🔗 Share this article

The former world champion has broken his silence after the death of US chess star Daniel Naroditsky, describing the 29-year-old's demise as a tragedy while accusing critics for mounting what he termed an "unprecedentedly cynical and unlawful 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 only person in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's apparent health concerns a day before his death, openly urged for him to get assistance," Kramnik stated. "The subsequent attempts, right after 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 "even with substantial proof", and stated he would provide material to "appropriate officials". He mentioned his lawyers were preparing civil and criminal suits over "unfounded claims" that have led to threats against him and his family.

Investigation Details

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 law enforcement document released 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 answered an assist medic call in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the report says. "When they reached the scene, an unconscious individual was located and later pronounced deceased by a medical professional."

Community Reaction

Outrage regarding Kramnik's behavior has shaken the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura described his actions "appalling", while reigning champion Carlsen described it as "horrible". Indian grandmaster Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his final online match, blamed Kramnik for "taking a life", saying his vigilante campaign against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "completely unacceptable".

Naroditsky's Legacy

A graduate of Stanford and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky amassed over 800,000 followers on Twitch and YouTube. Referred to as Danya, he was celebrated for his humor, clarity and humility, becoming a prominent figure in chess's pandemic-era boom. He was also among the globe's top competitors under rapid formats, placing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York.

Naroditsky consistently denied the accusations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his mental health. "Ever since the Kramnik stuff, I feel like if I start doing well, people suspect foul play," Naroditsky said in his last online broadcast.

Official Responses

The World Chess Federation said this week it was "looking into" Kramnik's actions. "The way Kramnik approaches it simply is unacceptable," Fide chief executive Sutovsky commented. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a tribute prize.

Fide president Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, prior to and following his passing, would be referred to the organisation's Ethics and Disciplinary Commission "for independent consideration".

"Human life and dignity are fundamental values universally upheld," Dvorkovich stressed. "The chess community has long respected the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such stature brings a duty to uphold the principles of equity and consideration."

Loved Ones' Wish

Naroditsky's family have said they wish he is recalled not because of the hostility he endured but for "the joy and inspiration he brought people every day". Magnus Carlsen described him "a resource to the chess community", while Hikaru Nakamura described him as "among the finest".

• Within the United States, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, communicate via 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a support specialist.
• In the UK and Ireland, The Samaritans can be reached at 116 123, or message [email protected] or [email protected].
• Across Australia, the emergency help line Lifeline Australia is 13 11 14.
• Global support contacts can be found at befrienders.org.