
Daniel Naroditsky was a force to be reckoned with in the chess world. The late 29-year-old grandmaster left behind a strong portfolio of work as not only a competitor, but also an author, commentator and coach. Thanks to his years of dedication, Daniel increased his overall net worth and built a lasting legacy. After he died in October 2025, fans and peers mourned his death and remembered him for his talent and drive.
Below, learn more about Daniel’s career and earnings.
Who Was Daniel Naroditsky? About the Chess Grandmaster
Daniel was famous for his ability to play chess blindfolded. He learned how to play the game when he was 6 years old by his father, Vladimir.
Throughout his adolescence, Daniel honed his competitive skills and won the Under-12 section of the 2007 World Youth Chess Championship in the 2013 U.S. Junior Championship. By the time he was 18, Daniel was officially awarded the grandmaster title. He also built a substantial following on both YouTube and Twitch.
What Was Daniel Naroditsky’s Net Worth?
While Daniel’s exact net worth is unclear, multiple outlets reported that it was estimated to be between $500,000 and $1 million before he died.
Daniel made his fortune through various opportunities aside from chess wins. Over the years of his competitive career, he earned prize money that reportedly racked up to about $100,000.
Through his YouTube and Twitch content creations, Daniel was able to increase his overall income. After all, Daniel boasted hundreds of thousands of followers on both platforms, and the more engagement a content creator acquires, the more money they earn.
Daniel was also a published author, having wrote the works Mastering Positional Chess and Mastering Complex Endgames.
What Happened to Daniel Naroditsky Before His Death?
Daniel’s family did not elaborate on his untimely death in their original public statement. Therefore, the exact details surrounding his demise are unclear at the time of publication. No cause of death was given.