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Daniel Naroditsky (1995–2025) – Master of Endgames and Education

Rest In Peace, Danya

In Memoriam: Daniel Naroditsky passed away on October 19, 2025, at the age of 29. His sudden passing was a devastating shock, and he is sorely missed by millions of fans, students, and colleagues across the global chess world.

Tributes poured in from around the globe following the tragedy. Magnus Carlsen remembered him as "a resource to the chess community," while Hikaru Nakamura described him as "the best of us." Danya leaves behind an enduring legacy not just as a brilliant grandmaster, but as a genuinely kind soul and arguably the greatest chess educator of his generation.

Daniel Naroditsky, affectionately known as Danya, was an American Grandmaster, prolific streamer, and one of the most respected chess educators in the world. Known for his deep positional understanding, brilliant endgame technique, and relaxed yet precise commentary, Naroditsky became a fan favorite across all time controls and experience levels.

1. Chess Background

Born in 1995; earned the Grandmaster title in 2013 at age 17.
Published his first book, Mastering Positional Chess, at age 14, making him one of the youngest published authors in chess history.
Former U.S. Junior Champion (2013) and World Youth Gold Medalist (2007).
Reached a peak FIDE classical rating of 2647 and a FIDE blitz rating of 2705.
Graduated from Stanford University with a degree in history in 2019.

2. Strengths and Style

Endgame technique: Known for squeezing wins from “equal” positions and authoring the New York Times chess column and Chess Life's endgame column.
Classical and bullet chess excellence: A top performer in both formats, regularly finishing top 3 in the world's most competitive online Bullet and Hyperbullet championships.
Didactic explanations: Broke down master-level play with clarity, humility, and memorable puns.

3. Online Presence

Popular Twitch and YouTube content creator with over 500,000 subscribers.
Famous for his Speedrun Series where he explained every move in great detail.
Beloved for his calm voice, kindness toward viewers, and ability to make complex ideas approachable.
Served as the lead commentator for Chess.com, often paired with GM Robert Hess as a "commentary dream team."

4. Legacy and Memorial Fund

To honor his immense contributions as a player, teacher, and commentator, the Charlotte Chess Center (where he served as Resident Grandmaster) and the Naroditsky family established the Daniel Naroditsky Memorial Fund.

The fund aims to raise $4 million to create:

The Naroditsky Blitz and Rapid Championship: An official, high-level tournament.
The Naroditsky Fellowship: A scholarship program to support young, promising chess players.

His legacy is also immortalized by Chess.com, which named its Speed Chess Championship trophy the Naroditsky Cup, and by FIDE, which established a special prize in his name.

Fun Facts

Famously played under the legendary handle RebeccaHarris on Lichess and DanielNaroditsky on Chess.com.
Played highly anticipated bullet matches against Hikaru Nakamura and Magnus Carlsen with huge live audiences watching.
Enjoyed reading and writing in his free time — a chess player and scholar at heart.