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The World Chess Federation (FIDE) has announced it will investigate former world champion Vladimir Kramnik over claims he harassed and bullied American Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky. before his death At the age of 29.
Naroditsky’s sudden death this week has sparked grief and anger across the chess community, with several prominent grandmasters and streamers pointing the finger at Kramnik after he led a year-long campaign accusing Naroditsky of cheating during online matches.
Naroditsky, himself a popular streamer and chess commentator, denied wrongdoing – and appeared clearly distressed during his final broadcast on Twitch, where he cited allegations And talked about the impact it had on them.
Indian Grandmaster Nihal Sarin, who was the last player to play a game of online chess against Naroditsky before his death, told Indian Express The 29-year-old man was “under extreme stress due to Kramnik’s numerous accusations” and said the Russian had “taken a life”.
Former world champions Magnus Carlsen and Hikaru Nakamura also condemned Kramnik’s behavior in videos addressing Naroditsky’s death. Kramnik, who has made similar allegations against other players, has denied wrongdoing and sued for defamation.
Declared world champion from 2000-2007 reuters: “Which public statement after Daniel’s death was false? … I have not threatened Daniel Naroditsky, nor ever made personal insults toward him.”
FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich said in a statement: “In recent times, public debate within the chess world has often gone beyond acceptable limits, damaging not only people’s reputations but their well-being. When this happens, discussions can devolve into harassment, bullying and personal attacks – which is of particularly grave concern in today’s environment.
“The chess community has long respected the achievements of GM Vladimir Kramnik, and his contributions to our game cannot be denied. However, the same high standards that come with great achievements also provide a responsibility to uphold the principles of fairness and respect, and to be an ambassador for the game.
“I, together with the FIDE Management Board, will formally refer all relevant public statements made by GM (Grandmaster) Vladimir Kramnik – both before and after the tragic death of GM Daniel Naroditsky – to the FIDE Ethics and Disciplinary Commission for independent consideration.
“At the same time, I reaffirm that FIDE will take appropriate action in any case where a lack of respect, public harassment, or bullying is observed within the chess community. We all share the responsibility to ensure that our game remains a place of integrity, respect, and humanity – values that should always prevail over hostility and division.”
Naroditsky was born in North Carolina in 1995, the son of Jewish immigrants from Ukraine and Azerbaijan.
Growing up in San Mateo County, California, he was a chess prodigy who quickly became World Chess Champion at the age of 18 and Grandmaster in 2013.
One of the most recognized chess players in America, he was consistently ranked in the top 200 worldwide in traditional chess and maintained a top 25 ranking in fast-paced blitz chess throughout his adult career. Most recently, he won the US National Blitz Championship in August with a perfect score.