🔗 Share this article

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

Former Champion's Response

The 50-year-old ex-champion, who has faced widespread condemnation for alleging Naroditsky of digital foul play lacking proof, expressed condolences but denied any personal attacks.

"Despite the tensions, I was the only person in the chess community who, noticing on video Daniel's apparent health concerns 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 sorrowful incident to my name … violate every limit of basic human morality."

Kramnik said his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's digital games had been overlooked "even with substantial proof", and stated he would provide material to "any relevant authority". He mentioned his lawyers were preparing civil and criminal suits over "false accusations" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family.

Police Findings

The demise of the grandmaster may have been the result of a drug overdose and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, based on a police report released Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department indicates Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."

"On Sunday October 19th at approximately 07:11pm, officers responded to an assist medic call in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the report says. "When they reached the scene, an unconscious individual was found and later pronounced deceased by a medic."

Chess World Response

Outrage regarding Kramnik's conduct has shaken the chess world. Hikaru Nakamura described his actions "appalling", while five-time world champion Magnus Carlsen labeled it "terrible". GM from India Nihal Sarin, who faced Naroditsky in his last digital game, blamed Kramnik for "taking a life", saying his vigilante campaign against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "completely unacceptable".

Naroditsky's Legacy

A Stanford-educated prodigy and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on streaming platforms. Referred to as Danya, he was celebrated 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, finishing ninth at last year's speed chess title event in New York.

Naroditsky consistently denied the allegations 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 remarked in his last online broadcast.

Organizational Statements

The International Chess Federation (Fide) said this week it was "looking into" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply can't be accepted," Fide chief executive Emil Sutovsky stated. The organization plans to honor Naroditsky with a memorial award.

Federation president Dvorkovich later confirmed that all of Kramnik's official remarks about Naroditsky, before and after his death, would be referred to the federation's disciplinary body "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 duty to maintain the standards of equity and consideration."

Loved Ones' Wish

Naroditsky's family have expressed they hope he is remembered not for the hostility he endured but for "the happiness and motivation he provided others every day". Magnus Carlsen called him "an asset to chess", while Nakamura described him as "among the finest".

• In the US, you can call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or message 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 emergency help line Lifeline is 13 11 14.
• Other international helplines can be located through befrienders.org.