Chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky dies at age 29
The Charlotte Chess Center announced the death of the former world junior champion.
Charlotte Chess Center announced on Monday, October 20, that chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky has passed away at the age of 29.
In a statement shared on social media on behalf of the Naroditsky family, the center said the former world junior champion’s death was “unexpected.”
“Daniel was a talented chess player, commentator and educator, and a valued member of the chess community, admired and respected by fans and players around the world.” “He was a loving son and brother and a loyal friend to many.”
The center and family mourn Naroditsky’s death and ask for privacy.
According to the United States Chess Federation, Naroditsky, a California native, has competed in five U.S. championships and won titles in junior and youth competitions. He won gold in the 2007 FIDE World Youth Championships in the 12-and-under open division and won the U.S. Junior Championship in 2013 at age 17.
Naroditsky was ranked among the world’s top players in blitz chess, a type of speed chess with specific time rules, according to the International Chess Federation (FIDE).
He also published a book called “Mastering Positional Chess” in 2010 at just 14 years old and “Mastering Complex Endgames” in 2012.
He was a columnist for Chess Life magazine from 2014 to 2020 and wrote a column about the game for the New York Times. Naroditsky was known for having a large following online as he loved teaching and streaming chess on platforms such as Twitch and YouTube. From 2020 to 2025, he served as Grandmaster in Residence at the Charlotte Chess Center.
“Let us remember Daniel’s passion and love for chess and the joy and inspiration he gave us every day,” said a statement released by the Charlotte Chess Center.
