex strategies for a broad audience, earning praise for his insightful commentary and engaging style that made chess accessible to newcomers and experts alike.
Born and raised in San Mateo County, California, Naroditsky was the son of Jewish immigrants from Ukraine and Azerbaijan. He developed an early interest in chess at age six, introduced by his older brother Alan during a birthday party, and his natural talent was quickly recognized by his father and coaches. This early exposure set him on a path to professional chess, where his serious demeanor and impressive memory stood out even as a young child, as recalled in family anecdotes.
After high school, Naroditsky attended Stanford University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history in 2019. He took a year off during his studies to compete in tournaments, skillfully balancing academics with his chess career. Following graduation, he moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, to coach junior players at the Charlotte Chess Center, dedicating himself to nurturing the next generation of chess talent while continuing his own competitive and online endeavors.
The chess community reacted with profound sadness to his death, with tributes pouring in from top players globally. American world number two Hikaru Nakamura described himself as “devastated,” calling it a “massive loss for the world of chess” in a social media post. Dutch grandmaster Benjamin Bok, a friend since childhood, shared heartfelt messages on X, reflecting on their lifelong bond and Naroditsky’s kindness, passion, and the privilege of collaborating with him over the years.
Naroditsky’s legacy extends beyond his competitive achievements, as he was named the New York Times’ new chess columnist in 2022, contributing puzzles and insights to a wider readership. His recent victory at the U.S. National Blitz Championship in August 2025 underscored his ongoing relevance in the sport, and his final video posted days before his death hinted at his enduring enthusiasm. As the community mourns, his impact on chess education and popularization through digital platforms will be remembered as a lasting contribution to the game’s evolution.