Photograph: Kelly Centrelli/AP
American Chess Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky has passed away at the age of 29. Known as “Danya,” Naroditsky excelled in blitz chess and engaged millions of viewers through YouTube and Twitch.
🧩 An Inspiring Journey from Child Prodigy to Grandmaster
The American chess world has suffered a major setback. Daniel Naroditsky, who displayed exceptional talent from childhood and later became a Grandmaster, passed away on Monday. He was only 29 years old.
The Charlotte Chess Center, where he worked as a coach and trainer, confirmed his death on social media.
The center said:
“Daniel was a gifted player, teacher, and beloved member of our community.”
His family said in a statement,
“Let’s remember Daniel for his passion and love for chess—he inspired us all every day.”
The cause of death has not yet been revealed.
♟️ One of the world’s brightest minds
Naroditsky achieved the title of Grandmaster—the highest title in chess—at just 18 years old.
He won the Under-12 World Chess Championship and began writing books on chess strategy as a teenager.
He consistently ranked among the world’s top 200 players in conventional chess and the top 25 in blitz chess.
In August 2025, he won the U.S. National Blitz Championship.
đź“ş Chess Teacher on YouTube and Twitch
Daniel, affectionately known as “Danya” by his fans, revitalized chess on YouTube and Twitch.
He explained strategy to viewers and analyzed every move during live streams.
American Grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura said, “Danya loved streaming. He was always trying to teach people. The chess community will be grateful.”
His last YouTube video was titled, “You Thought I Was Gone!?”
In this video, he said he was “back, better than ever,” and explained his moves while playing live chess.
🌍 Wave of grief in the chess world
Top players around the world mourned Naroditsky’s passing.
Dutch Grandmaster Benjamin Bok, who played with him as a child, wrote on Twitter, “I can’t believe it. It was a privilege to play and learn with Danya—but the greatest thing was that I could call him my friend.”
🧠Family and Education
Naroditsky was the son of Jewish immigrant parents who came to the United States from Ukraine and Azerbaijan.
He grew up in San Mateo County, California, and from a young age, his concentration and memory were exceptional.
He graduated from Stanford University in 2019 with a degree in history and then moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, to begin coaching local youth.
đź’¬ Conclusion
Daniel Naroditsky was not just a grandmaster, but an inspiring figure in the chess world.
His educative style, unassuming nature, and deep understanding of the game brought millions to chess.
His absence will always be felt, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.
