One of America’s most gifted chess minds — a player, teacher, and voice who brought millions into the beauty of the game — has died far too soon.

Daniel Naroditsky, the chess grandmaster and beloved online educator affectionately known as “Danya,” passed away at just 29 years old. His death was confirmed by the Charlotte Chess Center in North Carolina, where he served as head coach and mentor to countless students. The center called him “a talented chess player, educator, and beloved member of the chess community.”

His family released a brief statement asking that he be remembered “for his passion and love for the game.” No cause of death has yet been made public.

To fans worldwide, Naroditsky wasn’t simply another grandmaster — he was the gentle, witty presence who turned late-night chess streams into moments of magic. On YouTube and Twitch, where he taught and played under the name Danya, his calm explanations and infectious enthusiasm drew in hundreds of thousands. He made even the most complex endgames feel like stories worth telling.

“He loved streaming, and he loved trying to be educational,” said fellow grandmaster Hikaru Nakamura, holding back tears during a tribute livestream. “The chess world is very grateful.”