Daniel Naroditsky, a California-based American chess grandmaster, has died aged 29. The sudden demise of the player has left the chess world in shock.
His family confirmed the tragic news in a statement released via Daniel’s club, the Charlotte Chess Center, on Monday, October 20, 2025.
They said, “It is with great sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Daniel Naroditsky. He was a talented chess player, commentator, educator and a cherished member of the chess community.”
The cause of Daniel’s death is not known yet.
The young athlete became grandmaster at the age of 18. For context, grandmaster is the highest title in the sport aside from being a World Chess Champion.
The chess grandmaster was always ranked among the top 200 chess players in the world. Daniel also excelled in blitz chess, winning the World Blitz Championship last year and the United States National Blitz Championship in August 2025.
He consistently maintained a top-25 ranking in blitz chess throughout his adult career.
The shocking death news comes after he posted a video on YouTube on Friday with the title “You Thought I Was Gone!?”
In the video, Daniel said, “I am back, better than ever.”
His death has sent shockwaves throughout the chess community worldwide, with many expressing grief online.
Indian chess grandmaster and five-time World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand paid tribute to Daniel, stating, “I am shocked by the news. Daniel was an excellent chess commentator, educator and genuinely a nice person.”
Dutch chess grandmaster Benjamin Bok also shared a heartfelt tribute, stating, “It was a privilege to play, train and commentate with Danya.”
