🔗 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 "unprecedentedly cynical and illegal campaign of harassment" against him and his loved ones.

Kramnik's Statement

The fifty-year-old ex-champion, who has faced widespread condemnation 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 obvious health issues a day before his death, publicly called for him to receive help," Kramnik stated. "The subsequent attempts, right after his passing, to directly link this tragic event to my name … violate every limit of basic human morality."

Kramnik asserted his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's online play had been overlooked "even with substantial proof", and stated he would provide material to "any relevant authority". He mentioned his lawyers were preparing civil and criminal suits over "false accusations" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family.

Investigation Details

The demise of the grandmaster may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, based on a police report 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."

"On Sunday October 19th at around 7:11 PM, officers responded to an emergency medical request in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the document states. "Upon arrival, an unresponsive subject was located and later declared dead by a medical professional."

Community Reaction

Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has dominated the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura described his actions "appalling", while reigning champion Carlsen labeled it "horrible". GM from India Nihal Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his last digital game, blamed Kramnik for "causing a death", saying his self-appointed pursuit against suspected cheaters was fruitless and "totally inappropriate".

Grandmaster's Impact

A Stanford-educated prodigy and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on Twitch and YouTube. Known as Danya, he was celebrated for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a prominent figure in chess's pandemic-era boom. He was also among the globe's top competitors under rapid formats, placing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York.

Naroditsky consistently denied the accusations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his mental health. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I start doing well, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky said in his last online broadcast.

Organizational Statements

The World Chess Federation said this week it was "investigating" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide chief executive Sutovsky commented. The organization plans to honor Naroditsky with a memorial award.

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 "to be reviewed independently".

"Life and human worth are core principles shared by all of us," Dvorkovich emphasized. "The chess community has always valued the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a responsibility to maintain the standards of equity and consideration."

Loved Ones' Wish

Naroditsky's relatives have said they wish he is recalled not because of the confrontation he faced but for "the happiness and motivation he provided others every day". Carlsen described him "a resource to the chess community", while Hikaru Nakamura described him as "among the finest".

• Within the United States, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor.
• Throughout Britain and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected].
• Across Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14.
• Global support contacts can be located through befrienders.org.