Close associates of Daniel Naroditsky advised the chess grandmaster to cease playing fast-paced blitz games just hours before his untimely passing. The 29-year-old was discovered at his residence in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Sunday, October 20..
Naroditsky frequently live-streamed his game sessions on the popular video platform Twitch, with one of his recent broadcasts garnering significant attention with nearly a million views on YouTube. His channel on the video-sharing platform boasts a substantial following of over half a million subscribers.
During his final live stream, two of Naroditsky’s close friends, Peter Giannatos and Oleksandr Bortnyk, engaged in a conversation with him, as reported by the Daily Mail. Bortnyk, a Ukrainian grandmaster, and Giannatos, the head of the Charlotte Chess Centre, were heard advising Naroditsky to rest and end his gaming session.
In the early hours of Saturday morning, Giannatos urged Naroditsky to go to sleep, to which Naroditsky responded, “Just a few more games, and then I’ll retire for the night.” Despite setting a self-imposed curfew, Naroditsky expressed his desire to continue playing before resting.
Following a few more games, Giannatos persisted in advising Naroditsky to conclude the stream. Despite winning the matches, Naroditsky proposed ending the stream upon his next loss, prompting a playful exchange between the friends.
Naroditsky alluded to past cheating accusations made by former world champion Vladimir Kramnik, expressing concerns about public perceptions regarding his gameplay intentions. Giannatos reassured Naroditsky, emphasizing that he did not need to prove himself to doubters.
In response to the ongoing controversy, Naroditsky’s mother, Elena, highlighted his dedication to upholding his integrity as a chess player and his relentless efforts to dispel any unfounded allegations of cheating.
Vladimir Kramnik commented on Naroditsky’s tragic passing, emphasizing the necessity for a thorough investigation by the authorities to uncover the truth behind the circumstances leading to the event.
Naroditsky’s older brother, Alan, expressed profound sorrow over the loss, describing his brother as not just a renowned chess figure but also a cherished family member and friend.
Alan reminisced about their inseparable bond as children, sharing common interests and a deep connection beyond their professional pursuits. He fondly remembered Naroditsky as his closest companion and a remarkable individual.
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