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- American chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky dead at 29 (foxnews.com)
Chess Grandmaster and Digital Pioneer Daniel Naroditsky Passes Away at 29
San Mateo County mourns the loss of one of its own, Daniel Naroditsky, a chess grandmaster and influential figure who brought the ancient game into the modern era through his engaging online presence. Naroditsky passed away at the age of 29, leaving behind a legacy of educational content and a vibrant community of chess enthusiasts.
Naroditsky, a San Mateo County native, achieved the prestigious title of grandmaster at just 18 years old, after previously securing the Under-12 world championship. His extraordinary talent was evident from a young age; at 14, he published his first strategy book, “Mastering Positional Chess,” making him one of the youngest chess authors in history. He was the son of Jewish immigrants from Ukraine and Azerbaijan.
Beyond his impressive playing career, which included a notable victory over then-World No. 2 Fabiano Caruana in 2021 and a U.S.
National Blitz Championship win in August, Naroditsky was a trailblazer in the digital chess world. He amassed a significant following on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, where thousands tuned in to watch his educational videos, livestreams, and live commentary.
His accessible approach to teaching and playing the game is credited with introducing professional chess to a new generation of fans.
The Charlotte Chess Center in North Carolina, where Naroditsky trained and served as a coach, released a statement remembering him as “a talented chess player, educator, and beloved member of the chess community.” His family echoed these sentiments, sharing a statement through the center: “Let us remember Daniel for his passion and love for the game of chess, and for the joy and inspiration he brought to us all every day.”
Fellow grandmasters have also expressed their gratitude for Naroditsky’s contributions. American grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura noted on a livestream, “He loved streaming, and he loved trying to be educational. The chess world is very grateful.”
The cause of death has not yet been released. Daniel Naroditsky’s impact on the chess world, both on and offline, will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.
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- American chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky dead at 29 (foxnews.com)