🔗 Share this article

The former world champion has spoken out after the death of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's demise as a tragedy while accusing critics for launching what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and illegal targeted 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.

"Regardless of our differences, I was the sole individual in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's obvious health issues a day before his death, openly urged for him to get assistance," Kramnik stated. "The subsequent attempts, right after his passing, to directly link this tragic event to my name … cross all boundaries of fundamental human decency."

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

Investigation Details

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 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."

"Last Sunday, October 19 at around 7:11 PM, officers responded to an emergency medical request in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the report says. "Upon arrival, an unconscious individual was found and later pronounced deceased by a medic."

Community Reaction

Outrage regarding Kramnik's behavior has dominated the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura described his actions "appalling", while reigning champion Carlsen described it as "terrible". GM from India Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his last digital game, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", saying his self-appointed pursuit against alleged rule-breakers was fruitless and "totally inappropriate".

Grandmaster's Impact

A graduate of Stanford and former world youth champion, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers 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 among the globe's top competitors under shorter time controls, finishing ninth at last year's blitz world championship in New York.

Naroditsky repeatedly refuted the accusations but admitted the impact 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 remarked in his final livestream.

Organizational Statements

The International Chess Federation (Fide) announced recently it was "looking into" Kramnik's behavior. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply is unacceptable," Fide chief executive Emil Sutovsky stated. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a memorial award.

Fide president Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be referred to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "to be reviewed independently".

"Life and human worth are core principles universally upheld," Dvorkovich emphasized. "The chess community has long respected the achievements 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 hope he is remembered not for the hostility he endured but for "the joy and inspiration he provided others every day". Magnus Carlsen described him "a resource to the chess community", while Nakamura described him as "the best of us".

• Within the United States, individuals may contact the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or message HOME to 741741 to reach a support specialist.
• Throughout Britain and Ireland, Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected].
• Across Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
• Global support contacts can be found at befrienders.org.