🔗 Share this article

Vladimir Kramnik has spoken out after the tragic passing of American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's loss as a heartbreaking event while condemning critics for mounting what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal campaign of harassment" against him and his family.

Kramnik's Statement

The fifty-year-old former world champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for alleging Naroditsky of digital foul play lacking proof, expressed condolences but denied any personal attacks.

"Regardless of our differences, I was the sole individual in the chess community who, observing through footage Daniel's obvious health issues a day before his death, publicly called for him to get assistance," Kramnik stated. "The subsequent attempts, immediately following his passing, to directly link this sorrowful incident to my name … cross all boundaries of fundamental human decency."

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

Investigation Details

The demise of the grandmaster may have been the result of a drug overdose and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, according to a law enforcement document released Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department indicates Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation."

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

Chess World Response

Anger over Kramnik's conduct has dominated the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura described his actions "appalling", while reigning champion Carlsen described it as "horrible". GM from India Nihal Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his final online match, blamed Kramnik for "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "totally inappropriate".

Grandmaster's Impact

A Stanford-educated prodigy and former world youth champion, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on streaming platforms. Referred to as Danya, he was celebrated for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a leading voice in chess's pandemic-era boom. He was also one of the world's finest players under rapid formats, finishing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York.

Naroditsky consistently denied the accusations but admitted the impact they had taken on his psychological well-being. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people assume the worst," Naroditsky said in his last online broadcast.

Organizational Statements

The International Chess Federation (Fide) announced recently it was "investigating" Kramnik's actions. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide chief executive Emil Sutovsky stated. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a memorial award.

Fide president Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be submitted to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "for independent consideration".

"Life and human worth are core principles universally upheld," Dvorkovich stressed. "The chess community has always valued the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a duty to maintain the standards of equity and consideration."

Loved Ones' Wish

Naroditsky's relatives have expressed they hope he is remembered not for the hostility he endured but for "the joy and inspiration he brought people every day". Magnus Carlsen described him "an asset to chess", while Nakamura referred to him as "among the finest".

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