Daniel Naroditsky, the American chess grandmaster and online educator known to millions as “Danya,” has died at age 29. The news emerged through social media posts from fellow chess players and community members. No official cause of death has been publicly disclosed.
Naroditsky was one of chess streaming’s most respected voices. His Twitch and YouTube channels drew hundreds of thousands of followers who valued his teaching style above all else.
He made complex chess concepts accessible. His speedrun series, where he climbed rating ladders while explaining every move, became essential viewing for players looking to improve. He broke down grandmaster thinking in real time without condescension or shortcuts.
Naroditsky earned his grandmaster title as a teenager. He wrote instructional books for New In Chess early in his career, including Mastering Positional Chess and a follow-up endgame volume that remain popular teaching tools.
But it was online where he found his largest audience. The chess boom that followed the pandemic made streaming chess a legitimate career path. Naroditsky became a central figure in that movement.
He coached celebrities during Chess.com’s PogChamps events. He provided commentary for major online tournaments. His bullet and blitz play showcased world-class speed chess while his calm demeanor made streams welcoming even during intense games.
The community knew him as “The Prophet” and praised his sportsmanship. He never raged at losses. He analyzed his mistakes openly and treated opponents with respect.
A teacher first
Naroditsky was streaming regularly up until his death. His YouTube channel had posted new content within days of the news breaking. He remained active and engaged with his community.
Fellow grandmasters and content creators have shared tributes. Many point to his generosity with time and knowledge. He answered chat questions during streams. He created educational content when more lucrative entertainment options existed.
His impact on chess education online is hard to overstate. Countless players credit his videos with helping them break through rating plateaus or understand concepts that had eluded them for years.
