Daniel Naroditsky, an American chess grandmaster and one of the most beloved online educators in the chess community, has died at the age of 29.
The Charlotte Chess Center in North Carolina, where Naroditsky served as head coach, announced his death on Monday, describing him as “a talented chess player, educator, and beloved member of the chess community.” His family released a statement through the center, urging that he be remembered “for his passion and love for the game.” No cause of death has been disclosed.
Known affectionately by his fans as “Danya”, Naroditsky combined top-level competitive skill with a rare gift for teaching and storytelling. His YouTube and Twitch streams drew hundreds of thousands of viewers, captivated by his calm voice, witty commentary, and deep insight into the psychology of the game. Whether breaking down grandmaster-level tactics or playing blitz games against online opponents, he had an uncanny ability to make chess feel alive, human, and accessible.
“He loved streaming, and he loved trying to be educational,” said fellow American grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura during a livestream tribute. “The chess world is very grateful.”
Born on November 9, 1995, in San Mateo, California, Daniel Naroditsky was the son of Jewish immigrants from the former Soviet Union — his father, Vladimir, a Ukrainian mathematician, and his mother, Lena, a pianist from Azerbaijan. He began playing chess at age six, taught by his older brother, Alan, during a birthday party.
“It wasn’t love at first sight,” he once told The New York Times in 2022. “It was a gradual process. A lot of my best memories are just doing stuff with my brother.”
Naroditsky earned the title of Grandmaster in 2013, becoming one of the youngest Americans ever to do so. In addition to his tournament successes, he wrote books, columns, and lessons that reached far beyond the competitive scene, helping spark a new generation’s fascination with chess — especially during the pandemic boom fueled by The Queen’s Gambit and online platforms.
His legacy lies not only in his games, but in the joy, kindness, and intelligence he brought to every lesson and livestream. The chess world has lost a brilliant mind — and a truly generous soul.
