Chess.com has introduced a new trophy named the Naroditsky Cup to honor Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, who tragically passed away in October at the young age of 29.
On October 20, 2023, Daniel Naroditsky, a prominent chess player and content creator widely known as Danya, died. His passing sent shockwaves through the community, resulting in an outpouring of condolences from fans and fellow players alike.
Naroditsky began his chess journey at just six years old, quickly showcasing remarkable talent. By the age of 11, he had already claimed the Northern California K-12 Chess Championship and soon after secured the prestigious World Youth Championship title in the under-12 category.
Introducing the Naroditsky Cup: A Lasting Tribute
In a recent announcement via X, Chess.com revealed that the Naroditsky Cup will debut at the 2025 Speed Chess Championship. This distinguished trophy aims to commemorate the late Grandmaster’s significant contributions to the game.
Mirroring the tradition of the NHL’s Stanley Cup, the Naroditsky Cup will have winners’ names engraved on it, including those of previous champions, ensuring that Danya’s legacy is etched in history.
This unique trophy is poised to become the defining accolade of the Speed Chess Championship, as confirmed by Chess.com—a move that highlights Naroditsky’s influence on the event through his insightful commentary over the years.
Sam Copeland, Head of Community for Chess.com, stated, “While the event will maintain its name as the Speed Chess Championship, we are establishing the permanent Naroditsky Cup as a tribute to Danya’s extensive impact on chess and this event.”
The announcement has garnered positive responses from the chess community. Women’s Grandmaster Nemo Zhou expressed her support by saying, “well done, ” while fellow player Anna Cramling celebrated the tribute with a barrage of clapping emojis.
Well done 👏
— Nemo (@akaNemsko) October 30, 2025
This announcement arrives amid controversies, notably the backlash against former world champion Vladimir Kramnik, who faces calls for a competitive ban after making allegations involving Naroditsky and other leading players. While Kramnik denies any accountability for Naroditsky’s death, he has submitted a report following threats he received, linked to the fallout of his statements.
The 2025 Speed Chess Championship is set to conclude on February 8, 2026, featuring elite players from the global chess arena, including Magnus Carlsen, Hikaru Nakamura, Alireza Firouzja, and Hans Niemann.
Related Articles:
Arby’s Free Sandwich Deal with Purchase During May Weekends
19:55
California Resident Creates Stunning Drone Show to Assist Delivery Drivers in Locating His Home
19:39
Emiru Stuns Maya with $30K Bid on Animal Artwork, Raising $114K for Alveus Sanctuary
19:00
Leave a Reply