🔗 Share this article

The former world champion has spoken out after the death of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's loss as a heartbreaking event while accusing critics for launching what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal campaign of harassment" against him and his family.

Kramnik's Statement

The 50-year-old former world champion, who has faced broad criticism for alleging Naroditsky of digital foul play lacking proof, expressed condolences 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, openly urged for him to get assistance," Kramnik stated. "The ensuing efforts, right after his passing, to directly link 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 overlooked "even with substantial proof", and claimed he would submit documentation to "appropriate officials". He mentioned his lawyers were preparing legal actions over "unfounded claims" that have led to threats against him and his family.

Police Findings

The demise of the grandmaster may have been the result of a drug overdose and is being investigated as a possible suicide, based on a law enforcement document issued last Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department says Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."

"Last Sunday, October 19 at approximately 07:11pm, officers answered an emergency medical request in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the report says. "When they reached the scene, an unresponsive subject was located and later pronounced deceased by a medical professional."

Community Reaction

Anger over Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura called his behavior "appalling", while reigning champion Carlsen described it as "terrible". Indian grandmaster Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his last digital game, accused Kramnik of "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign against alleged rule-breakers was fruitless and "completely unacceptable".

Grandmaster's Impact

A graduate of Stanford and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on streaming platforms. Referred to as Danya, he was celebrated for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a prominent figure in chess's COVID-period surge. He was also one of the world's finest players under shorter time controls, finishing ninth at last year's blitz world championship in New York.

Naroditsky repeatedly refuted the allegations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his psychological well-being. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people assume the worst," Naroditsky remarked in his last online broadcast.

Official Responses

The World Chess Federation said this week it was "investigating" Kramnik's behavior. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply can't be accepted," Fide chief executive Emil Sutovsky commented. The federation intends to commemorate Naroditsky with a memorial award.

Fide president Arkady Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be submitted to the federation's disciplinary body "for independent consideration".

"Life and human worth are fundamental values universally upheld," Dvorkovich stressed. "Our global chess family has long respected the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a duty to maintain the standards of equity and consideration."

Family's Hope

Naroditsky's family have said they hope he is remembered not for the confrontation he faced but for "the joy and inspiration he provided others every day". Magnus Carlsen described him "an asset to chess", while Hikaru Nakamura referred to him as "among the finest".

• Within the United States, you can call or text the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to reach a support specialist.
• In the UK and Ireland, The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected].
• Across Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline is 13 11 14.
• Global support contacts can be located through befrienders.org.