Daniel Naroditsky

Danya's passing hit me as hard as Robin Williams. I remember exactly where I was when I heard the bad news. Both were genius. Both of them could make me laugh from deep inside. Every time I watched Danya commentate or present videos he would reawaken the wonder and love for chess that I felt when I was a kid. His brilliance at everything he touched was undeniable. The void he left behind is palpable. I would like to be more articulate at expressing my feelings, but my sensei is no more.

I will never forget watching Danya's commentary as a kid when we would watch chess championships together as a family. He was so sweet, so smart, so articulate. He loved the game and he loved teaching people. Just thinking about Danya brings me happy memories of my own childhood. Danya, we will never forget you. Thank you for living a life that brought joy to other people. You are sorely missed. Memory eternal.

Rest in Peace and may you keep blitzing in Heaven

You've given us so much over the years, your passion for chess was truly contagious. Thank you. May you rest in peace.

You always be remembered for being a well intentioned person. May you rest in peace.

Chess world will miss him. But his legacy is alive. Adieu!

Daniel, you don't know me personally but you made an impact on my life and my son's life. We got so much joy from your chess content. We bonded together, sitting, watching your speed-run videos and learning from your vast knowledge and enthusiasm for such an amazing game. Your ability to weave chess history, historic games, and theoretical and positional mastery was second to none. I know I am not the only person in the world in how you affected in this way. The outpouring of condolences, a vast amount, is but a drop in the bucket for what you gave to the world. You didn't know me but I respected you. You didn't know me, but I valued you. I promise, in my own way, in a very amateur way, to carry on the spirit you gave to me for the game of chess. I hope you are in a better place, I am a man of resurgent faith and I believe this. Whether it is the eternal continuum of the universal "ether" or heaven or whatever is beyond this mortal coil, you were a light. And light cannot be destroyed. In your passing you have given all things some of your energy and we are blessed because of this. For myself, to be so upset about another man passing on, having never met or known them, is a testament to your goodness, genuineness, and pure spirit you embodied. I just had to say something, express it to the void of this account, but perhaps through the bond all elemental things share, you will receive it. God bless you Danya. God Bless You. DANIEL NARODITSKY LIVED!

Though we never met in person, Danya was very much a part of my life through his streams, which I've watched for many years, almost on a daily basis.
How rare it is to encounter a person who not only played at the level Danya did, but who was also able to warm hundreds of thousands of others to the game. I hadn't played for years until I saw him in action, reinspiring me to play and study the game once more. I'm sure that in that regard, I'm but one of many.

I didn't know him in person, but having watched hundreds of hours of his content, I do feel that I knew him a little bit - and what I saw was a kind, humble, magnanimous, and simply generally a good man.

It still feels surreal that he's not here anymore. The world's a tiny bit darker and emptier for it.

you were an inspiration to millions
your legend will live on forever

Danya will always be remembered as the penultimate gentleman, scholar and broadcaster. As a GM, he gave so much to the international chess community and was a true humanitarian. This world will be less now that you have left us. Rest in peace, our dearest brother, and may your memory and legacy live in perpetuity, rendering strength, insight and vigor to those familiar with your journey.

Danny, may your soul rest in peace. We watched your games and rise as a GM. Okoye family. NY

I subscribed to his YouTube channel and Daniel was truly an extraordinary person. His GM title speaks for itself. I have never came across someone who was able to teach the game like he could. Truly a trailblazer and ahead of his time. He also had this way about him that is hard to describe - basically a beacon of light.

Daniel thank you for everything.

large part of my chess playing inspired by Danya; his style is so fun to watch. Danya was exceptional person. GM of mankind. we will miss you so much danya. your legacy will live on.

Thank you for everything Danya, you will always be remembered for how you played the game, an inspiration too millions. I'm sad you're gone, you'll be fondly remembered. May your spirit continue to play the game you loved.

I never had the honor of meeting Danya in person, but I came to know him through his videos. He was an exceptional human being - kind, intelligent, funny, and deeply passionate. His warmth and spirit touched countless lives, and his legacy will continue to inspire and be remembered forever.

What an incredible man. I've followed Danya for 7 years and fell in love with the game of chess through his lessons and commentary. Truly an incredible spirit and wonderful human being. Sending love from Colorado, I wish you all peace and comfort during this challenging time.

Thank you, Danya.

Rest in Peace. I remember following his journey as a master of chess, to be able to master that is a gift. I am so sorry for the family loss. Prayers to you all!!

Danya was a bright light in a dark world. Yes, he was great as a chess player, teacher, author, Twitch streamer, Youtuber, and everyone agrees that he was the best chess commentator- bar none. But he was so much more- So smart. So funny. So educated. So cultured. So interesting. So entertaining. So witty. So articulate. So fair. So diplomatic. So reasonable. So forgiving. So admired. And now, So missed.

I will especially miss you, my friend. Peace be upon you.

I send my sincerest and deepest heart-felt condolences and prayers to your loving mother and family.

Sincerely yours,
FenBinegold

Danya's passing is having a bigger impact on me than I initially suspected. I still can't believe he's no longer with us. He was by far the most genuine, honest and inspirational chess content creator. I am going to miss him so much.

My deepest condolences to the friends and family of Daniel. Though I only knew him through his online presence, it was so clear that he was someone whose light shined brightly. He shared that light so generously and touched so many so deeply. What a kind soul. My heart breaks over his passing. Rest in peace Danya.

I didn't know Danya, but it felt like I did. I spent countless hours listening, watching his speed runs. When I was new to chess, his videos helped the most. His tandem with Hess, was by far my favorite commentary. He was also just such a nice and genuine guy, people like him make me want to be better. The world is a lesser place with this loss and I will miss all his video and content. He will live on though, a lot of people loved him and hopefully he feels all of the love that he so deserves

To the family, I am so sorry for your loss. Daniel was a funny, brilliant, gracious and dignified young man. My kids loved him very much. He inspired my youngest (now 14) to play chess, first as his online role model and mentor, to more recently as team coach and game analyzer. This is extraordinarily heart-breaking. He will be missed.

My heartfelt condolences to the Naroditsky family. Praying for God´s comfort and peace for you during this difficult time. I always very much enjoyed watching Daniel´s commentary. Especially, when he was joined by Robert Hess. They always made the viewing of matches exciting, educational, and fun. Daniel will be missed.

Love and prayers to Daniel Naroditsky family and friends also God bless you to Daniel Naroditsky family and friends also I miss my best friend Daniel Naroditsky forever very much also I love my best friend Daniel Naroditsky forever very much also Rest In Peace. Amen.

Your best friend Paul Torres.

P. S. Paul and Daniel are best friends forever very much.

Daniel Naroditsky was more than a chess player to me. He was a role model. I wanted to be a top player such as him someday. My heart goes out to him and his family, as he was one of the people who got me into chess in the first place. Fly high, Danya

Loved watching him commentate, teach and share his passion of chess. He seemed like a such exuberant human who selflessly gave himself to the game. He'll live on thru his videos and legacy but the world is a bit darker without Danya in it. Much love to his family, friends and fans.

Such a great teacher, such a great man.

Today the world is a little darker.

Thinking of the family and friends of this very wonderful human being, and thinking of this wonderful human being, who has touched so many hearts and minds.

I loved Danya. Goodbye man, I know you will still be helping me in chess in the afterlife

I overlapped with Daniel at Stanford and knew him through a friend he in a relationship with. He was always a very kind and bright person. I enjoyed talking with him and his presence in the Stanford community. This is heartbreaking news to hear. Sending lots of love and condolences to his family.

A great man

May Daniel´s memory be a Blessing. Daniel was someone I watched on social media and the purity, goodness of his soul, his generosity and grace was always shining through, even when he was joking around with other chess influencers, also his friends. He touched so many lives and I hope something will be set up to honor his memory and continue his legacy of education. I and others I am sure would like to make a contribute. Prayers.

Mein aufrichtiges Mitgefühl für die Familie und Freunde. Es ist unfassbar und vollkommen surreal.

I have known and followed Danya since we played at a World Open tournament when he was only 10-11 years old. I have watched many of his streams and commentaries. This feels like a personal loss.

He will be missed greatly, and remembered not only as a chess player, but a pillar of good character, inspiration, and humor for the chess community.

RIP Sensei Danya. We all love you

I´m so sorry for the loss of this talented young man. May the God of Comfort be with you during this difficult time.

Such a brilliant chess player whose career started at a very early age and he continued rise to become one of the best. So very sorry, prayers and condolences to the Naroditsky family. May God be with you in your time of loss.

Rest in peace, GM Daniel Naroditsky. Your brilliance, kindness, and passion for the game will never be forgotten.

My heart aches for the loss of Daniel Naroditsky. He wasn´t just a chess genius - he was a beautiful human being, full of warmth, kindness, and wisdom beyond his years. To his family and loved ones, please accept my deepest sympathy. Daniel´s light will live on in every heart he touched and every student he inspired.
Giannatos family