🔗 Share this article

The former world champion has spoken out after the tragic passing of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's loss as a tragedy while condemning critics for mounting what he termed an "deeply cynical and unlawful campaign of harassment" against him and his loved ones.

Kramnik's Statement

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

"Despite the tensions, 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 explicitly connect this tragic event to my name … violate every limit of basic human morality."

Kramnik said his earlier calls for a review of Naroditsky's digital games had been ignored "despite a significant amount of evidence", and stated he would provide material to "any relevant authority". He noted his lawyers were preparing legal actions over "unfounded claims" that have led to threats against him and his family.

Police Findings

The death of Naroditsky may have been the result of a drug overdose and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, based on a police report issued last Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department says Naroditsky was discovered deceased Sunday evening and describes the case as a "Death/suicide/overdose/Sudden/Natural Death Investigation."

"On Sunday October 19th at around 7:11 PM, officers answered an assist medic call in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the report says. "When they reached the scene, an unresponsive subject was located and later pronounced deceased by a medic."

Chess World Response

Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura called his behavior "appalling", while five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen described it as "terrible". Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his last digital game, blamed Kramnik for "taking a life", saying his vigilante campaign against alleged rule-breakers was fruitless and "totally inappropriate".

Grandmaster's Impact

A Stanford-educated prodigy and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on streaming platforms. Referred to as Danya, he was celebrated for his wit, insight and modesty, becoming a prominent figure in chess's COVID-period surge. He was also among the globe's top competitors under shorter time controls, placing ninth at last year's blitz world championship in New York.

Naroditsky consistently denied the accusations but admitted the impact they had taken on his mental health. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I begin performing strongly, people assume the worst," Naroditsky said in his final livestream.

Organizational Statements

The World Chess Federation said this week it was "looking into" Kramnik's behavior. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply can't be accepted," Fide CEO Emil Sutovsky commented. The organization plans to honor Naroditsky with a tribute prize.

Fide president Dvorkovich later verified that all of Kramnik's public statements about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be submitted to the federation's disciplinary body "to be reviewed independently".

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

Loved Ones' Wish

Naroditsky's relatives have said they wish he is recalled not because of the hostility he endured but for "the happiness and motivation he brought people every day". Magnus Carlsen called him "an asset to chess", while Hikaru Nakamura referred to him as "among the finest".

• 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 support specialist.
• In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected].
• In Australia, the crisis support service Lifeline is 13 11 14.
• Other international helplines can be located through befrienders.org.