🔗 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 demise as a tragedy while condemning critics for mounting what he termed an "deeply cynical and illegal targeted 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.

"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, openly urged for him to receive help," Kramnik declared. "The subsequent attempts, right after his passing, to directly link this tragic event to my name … cross all boundaries of fundamental human decency."

Kramnik asserted his earlier requests for examination of Naroditsky's digital games had been ignored "even with substantial proof", and claimed he would submit documentation to "appropriate officials". He mentioned his lawyers were preparing legal actions over "false accusations" that have resulted in dangers against him and his family.

Police Findings

The death of Naroditsky may have been the consequence of substance overuse and is being examined as a potential self-harm case, according to a police report released Thursday. A report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg police department says Naroditsky was found dead Sunday evening and classifies the case as a "Investigation into sudden death."

"Last Sunday, October 19 at around 7:11 PM, officers answered an emergency medical request in the vicinity of Colin Crossing," the report says. "When they reached the scene, an unresponsive subject was found and later declared dead by a medical professional."

Chess World Response

Anger over Kramnik's conduct has dominated the chess world. Grandmaster Nakamura called his behavior "disgusting", while reigning champion Magnus Carlsen labeled it "horrible". GM from India Nihal Sarin, who played Naroditsky in his final online match, blamed Kramnik for "causing a death", saying his self-appointed pursuit against suspected cheaters was ineffective and "totally inappropriate".

Naroditsky's Legacy

A graduate of Stanford and ex-youth titleholder, Naroditsky gathered more than 800k fans on streaming platforms. Referred to as Danya, he was praised for his wit, insight and modesty, becoming a leading voice in chess's pandemic-era boom. He was also among the globe's top competitors under shorter time controls, finishing ninth at last year's blitz world championship in New York.

Naroditsky repeatedly refuted the accusations but acknowledged the toll they had taken on his psychological well-being. "Since the Kramnik controversy, I feel like if I start doing well, people assume the worst," Naroditsky said in his last online broadcast.

Official Responses

The World Chess Federation announced recently it was "investigating" Kramnik's behavior. "Kramnik's methodology simply is unacceptable," Fide chief executive Sutovsky stated. The federation plans to honor Naroditsky with a tribute prize.

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

"Human life and dignity are core principles shared by all of us," Dvorkovich emphasized. "The chess community has long respected the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, but such status brings a duty to maintain the standards of equity and consideration."

Family's Hope

Naroditsky's family have expressed they hope he is remembered not for the confrontation he faced but for "the happiness and motivation he provided others every day". Carlsen described 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 Suicide Prevention Hotline on 988, chat on 988lifeline.org, or text HOME to 741741 to reach a crisis counselor.
• Throughout Britain 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.
• Global support contacts can be located through befrienders.org.