🔗 Share this article

The former world champion has broken his silence after the death of US chess star 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 family.

Kramnik's Statement

The fifty-year-old ex-champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for accusing Naroditsky of online cheating lacking proof, offered sympathies but denied any personal attacks.

"Regardless of our differences, I was the only person 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 declared. "The subsequent attempts, right after 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 stated he would provide material to "appropriate officials". He noted his lawyers were drafting civil and criminal suits over "false accusations" that have led to threats against him and his family.

Investigation Details

The death of Naroditsky may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being investigated as a possible suicide, according to a police report issued last Thursday. A statement from Charlotte authorities says Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."

"On Sunday October 19th at around 7:11 PM, officers responded to an assist medic call in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the document states. "Upon arrival, an unresponsive subject was found and later declared dead by a medic."

Community Reaction

Outrage regarding Kramnik's behavior has shaken the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura described his actions "disgusting", while five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen labeled it "terrible". Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his last digital game, blamed Kramnik for "causing a death", saying his vigilante campaign against alleged rule-breakers was ineffective and "completely unacceptable".

Naroditsky's Legacy

A graduate of Stanford and former world youth champion, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on Twitch and YouTube. Known as Danya, he was praised for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a prominent figure in chess's COVID-period surge. He was also among the globe's top competitors under rapid formats, finishing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York.

Naroditsky repeatedly refuted the allegations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his mental health. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, 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 chief executive Emil Sutovsky stated. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a tribute prize.

Fide president Arkady Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be referred to the federation's disciplinary body "for independent consideration".

"Human life and dignity are fundamental values universally upheld," Dvorkovich emphasized. "The chess community has always valued the accomplishments of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a responsibility to uphold the principles of equity and consideration."

Family's Hope

Naroditsky's relatives have expressed they wish he is recalled not because of the confrontation he faced but for "the happiness and motivation he brought people every day". Carlsen called him "a resource to the chess community", while Hikaru Nakamura described him as "the best of us".

• Within the United States, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor.
• In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or email [email protected] or [email protected].
• In Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline is 13 11 14.
• Other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.