FIDE Investigates Former Champion Kramnik Over Grandmaster Naroditsky Death Allegations

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) is investigating former world champion Vladimir Kramnik for repeatedly accusing American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky of cheating, accusations made without substantial evidence over the past year. Naroditsky, a highly ranked player and popular streamer, denied the allegations but admitted the persistent accusations severely affected his mental health, as reflected in his final public Twitch broadcast before his sudden death at age 29. The cause of Naroditsky's death has not been disclosed, but the chess community has expressed outrage and grief, with top players like Hikaru Nakamura and Magnus Carlsen condemning Kramnik's conduct as harmful and unacceptable. FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich emphasized the seriousness of harassment and bullying within the chess world and has referred Kramnik's statements to the Ethics and Disciplinary Commission for review. Naroditsky's family has asked to focus on his memory rather than the controversy, while fellow grandmasters demand accountability for the emotional distress caused by Kramnik's accusations. The case has sparked a broader discussion about the impact of unproven public allegations on players' wellbeing and the responsibilities of high-profile figures in the chess community.