FIDE to establish special prize in memory of Daniel Naroditsky, says president Arkady Dvorkovich

Naroditsky was only 29, a major figure in the community, and a successful chess player, streamer, and trainer.

This undated photo released by Charlotte Chess Center shows Daniel Naroditsky playing chess on the board. (Kelly Centrelli/Charlotte Chess Center via AP

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich on Monday said that the chess body will establish a special prize in memory of American Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky who passed away on Monday. “Terrible, tragic news — still I cannot believe in what we all know from yesterday… I was checking with other GMs for some time as I simply could not stand it,” Dvorkovich posted on Facebook

“Danya (and for all of us, in our hearts, he will always remain Danya) was not only a brilliant grandmaster, but also a tireless ambassador for chess, and above all — a kind, compassionate, and truly good person. We will always remember him. FIDE will establish a special prize in memory of Grandmaster Naroditsky and his contribution to the world of chess,” he added.

On Monday, the news of Naroditsk’s death was posted by X account of the Charlotte Chess Center with a statement from his family. The post read: “The Naroditsky family shares the sad news of Daniel’s unexpected passing. Daniel was a talented chess player, educator, and beloved member of the chess community. We ask for privacy as the family grieves.”

FIDE will establish a special prize in memory of GM Daniel Naroditsky. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich (@advorkovich) shared this on social media. pic.twitter.com/ZA5Bv3Lzub

— International Chess Federation (@FIDE_chess) October 21, 2025

Naroditsky was only 29, a major figure in the community, and a successful chess player, streamer, and trainer.

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Former World Champion and Russian Grandmaster Vladimir Kramnik, who had previously accused Naroditsky of cheating in online chess, raised suspicion over the shocking death. Shortly after the tragic news was announced, Kramnik posted a series of explosive tweets questioning the circumstances of Naroditsky’s sudden passing.

Naroditsky became a Grandmaster at the age of 18 in 2013 and has been a consistent feature in the top 200 in the world and top 15 in the US in Classical Chess. He was also in the top 75 in Rapid and top 25 in Blitz. Last year, he crossed 2700 FIDE Blitz for the first time.

This year, he won the US National Blitz Championship and as of August, he held a FIDE blitz rating of 2732 which made him an 18th ranked player in the World and No. 6 in America.