The chess world is in mourning after the sudden death of US grandmaster and beloved online personality Daniel Naroditsky at just 29.
Known affectionately as “Danya” by fans, Naroditsky wasn’t just a top-tier player.
He was a bridge between the traditional chessboard and the modern streaming world.
His YouTube and Twitch channels drew hundreds of thousands of fans who tuned in not just for his strategy, but for his warmth and humor.
“It’s a massive loss for the world of chess,” said world number two Hikaru Nakamura.
The International Chess Federation praised him for playing a “pivotal role in popularising chess content online.”
Chess Prodigy And Mentor
Naroditsky’s journey began at age six, when his brother introduced him to the game.
By 12, he was a world youth champion; by 14, an author; by 18, a grandmaster.
Alongside his achievements, he taught, coached, and wrote chess puzzles for The New York Times.
He once said: “Even at my level, I still discover beautiful things about the game every time I play.”
Grandmaster Nemo Zhou, a close friend, called him “everything that chess and content creation were supposed to be.”
For millions who learned and laughed with him online, Naroditsky wasn’t just a chess player.
He was proof that passion, shared with kindness, can make a lasting move.
