🔗 Share this article

The former world champion has spoken out after the tragic passing of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's demise as a tragedy while condemning critics for launching what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal campaign of harassment" against him and his family.

Former Champion's Response

The fifty-year-old former world champion, who has faced broad criticism for alleging Naroditsky of digital foul play lacking proof, offered sympathies but rejected any individual targeting.

"Despite the tensions, I was the only person in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's apparent health concerns a day before his death, openly urged for him to get assistance," Kramnik declared. "The subsequent attempts, immediately following his passing, to explicitly connect this sorrowful incident to my name … violate every limit of basic human morality."

Kramnik asserted his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's digital games had been ignored "even with substantial proof", and stated he would submit documentation to "appropriate officials". He mentioned his lawyers were drafting legal actions over "unfounded claims" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family.

Police Findings

The demise of the grandmaster may have been the result of a drug overdose and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, based on a law enforcement document issued last Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities says Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."

"Last Sunday, October 19 at approximately 07:11pm, officers answered an assist medic call in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the document states. "Upon arrival, an unconscious individual was found and later pronounced deceased by a medical professional."

Community Reaction

Anger over Kramnik's behavior has shaken the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura described his actions "disgusting", while reigning champion Carlsen labeled it "terrible". GM from India Nihal Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his final online match, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign against alleged rule-breakers was fruitless and "totally inappropriate".

Naroditsky's Legacy

A Stanford-educated prodigy and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on Twitch and YouTube. Known as Danya, he was praised for his wit, insight and modesty, becoming a leading voice in chess's pandemic-era boom. He was also one of the world's finest players under shorter time controls, placing 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 assume the worst," Naroditsky said in his last online broadcast.

Organizational Statements

The International Chess Federation (Fide) said this week it was "investigating" Kramnik's actions. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide chief executive Emil Sutovsky commented. The organization plans to honor Naroditsky with a tribute prize.

Fide president Arkady Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be referred to the federation's disciplinary body "for independent consideration".

"Life and human worth are fundamental values universally upheld," Dvorkovich emphasized. "Our global chess family has long respected the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a duty to maintain the standards of equity and consideration."

Loved Ones' Wish

Naroditsky's family have expressed they wish he is remembered not for the hostility he endured but for "the happiness and motivation he provided others every day". Carlsen called him "an asset to chess", while Hikaru Nakamura described him as "among the finest".

• In the US, individuals may contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor.
• Throughout Britain and Ireland, The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected].
• Across Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14.
• Other international helplines can be located through befrienders.org.