🔗 Share this article

The former world champion has broken his silence after the tragic passing of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, calling the 29-year-old's loss as a tragedy while condemning critics for mounting what he termed an "deeply cynical and unlawful targeted harassment" against him and his loved ones.

Former Champion's Response

The 50-year-old former world champion, who has faced broad criticism for accusing Naroditsky of digital foul play lacking proof, expressed condolences but denied any personal attacks.

"Regardless of our differences, I was the only person in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's obvious health issues a day before his death, publicly called for him to get assistance," Kramnik declared. "The subsequent attempts, immediately following his passing, to explicitly connect this tragic event to my name … cross all boundaries of fundamental human decency."

Kramnik asserted his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's digital games had been overlooked "even with substantial proof", and claimed he would provide material to "any relevant authority". He mentioned his lawyers were preparing civil and criminal suits over "unfounded claims" that have led to threats against him and his family.

Police Findings

The death of Naroditsky may have been the consequence of substance overuse 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 discovered deceased Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."

"Last Sunday, October 19 at approximately 07:11pm, officers responded to an assist medic call in the area of 9000 Colin Crossing," the document states. "Upon arrival, an unconscious individual was found and later pronounced deceased by a medical professional."

Chess World Response

Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura described his actions "disgusting", while five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen described it as "terrible". Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his final online match, 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 Twitch and YouTube. Referred to as Danya, he was praised for his wit, insight and modesty, becoming a leading voice in chess's COVID-period surge. He was also one of the world's finest players under shorter time controls, placing ninth at last year's blitz world championship in New York.

Naroditsky consistently denied the allegations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his mental health. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I start doing well, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky said in his final livestream.

Organizational Statements

The International Chess Federation (Fide) said this week it was "investigating" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Emil Sutovsky commented. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a memorial award.

Federation president Arkady Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be referred to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "to be reviewed independently".

"Life and human worth are core principles universally upheld," Dvorkovich emphasized. "The chess community has long respected the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a responsibility to maintain the standards of equity and consideration."

Family's Hope

Naroditsky's family have expressed they wish he is remembered not for the confrontation he faced but for "the happiness and motivation he provided others every day". Magnus Carlsen called him "a resource to the chess community", while Nakamura described him as "the best of us".

• In the US, you can call or text the Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor.
• In the UK and Ireland, The Samaritans can be reached at 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 located through befrienders.org.