Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Nov 4: Top chess grandmaster Levon Aronian has expressed deep concern over former world champion Vladimir Kramnik’s ongoing campaign against alleged online cheating, saying that his once-close friend now needs professional help.

Speaking to The Indian Express on the sidelines of the FIDE World Cup, Aronian said he had “stopped trying to convince” Kramnik, who has repeatedly accused players of cheating without offering solid proof. “He’s in a place where I think he needs professional help. I care for him, I wish him the best, but I cannot help him,” Aronian said.

The Armenian-American grandmaster added, “Me trying to convince him will not work anymore. I’ve tried doing it and understood that he just perceives it in the wrong way.”

Earlier this year, Aronian had posted an emotional open letter on social media, calling Kramnik his “chess parent” but expressing dismay at how much he had changed. “Vlad, brother, ask all of your chess friends. Nobody thinks that what you are doing is good and pure. You are fighting your own demons,” he had written, urging him to “challenge his convictions.”

The controversy intensified following the death of 29-year-old American grandmaster Daniel Naroditsky, who had reportedly been distressed by allegations made against him. FIDE has launched an ethics investigation into the matter.

Aronian said his letter was also meant to remind others of Kramnik’s earlier kindness and humility. “He used to be relaxed, open, and helpful — a good guy who inspired many, including young Indian prodigies like Gukesh, Praggnanandhaa, Leon Mendonca, and Raunak Sadhwani,” Aronian recalled.

He added that Kramnik now seems to view himself as “the saviour of the world,” struggling with what he called a “saviour complex.”

“I wanted people to remember the person he used to be — the light he once was,” Aronian said, expressing hope that his former mentor finds peace and balance once again.