🔗 Share this article

The former world champion has spoken out after the death of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's loss as a tragedy while accusing critics for launching what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal targeted harassment" against him and his loved ones.

Former Champion's Response

The fifty-year-old ex-champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for alleging Naroditsky of digital foul play without evidence, expressed condolences but rejected any personal attacks.

"Regardless of our differences, I was the only person in the chess community who, observing through footage Daniel's obvious health issues a day before his death, openly urged for him to receive help," Kramnik stated. "The ensuing efforts, right after his passing, to explicitly connect this tragic event to my name … violate every limit of basic human morality."

Kramnik asserted his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's digital games had been overlooked "despite a significant amount of evidence", and stated he would provide material to "appropriate officials". He noted his lawyers were preparing legal actions over "false accusations" that have led to threats against him and his family.

Investigation Details

The death of Naroditsky may have been the result of a drug overdose and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, based on a police report released Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities says Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."

"On Sunday October 19th at around 7:11 PM, officers answered an assist medic call in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the report says. "Upon arrival, an unresponsive subject was found and later pronounced deceased by a medical professional."

Chess World Response

Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura described his actions "appalling", while reigning champion Carlsen labeled it "horrible". Indian grandmaster Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his final online match, blamed Kramnik for "taking a life", saying his self-appointed pursuit against suspected cheaters was fruitless and "totally inappropriate".

Naroditsky's Legacy

A Stanford-educated prodigy and former world youth champion, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on Twitch and YouTube. Known as Danya, he was praised for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a leading voice in chess's pandemic-era boom. He was also among the globe's top competitors under shorter time controls, finishing ninth at last year's blitz world championship in New York.

Naroditsky consistently denied the allegations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his psychological well-being. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky said in his last online broadcast.

Official Responses

The World Chess Federation announced recently it was "investigating" Kramnik's actions. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Emil Sutovsky stated. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a memorial award.

Fide president Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be submitted to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "for independent consideration".

"Life and human worth are core principles universally upheld," Dvorkovich stressed. "The chess community has long respected the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a duty to uphold the principles of fairness and respect."

Family's Hope

Naroditsky's relatives have expressed they wish he is remembered not for the confrontation he faced but for "the joy and inspiration he brought people every day". Magnus Carlsen called him "an asset to chess", while Hikaru Nakamura referred to him as "the best of us".

• In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor.
• In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected].
• Across Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline is 13 11 14.
• Global support contacts can be found at befrienders.org.