🔗 Share this article

The former world champion has broken his silence after the tragic passing of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's demise as a heartbreaking event while condemning critics for launching what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal campaign of harassment" against him and his family.

Former Champion's Response

The fifty-year-old former world champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for accusing Naroditsky of online cheating without evidence, expressed condolences but rejected any individual targeting.

"Despite the tensions, I was the sole individual in the chess community who, observing through footage Daniel's obvious health issues a day before his death, openly urged for him to get assistance," Kramnik declared. "The ensuing efforts, right after his passing, to explicitly connect this sorrowful incident to my name … violate every limit of basic human morality."

Kramnik asserted his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's digital games had been ignored "even with substantial proof", and claimed he would submit documentation to "any relevant authority". He noted his lawyers were preparing civil and criminal suits over "false accusations" that have led to threats against him and his family.

Investigation Details

The death of Naroditsky may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, based on a law enforcement document released Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities says Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation."

"Last Sunday, October 19 at around 7:11 PM, officers responded to an emergency medical request in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the document states. "When they reached the scene, an unconscious individual was located and later pronounced deceased by a medic."

Chess World Response

Anger over Kramnik's behavior has dominated the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura described his actions "appalling", while reigning champion Carlsen described it as "terrible". Indian grandmaster Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his final online match, blamed Kramnik for "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign against alleged rule-breakers was ineffective and "completely unacceptable".

Naroditsky's Legacy

A graduate of Stanford and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on Twitch and YouTube. Known as Danya, he was praised 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 repeatedly refuted 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 assume the worst," Naroditsky said in his last online broadcast.

Official Responses

The International Chess Federation (Fide) announced recently it was "looking into" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply is unacceptable," Fide CEO Emil Sutovsky commented. The federation intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a memorial award.

Federation president Arkady Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be referred to the federation's disciplinary body "for independent consideration".

"Life and human worth are fundamental values shared by all of us," Dvorkovich emphasized. "The chess community has long respected the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a duty to uphold the principles of fairness and respect."

Family's Hope

Naroditsky's family have said they wish he is remembered not for the hostility he endured but for "the joy and inspiration he brought people every day". Magnus Carlsen called him "a resource to the chess community", while Hikaru Nakamura described him as "the best of us".

• In the US, individuals may contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to reach a support specialist.
• In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected].
• In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
• Global support contacts can be found at befrienders.org.