FIDE names award after late chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has established an award in memory of the late American chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky. The "Best Creator" award will now bear Naroditsky's name, recognizing his "extraordinary contribution" to the chess world across various platforms.

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Through his broadcasts and videos, he combined a deep knowledge of chess with an exceptional ability to integrate people into the game.

Naroditsky, who passed away last October at the age of 29, was celebrated for his ability to blend profound chess knowledge with an exceptional talent for engaging audiences. FIDE noted that his broadcasts and videos were instrumental in making the game accessible and appealing to a wider audience.

FIDE President Arkady Dvorkovich described Naroditsky, known affectionately as 'Danya,' as embodying the best qualities of a chess player and creator. Dvorkovich highlighted Naroditsky's "greatest gift" as his clarity and "authentic warmth" in sharing his expertise, stating that he "educated, entertained, and inspired people worldwide."

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Danya represented the best that a chess player and creator can be. His greatest gift was his ability to share that knowledge with clarity and authentic warmth.

These new FIDE awards, announced in June, aim to acknowledge outstanding achievements by players, events, federations, and initiatives that benefit the global chess community. Naroditsky's posthumous recognition underscores his lasting impact on chess popularization and education.

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He educated, entertained, and inspired people worldwide and helped countless players feel closer to chess.