🔗 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 loss as a tragedy while condemning critics for launching what he termed an "deeply cynical and unlawful campaign of harassment" against him and his family.

Former Champion's Response

The fifty-year-old ex-champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for accusing Naroditsky of online cheating without evidence, expressed condolences but rejected any personal attacks.

"Despite the tensions, I was the only person in the chess community who, observing through footage Daniel's apparent health concerns a day before his death, publicly called for him to get assistance," Kramnik declared. "The ensuing efforts, right after his passing, to directly link this sorrowful incident to my name … violate every limit of fundamental human decency."

Kramnik asserted his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's digital games had been overlooked "even with substantial proof", and stated he would submit documentation to "appropriate officials". He noted his lawyers were drafting legal actions over "false accusations" that have led to threats against him and his family.

Investigation Details

The demise of the grandmaster may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being investigated as a possible suicide, according to a law enforcement document issued last Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department says Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."

"Last Sunday, October 19 at around 7:11 PM, officers responded to an assist medic call in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the report says. "Upon arrival, an unresponsive subject was found and later declared dead by a medic."

Chess World Response

Outrage regarding Kramnik's behavior has dominated the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura described his actions "disgusting", while reigning champion Carlsen labeled it "horrible". GM from India Nihal Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his final online match, accused Kramnik of "taking a life", saying his self-appointed pursuit against alleged rule-breakers was ineffective and "totally inappropriate".

Grandmaster's Impact

A Stanford-educated prodigy and former world youth champion, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on Twitch and YouTube. Referred to 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, placing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York.

Naroditsky repeatedly refuted the allegations but admitted the impact they had taken on his psychological well-being. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people assume the worst," Naroditsky said in his last online broadcast.

Official Responses

The International Chess Federation (Fide) said this week it was "looking into" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide chief executive Sutovsky commented. The organization intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a tribute prize.

Fide president Dvorkovich later confirmed 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".

"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 stature brings a duty to uphold the principles of equity and consideration."

Loved Ones' Wish

Naroditsky's family have expressed they wish he is remembered not for the hostility he endured but for "the joy and inspiration he brought people every day". Carlsen described him "an asset to chess", 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 connect with a support specialist.
• In the UK and Ireland, The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected].
• In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14.
• Global support contacts can be located through befrienders.org.