The chess world is divided like never before. After the tragic death of American Grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, former World Champion Vladimir Kramnik continues to hurl cheating allegations against him, even posthumously. The accusations have ignited outrage across the global chess community, with many calling Kramnik’s actions cruel, unethical, and deeply disrespectful. Once celebrated for his brilliance and grace, Kramnik now faces questions about his judgment, obsession, and hypocrisy — especially given his own brush with “Toiletgate” in 2006. Has Kramnik’s fight for purity turned into a personal crusade? Or has he crossed the ultimate line of decency? Rupha Ramani uncovers how chess’s noblest game got caught in its darkest storm.
