American chess grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky has strongly rebuked former world champion Vladimir Kramnik, calling his actions “worse than dirt” following fresh cheating allegations during the ongoing World Rapid and Blitz Championship. Naroditsky’s comments are a response to Kramnik’s persistent claims of cheating in online blitz games, which have stirred controversy in the chess community.
Speaking on the “Take Take Take” podcast, Naroditsky did not hold back, criticizing Kramnik and his supporters for their accusations. “It’s a reputation-ending crime to do it as a grandmaster. But what Kramnik and his supporters have done… morally, it makes you worse than dirt,” Naroditsky stated. He admitted that the ongoing accusations and social media chatter have taken a toll on him, revealing that they affect him every time he plays online.
“I’ve been civil and courteous for too long,” Naroditsky continued. “I’m really sick of it. I’m not going to tolerate any of the hate any longer.” He also confessed that the constant cheating allegations have strained his relationships with other top players in the chess world. “I feel like a lot of players are two-faced,” he added, noting that while some players appear supportive on the surface, behind the scenes, they may either fuel the allegations or harbor their own doubts.
Kramnik, who has been vocal about his suspicions of cheating in online blitz games, has frequently posted what he claims to be evidence of foul play. His remarks earlier this year were also criticized by American GM Hikaru Nakamura, who dismissed Kramnik’s assertions, saying he “doesn’t have a brain.”
The clash between Naroditsky and Kramnik highlights the growing tensions surrounding cheating allegations in online chess, as the game grapples with maintaining integrity in the digital era.
