🔗 Share this article

The former world champion has spoken out after the tragic passing of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's loss as a heartbreaking event while condemning critics for mounting what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and illegal targeted harassment" against him and his loved ones.

Former Champion's Response

The 50-year-old former world champion, who has faced broad criticism for alleging Naroditsky of online cheating without evidence, offered sympathies but rejected any personal attacks.

"Despite the tensions, I was the sole individual in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's apparent health concerns a day before his death, publicly called for him to get assistance," Kramnik stated. "The subsequent attempts, immediately following his passing, to directly link this sorrowful incident to my name … cross all boundaries of basic human morality."

Kramnik asserted his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's digital games had been overlooked "despite a significant amount of evidence", and claimed he would provide material to "appropriate officials". He noted his lawyers were preparing legal actions over "unfounded claims" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family.

Investigation Details

The death of Naroditsky may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being investigated as a possible suicide, based on a police report released Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department says Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."

"On Sunday October 19th at approximately 07:11pm, officers responded to an assist medic call in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the document states. "Upon arrival, an unconscious individual was found and later declared dead by a medical professional."

Chess World Response

Anger over Kramnik's behavior has dominated the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura described his actions "appalling", while five-time world champion Carlsen labeled it "horrible". GM from India Nihal 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".

Grandmaster's Impact

A graduate of Stanford and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on streaming platforms. Known as Danya, he was praised for his wit, insight and modesty, becoming a prominent figure in chess's pandemic-era boom. He was also one of the world's finest players under rapid formats, placing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York.

Naroditsky consistently denied the allegations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his mental health. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people assume the worst," Naroditsky remarked in his last online broadcast.

Organizational Statements

The International Chess Federation (Fide) said this week it was "looking into" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply is unacceptable," Fide CEO Sutovsky commented. The organization plans to honor Naroditsky with a tribute prize.

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

"Human life and dignity are core principles shared by all of us," Dvorkovich stressed. "Our global chess family has always valued the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a responsibility to uphold the principles of equity and consideration."

Loved Ones' Wish

Naroditsky's relatives have said they hope he is remembered not for the hostility he endured but for "the happiness and motivation he provided others every day". Magnus Carlsen described him "a resource to the chess community", while Nakamura referred to him as "the best of us".

• In the US, individuals may contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
• In the UK and Ireland, The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or message jo@samaritans.org or jo@samaritans.ie.
• Across Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline is 13 11 14.
• Other international helplines can be located through befrienders.org.