Remembering the Mind — and the Heart — of a Champion
While his tournament record was impressive, Daniel Naroditsky’s true legacy lived in the digital classroom he built for the world. His YouTube and Twitch channels, followed by more than 800,000 fans, made chess accessible, funny, and deeply human. His videos were a blend of art and empathy — breaking down complex tactics with warmth that made even beginners feel seen.
International Master Levy Rozman (GothamChess) described him perfectly: “He could explain the game to an ant. He existed at the perfect crossroads of playing brilliantly and explaining brilliantly.”
Naroditsky’s thoughtful articles and puzzles for The New York Times reflected his lifelong curiosity. “Even at my level,” he wrote in 2022, “I still discover beautiful things about the game every single time I teach, play, or commentate.”
Those who knew him personally spoke of his humility and kindness as much as his genius. Danny Rensch of Chess.com said, “He wasn’t just an amazing player — he was a friend and a brother to everyone in chess.” Grandmaster Oleksandr Bortnyk, a close friend, recalled through tears: “He was such a good guy. My last words to him were, ‘Danya, don’t worry about anything. I love you so much.’”
His final YouTube upload, posted just days before his passing, was titled “You Thought I Was Gone!?” — a cheerful return to streaming. In it, he laughed, joked, and promised more lessons ahead. The suddenness of his death made the video heartbreakingly poignant for fans who had just welcomed him back.
Tributes flooded in from every corner of the chess world. The U.S. Chess Championship in St. Louis began its eighth round with a moment of silence in his memory. FIDE, the International Chess Federation, called his death “a devastating loss for our community and the game at large.”
Daniel Naroditsky is survived by his mother, Lena, and his brother, Alan. His father, Vladimir, passed away in 2019. Those closest to him remember not only his exceptional mind but his rare ability to connect — to teach, to listen, to make others better.
In a world where genius often stands apart, Naroditsky’s life proved that intellect and kindness can coexist. His passing leaves a void that no rating or record can measure — but also a legacy of learning, laughter, and love that will endure in every student he inspired and every mind he awakened.