Former world champion Vladimir Kramnik is currently facing disciplinary actions over his public allegations against U.S. grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky. This dispute has garnered heightened attention following the untimely death of Naroditsky at the age of 29.
Kramnik’s Accusations and Community Response
Kramnik accused Naroditsky of online cheating last year. These allegations burdened Naroditsky, who openly discussed the toll they took on him during his final Twitch broadcast. Kramnik’s accusations have sparked outrage within the chess community.
FIDE’s Intervention
The International Chess Federation (FIDE) is taking the matter seriously. FIDE president Arkady Dvorkovich announced that Kramnik’s statements would be referred to the Ethics and Disciplinary Commission for review. This decision was prompted not only by the recent events but also by the need to uphold integrity in the sport.
- FIDE formally addresses Kramnik’s remarks.
- Consideration of Naroditsky’s mental health is paramount.
Community Condemnation of Kramnik’s Conduct
Many prominent figures in chess have condemned Kramnik’s behavior. Hikaru Nakamura, the world number two, expressed his disapproval during a stream, emphasizing how unacceptable Kramnik’s actions were. Former world champion Magnus Carlsen echoed this sentiment, describing Kramnik’s treatment of Naroditsky as “horrible.”
Indian grandmaster Nihal Sarin called for accountability, stating that Naroditsky had been under significant stress due to the accusations. Additionally, streamer Nemo Zhou urged FIDE to take action, labeling the situation as “unacceptable.”
Tributes to Daniel Naroditsky
In light of Naroditsky’s passing, FIDE has extended condolences to his family and will honor him with a special award. This award will recognize his contributions as a player, teacher, and commentator in the chess world.
Kramnik’s Denial of Wrongdoing
In response to the backlash, Kramnik denied any intent to bully Naroditsky. He requested clarity from FIDE regarding his public statements, asserting he never personally insulted Naroditsky. Kramnik called attention to his own experiences of receiving threats from members of the chess community, underscoring the heated environment surrounding these allegations.
Naroditsky’s Legacy
Daniel Naroditsky, a Stanford graduate and former world under-12 champion, was a significant figure in online chess. With a following of hundreds of thousands across platforms like YouTube and Twitch, he greatly influenced the modern chess landscape. He finished ninth in the previous year’s blitz world championship.
As the chess community reflects on this tragic loss, the focus remains on the ongoing issues of accountability and mental health within the sport.
