Daniel Naroditsky, the acclaimed American chess grandmaster, author, streamer, and beloved commentator affectionately known as “Danya,” tragically passed away. The sad and shocking news overwhelmed the chess world and left the community in dismay and shock. The 2700 club players could not believe the shocking news. Here are their reactions upon receiving the shocking news
More reactions will be added as they come along. The chess world loved Danya and we will all miss him :(
Daniel Naroditsky passes away timeline
20.10 Daniel Naroditsky passes away
20.10 2700 club players mourn the passing of Daniel Naroditsky
20.10 The chess world mourns the passing away of Daniel Naroditsky
20.10 Fellow streamers react to the passing of Daniel Naroditsky
21.10 NY Times, where Daniel Naroditsky was columnist, with a tribute for Danya
Hikaru Nakamura, “I’m devastated. This is a massive loss for the world of chess”
Anish Giri, “Heartbreaking news. My deepest condolences”
Arjun Erigaisi, “So heartbreaking. Isn’t this clip from Danya’s last stream more than good enough to understand how much his mental health was affected by the baseless accusations by Kramnik? FIDE Ethics Commission must step up and prevent Kramnik from playing with mental health of others”
Fabiano Caruana, “It’s difficult to come to terms with the news we heard yesterday. Danya was so loved in the chess world. He was incredibly talented, as a chess player and also as a teacher, writer, and commentator. His passion for chess shone through when he was commentating and when he was competing. He was full of personality, fiercely intelligent, witty, funny, and most of all very kind and generous. It’s impossible to overestimate how many people he affected in the chess world, whether friends, colleagues or people he taught and brought into the game. I still vividly remember our two games from the U.S. Championship, in 2017 and 2021, split one win apiece. I can only wish we would have played more. It feels like yesterday we were playing blitz and other board games in Germany earlier this year, but now also like an eternity ago. My heart goes out to his family and friends. Rest in peace Daniel Naroditsky.”
Magnus Carlsen statement here
Alireza Firouzja, “Heartbreaking. My deepest condolences.”
Praggnanandhaa R, “I’m deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Danya Every time I logged into Chess.com, I would see his challenge for a game , It’s hard to believe that I won’t see it anymore. My heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.”
Arjun Erigaisi, “Extremely saddened by the news Deepest Condolences to Daniel Naroditsky’s family and friends”
Hans Niemann, “I am heartbroken by Danya’s passing. We both grew up in the Bay Area, and I looked up to him from a young age. I vividly remember our first blitz games when I was nine, he was kind and generous with his advice afterward. Years later, I ran into him on a flight home from the Reykjavik Open. I nervously approached him, but his warmth and willingness to talk immediately put me at ease. As my chess career continued, we played countless blitz games, and I credit a large part of my improvement to those battles. Danya’s kindness, wisdom, and love for the game left a lasting mark on me. I offer my sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones. We will all miss you dearly.”
Viswanathan Anand, “Really shocked at the passing away of GM. Daniel Naroditsky. An excellent chess commentator and educator . A genuinely nice person. A life gone too soon. My deepest condolences to his family. The chess world will miss his presence.”
Levon Aronian, “I can’t believe this… Everyone who interacted with Danya loved him. I feel heartbroken.”
Ian Nepomniachtchi “Unthinkable. Huge loss for the chess community. My deepest condolences.”
Wesley So, “Rest in peace Daniel Naroditsky. You had always been one of us. A true colleague and a friend. You have an upbeat, smart, and charming personality. You had a wonderful and great life awaiting you, which was cut abruptly short. I remember first meeting you in Quebec back in 2012 and we played a game. Later you visited St. Louis in 2014 and we played lots of King’s Indian blitz games and some basketball. Then we worked online on openings, specifically the Ruy Lopez with White, which helped me win some important games including a critical one over Gareev in the Millionaire Chess 2014. We must have played over a thousand blitz games over the years. You are a good man. Your talent and brilliance in chess and in life was clear to me since the beginning. I’ve always enjoyed watching your videos and your commentary. The chess world has suffered a very big loss today. Danya we love you, and we will miss you. We are heartbroken and offer our condolences to your family.”
Teimour Radjabov, “Rest in peace, Danya Naroditsky, incredible commentator, a brilliant player, and above all, a great person who inspired so many.”
Parham Maghsoodloo, “Rip Danya… Chess World will miss you a lot”
Javokhir Sindarov, “It’s hard to believe… Just 2 days ago, we played in the same online tournament Rest in peace”
Judit Polgar, “I have no words. He was a very kind person, a strong chess player, a great chess commentator. Rest in peace, Daniel Naroditsky.”
Sam Shankland, “Utterly devastated”
Garry Kasparov / Kasparov foundation, “It is with great sadness that the Kasparov Chess Foundation mourns the passing of GM Daniel Naroditsky, one of the brightest stars to emerge from our programs. Danya’s talent, creativity, and love for chess inspired everyone who knew him, from students to fellow competitors.”
Nihal Sarin, “Completely heartbroken. Daniel was not just someone I played thousands of games with on Chesscom and Lichess he was a brilliant mind and a gifted teacher. The relentless, baseless accusations and public interrogations he faced in recent months caused him immense pressure and pain. This has to stop. When respected figures spread unfounded allegations without accountability, real lives are destroyed. Daniel’s smile faded after the attacks began. We all saw it. The chess world has lost one of its brightest lights – someone who made our game accessible to millions. Rest in peace, Danya. You deserved so much better.”
Leinier Dominguez, “This is so tragic. A brilliant player and a great guy. My deepest condolences.”
