The sudden death of U.S. grandmaster, popular commentator and streamer Daniel Naroditsky at the age of 29 is being described as “a massive loss for the world of chess.”
His club Charlotte Chess Center announced Naroditsky’s death on Monday, saying: “Daniel was a talented chess player, commentator and educator, and a cherished member of the chess community,” saying he was ““admired and respected by fans and players around the world”.
There’s no word yet on how he died.
Popularized chess online
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) remembered Naroditsky as someone “whose influence extended far beyond the chessboard.”
Hikaru Nakamura, a fellow grandmaster and world number two, took to social media to say: “I’m devastated. This is a massive loss for the world of chess.”
One of his biggest accomplishments, said FIDE, was that Naroditsky “played a pivotal role in popularizing chess content online, bridging the gap between professional and amateur chess.
“There are not many people in the world who manage to achieve so much before turning 30,” FIDE said.
Child prodigy
Born in San Mateo, Calif., Naroditsky’s father first taught him the game at age six, according to chess.com, and from there he became a prodigy, becoming the youngest player ever to win the Northern California K–12 Chess Championship.
He was ranked No.1 in the U.S. when he was just nine years old.
Naroditsky got his grandmaster title at the age of 18 in 2013, and placed fifth among the highest-ranked juniors in 2015.
“Daniel was a talented chess player, educator, and cherished member of the chess community. He was also a loving son, brother, and loyal friend,” said Charlotte News Center.
Chess.com’s Danny Rensch, who worked alongside Naroditsky during several major Chess.com events said: “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.
Chess.com GM Peter Leko, who also commentated with Naroditsky on a number of broadcasts, added: “I am still in total shock and feeling completely empty. The chess world lost a brilliant mind, and the world lost an incredibly humble man. My deepest condolences to his family. Rest in peace, Danya.”
