Now that live-streaming has become a popular form of entertainment, a new era of entertainers has emerged - swapping out the red carpet of Hollywood, many now look toward the neon glow of RGB keyboards. That’s right, Twitch streamers have become a group of charismatic individuals who have captured the hearts and screens of millions worldwide. Able to maintain mindboggling numbers of viewers at once, it’s truly impressive how these streamers are able to engage with their large audiences. In this article, we’re going to take a deep dive into some of the biggest names in Twitch streaming history, people who have become so much more than just “gamers”.

1. Ninja (Tyler Blevins)

Arguably one of the pioneers of game streaming, Ninja’s screen name is pretty much synonymous with Twitch as a whole. His rise to fame began with Halo, but it was his expertise in Fortnite that catapulted him into global stardom. Known for his highly energetic streaming style, flashy hair colours, and fun-to-watch personality, Ninja became a cultural phenomenon, even managing to lure big mainstream celebrities like Drake into his streams. Although he has had some surprising partnerships that have taken him away from this beloved platform, Ninja still remains an iconic Twitch figure. 

Photo by Kadyn Pierce on Unsplash

2. xQc (Felix Lengyel)

With a larger-than-life personality, xQc first found fame as a professional Overwatch player but has since transitioned to full-time streaming. Now he entertains enormous audiences with a wide variety of different games and IRL content. Known for his boisterous and often times controversial behaviour, viewers love xQc’s unpredictable nature that keeps them on their toes. Playing everything from Minecraft and Among Us to chess and reaction content, his relentless streaming schedule keeps his subscribers engaged at all times. With such a strong dedication to his fanbase, the “Juicers”, his efforts have solidified him as one of Twitch’s most-watched streamers ever.

Photo by Dallas Fuel via Wikimedia Commons

3. Ibai (Ibai Llanos)

Spanish streamer Ibai rose to fame as a member of G2 Esports, primarily focusing on FIFA content. He has incredible charisma and a lovable persona that has set him apart from all the others in the streaming world, creating a welcoming atmosphere that viewers love and come back to. In more recent years, he has been praised for his unique content, such as hosting broadcasts of different events and holding interviews with celebrities. But as a whole, his amazing growth on Twitch and other platforms is a testament to his engaging content and down-to-earth approach to streaming.

Photo by G2 Esports via Wikimedia Commons

4. AuronPlay (Raúl Álvarez Genes)

As another Spanish speaker on this list, AuronPlay is one of the longest-standing Twitch streamers, originally making a name for himself on YouTube. With over 29 million subscribers on YouTube leading to over 14 million followers on Twitch, it definitely shouldn’t come as a surprise that he’s on this list. Known for his humorous commentary and satirical criticism of bad content, his transition to streaming on Twitch expanded his audience. He primarily streams games like Grand Theft Auto V and Minecraft, but his knack for comedy and his love for engaging with his community is what keeps his viewership high. It all comes down to his ability to make his audience laugh, so that even if they don’t know what’s going on in the game, people still love him and want to watch his content.

Photo by ValentiEstaLoco via Wikimedia Commons

5. Pokimane (Imane Anys)

Pokimane is arguably one of the most popular female streamers of all time. Offering a fun mix of gaming, mukbangs, and just plain chatting sessions, she has plenty of different content for viewers to enjoy. Although she has streamed a multitude of games, she’s most famous for her content in League of Legends and Among Us. Thanks to her positivity and her active engagement with her followers, she’s become an endearing figure in the streaming community and is loved for her laid-back, chill approach. Her transparent and friendly persona combined with her gaming skills continues to draw in significant crowds, making her one of the most-watched Twitch streamers ever.

Photo by Hey B*tch! Highlights on Wikimedia Commons

From Fortnite battles to League of Legends teamplay, these streamers have managed to turn their love for gaming into something much more significant than that. Building communities and providing laughs and entertainment, these five Twitch streamers have helped make the platform what it is today. If you’re an avid gamer yourself, maybe it’s time to check out these streams - maybe you’ll find a new community where you’ll fit right in.