The World Chess Federation (FIDE) has announced it is reviewing public criticisms made by former world champion Vladimir Kramnik against Daniel Naroditsky prior to the U.S. Grandmaster’s recent passing.
FIDE CEO Emil Sutovsky told Reuters the organization is “looking into” comments made by Kramnik, in which the Russian player accused Naroditsky, who died this week at the age of 29, of online cheating.
Before his death, Naroditsky denied the allegations and alluded to the controversy’s impact on him during his final Twitch broadcast.
Kramnik informed Reuters he would not comment on Sutovsky’s statement at this time, stating he would “rather tell the story in whole” later.
Naroditsky’s family announced his “unexpected” death in a statement released Monday by his club, the Charlotte Chess Centre. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Kramnik also indicated on X he was planning legal action against “all those falsely blaming me.” He described Naroditsky’s death as a “tragedy” that warrants police investigation, offering to “provide all information required.”
He further stated that he would respond if FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich issues a statement.
Naroditsky was a widely admired player, educator, and commentator, and a leading figure in online chess, with hundreds of thousands of followers across Twitch and YouTube, where he was known as Danya.
Several prominent figures within the chess community, including world number two Hikaru Nakamura, former world champion Magnus Carlsen, and Indian Grandmaster Nihal Sarin, have criticized Kramnik’s conduct.
Carlsen described Naroditsky’s treatment as “horrible,” while Sarin stated on X that Kramnik “needs to pay for what he’s doing,” adding that Naroditsky had been under “immense pressure” due to Kramnik’s accusations.
“The relentless, baseless accusations and public interrogations he faced in recent months caused him immense pressure and pain,” Sarin posted.
“This has to stop. When respected figures spread unfounded allegations without accountability, real lives are destroyed.”
He added: “Daniel’s smile faded after the attacks began. We all saw it. The chess world has lost one of its brightest lights – someone who made our game accessible to millions.”
British professional chess champion Jovanka Houska also voiced support for FIDE’s investigation.
She told the BBC’s Gabriela Pomeroy: “People should not be allowed to accuse other people of cheating just like that, and not face any consequences. It should not be trial by social media, which at times it has been.”
Nakamura, a close friend of Naroditsky, has also reportedly criticized Kramnik’s behavior, while streamer Nemo Zhou called the situation “unacceptable” and urged FIDE to take action.
The organization has offered condolences to Naroditsky’s family, stating it would honor him with a special award.
Kramnik, who held the world championship title from 2000-2007 and describes himself as an “advocate for fair play in chess,” told Reuters: “I’d rather tell the story in whole, no wish commenting on Emil Sutovsky statement, but will comment on Fide president [Arkady Dvorkovich] statement, if it will appear.”
The Russian player, who has also accused other players of cheating, further commented on X: “Without a doubt, this recent tragedy should be investigated by police, there are too many huge financial interests involved to be sure about it being just an incident. I am ready to provide all information required.”
Naroditsky, a former world under-12 champion whose parents were Jewish immigrants from the Soviet Union, finished ninth in last year’s blitz world championship.
The Charlotte Chess Centre described him as a “cherished member of the chess community, admired and respected by fans and players around the world.”
Naroditsky was renowned for his chess YouTube channel, featuring video tutorials and livestreams against competitors, which inspired hundreds of thousands of people globally to engage with the game.
Naroditsky’s channel boasted nearly 500,000 subscribers, while his Twitch stream garnered 340,000 followers.
Fans lauded his insight and passion, and the International Chess Federation acknowledged his “pivotal role in popularising chess content online.”
The young prodigy’s “unexpected passing” was announced by his family on Monday.
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