Daniel ‘Danya’ Naroditsky: Chess influencer and Twitch streamer’s sudden death at 29 shocks chess community
One of the chess world’s most beloved figures has died suddenly aged 29, sending shockwaves through the community
Twitch streamer, Grandmaster and chess celebrity Daniel ‘Danya’ Naroditsky’s death was confirmed by his devastated family, who confirmed his passing was unexpected.
“Daniel was a talented chess player, commentator, and educator, and a cherished member of the chess community, admired and respected by fans and players around the world. He was also a loving son and brother, and a loyal friend to many,” a statement shared on behalf of the family by the Charlotte Chess Center read.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.“We ask for privacy for Daniel’s family during this extremely difficult time. Let us remember Daniel for his passion and love of the game of chess, and for the joy and inspiration he bought to us all every day.”
Tributes began pouring as the shock news spread, with one long time opponent, Ukrainian grandmaster Oleksandr Bortnyk, expressing his disbelief.
“RIP my great friend Daniel Naroditsky, I still can’t believe,” wrote in a post on X.
A fan, who said Naroditsky was his favourite player, said his “heart is broken beyond belief”.
“A 3 year subscriber who looked forward to his streams and it would always make my night seeing him. I learned more from him than any other chess learning activity. RIP brother. You will be missed. :(“
Another wrote, “I’m in absolute shock. Danya was an absolute legend, a great teacher, and brought so much personality, wit, and wisdom to the chess world. He will be deeply missed.”
In a statement on its website Chess.com said Naroditsky’s death had sent shockwaves around the chess community, which was “grieving the loss of one of its most beloved and influential voices”.
Born in California, Naroditsky was taught to play chess from the age of six by his Ukrainian immigrant father Vladimir.
At 11, he became the youngest player to win the Northern California K-12 Chess Championship and then went on to win the U12 division of the World World Youth Chess Championship.
He went on to become one of the youngest published chess authors at just 14 and became a grandmaster at 18, in 2013.
A Chess.com biography notes Naroditsky had “no noticeable weaknesses and can win games with devastating attacks, endgame grinds, tactical shots, and many other fashions”.
Online he became a chess influencer, teaching his nearly 500,000 subscribers on YouTube and 340,000 followers on Twitch how to improve their gameplay.
Naroditsky was chess.com’s leading commentators, providing analysis and insight into some of the world’ biggest tournaments.
His cause of death has not been made public.
