American Chess Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky Dies at 29/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Daniel Naroditsky, a renowned American chess grandmaster and popular online educator, has died at the age of 29. Known for his charismatic livestreams and deep chess knowledge, Naroditsky inspired thousands worldwide. His death was confirmed by the Charlotte Chess Center, where he served as head coach.
Daniel Naroditsky’s Legacy Quick Looks
- Daniel Naroditsky, 29, passed away unexpectedly, per the Charlotte Chess Center.
- A chess prodigy, he became a grandmaster before finishing high school.
- Naroditsky gained massive popularity through YouTube and Twitch, making chess accessible.
- Published two chess books by age 14, and contributed to Chess Life and The New York Times.
- Served as head coach at the Charlotte Chess Center in North Carolina.
- His teaching and commentary helped grow chess’s global audience.
- Tributes came from FIDE, the Saint Louis Chess Club, and the broader chess world.
- The 2025 U.S. Chess Championship honored him with a moment of silence.
- Naroditsky’s family asked for privacy and remembrance of his passion for the game.
Deep Look: American Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky Dies at 29 — Chess World Mourns Online Icon
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — October 21, 2025 — The chess world is in mourning following the sudden death of Daniel Naroditsky, a celebrated American grandmaster, educator, and beloved internet personality. He was 29 years old.
The news was confirmed Monday by the Charlotte Chess Center, where Naroditsky served as head coach. The announcement, shared on social media, did not disclose the cause of death or further details surrounding his passing.
“It is with great sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Daniel Naroditsky,” the center wrote. “Daniel was a talented chess player, commentator, and educator, and a cherished member of the chess community.”
Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Naroditsky began playing chess at age six. By fifth grade, he had already earned national recognition, becoming the youngest-ever winner of the California K-12 Championship. In 2007, he captured international attention by winning the World Youth Chess Championship (Under-12 division), setting him on a fast track toward elite chess.
Naroditsky was awarded the prestigious grandmaster title — the highest honor in chess — before graduating high school. He later attended Stanford University, where he graduated in 2019 with a degree in history.
A Voice for Chess, On and Off the Board
While his over-the-board achievements were impressive, Naroditsky found an even wider audience online. With nearly 500,000 YouTube subscribers and 340,000 Twitch followers, his friendly demeanor and sharp insights helped make complex chess strategies accessible to players of all levels.
His Twitch profile summarized his approach:
“Hop into my stream for great chess, good tunes, and an amazing community!!”
He livestreamed regularly, sharing real-time games, instructive commentary, and a welcoming environment that drew a loyal and diverse following.
In addition to his livestreams, Naroditsky wrote two chess books by age 14 and became a respected columnist, contributing to Chess Life, various online chess platforms, and The New York Times, which hired him in 2022 as a regular chess writer.
His passion for education was as central to his legacy as his tournament victories. Through coaching, commentary, and content, he helped grow the global chess community, especially during the game’s pandemic-era online boom.
Remembered Across the Chess World
News of Naroditsky’s passing sent shockwaves through the chess community. The International Chess Federation (FIDE) released a statement expressing its condolences, calling him a “talented chess player, commentator, and educator.”
At the 2025 U.S. Chess Championship in St. Louis, organizers opened Monday’s round with a moment of silence in his honor. The Saint Louis Chess Club described him as “a beloved pillar of the chess community”, praising his teaching legacy and infectious enthusiasm.
“His passion for the game and commitment to teaching inspired countless players around the world,” the club said in a tribute.
A Teacher, Writer, Competitor — And Friend
Though known globally, Naroditsky remained deeply rooted in local chess circles. As head coach at the Charlotte Chess Center, he worked closely with young talents, cultivating a new generation of players through personalized coaching and public events.
His reach extended beyond elite play — Naroditsky brought joy and clarity to casual enthusiasts and complete beginners alike. Friends and colleagues remember him not only for his talent, but for his kindness, generosity, and drive to share his love for the game.
His family, in a message shared by the Charlotte Chess Center, requested privacy during this time and encouraged fans to remember Daniel for the joy and inspiration he brought every day.
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