Gaming influencers are the rock stars of the digital age. They blend entertainment, expertise, and charisma to captivate millions. This roundup of our favorite gaming influencers spotlights the trailblazers who turn their passion for gaming into powerhouse careers.
From breaking world records to launching major esports teams, these personalities aren’t just playing games. They’re redefining the rules. So, grab your controller and settle in as we dive into what you need to know about the industry’s most influential figures. We’ll feature fan-favorite gaming influencers like Asmongold, PewDiePie, DanTDM, and Valkyrae.
The Perfect Gaming Influencers for Your Next Campaign
Known for streaming the latest hits and pioneering new trends, these influencers are plugged in. Our favorite gaming influencers entertain, inspire, and remind us that there’s always room to uplevel. Now, let’s meet the influencers who make gaming as thrilling as a Marvel movie and as unpredictable as a plot twist in your favorite RPG (role-playing game).
Explore this list of our current favorite gaming influencers and get inspired for future influencer marketing partnerships.
1. Valkyrae 4.04M on YouTube
Rachell Marie Hofstetter, better known as Valkyrae, is an American gaming influencers, livestreamer, and YouTuber. Fans celebrate her for her engaging battle- and combat-themed content, particularly in games like Fortnite and Dark Souls III. She boasts a following of over 1.1 million on Twitch and a significant presence on Instagram and YouTube. Valkyrae offers a blend of gaming and lifestyle content. Another great choice for brands hoping to run gaming influencer campaigns across platforms.
She began her streaming career on Twitch in 2015. But she gained significant attention in 2018 through her Fortnite gameplay. In 2020, she made a high-profile switch to YouTube, where she became the platform’s most-watched female streamer. Her popularity soared with her Among Us streams, earning her the Game Award for “Content Creator of the Year” and the Streamy Award for best live streamer.
Valkyrae co-owns the gaming organization 100 Thieves. She claimed”Gaming Creator of the Year” from Adweek in 2021 and featured on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in 2022.
2. Ludwig 5.85M on YouTube
Ludwig Anders Ahgren is known simply as Ludwig. He is a multifaceted American gaming influencer, streamer, YouTuber, podcaster, comedian, and esports commentator. Bursting onto the streaming scene in 2018, Ludwig’s infectious personality and humor quickly captured a vast audience.
His breakthrough moment came in 2019 when he broke the button-mashing world record for Mario Party 4. This led to a meteoric rise in followers on Twitch and YouTube. He surpassed one million followers in 2020.
Known for his engaging streams and innovative content, Ludwig famously hosted a “subathon” in 2021. The event helped him smash the record for most-subscribed Twitch streamer. With around 282,000 subscribers, Ludwig surpassed Ninja’s record.
Transitioning to YouTube Gaming later that year, he continued to expand his influence. He even won “Streamer of the Year” at the 2022 Streamer Awards. Beyond streaming, Ludwig is an esports commentator for Super Smash Bros. Melee and a co-owner of Moist Esports. Whether he’s hosting game shows, competing in esports, or breaking streaming records, Ludwig’s dynamic presence makes him a standout figure in the gaming world.
3. Asmongold 2.58M on Youtube
Asmongold is a top-tier gaming influencer and streamer. He began his online journey in 2009 with World of Warcraft YouTube videos. He transitioned to Twitch in 2014, where his engaging content and expertise earned him a massive following. His excitement for World of Warcraft Classic’s 2019 release propelled his popularity even further. And his 2021 dive into Final Fantasy XIV drew record viewers.
Co-founding the content creation group One True King (OTK) in 2020, Asmongold expanded his influence. He launched ventures like Starforge Systems and tackled industry issues such as pay-to-win mechanics and loot boxes. In 2023, he started the “Steak & Eggs Podcast” with OTK members. Think of Asmongold as the Tony Stark of Twitch — without the arc reactor but with plenty of gamer cred.
4. xQc 2.34M on YouTube
Félix Lengyel, better known as xQc, is a Canadian online streamer and former professional Overwatch player. Initially gaining recognition in the esports scene, xQc joined the Dallas Fuel for the inaugural Overwatch League season in 2017. But he faced multiple suspensions, leading to his release. Despite this, he represented Team Canada in the Overwatch World Cup from 2017 to 2019.
Transitioning to full-time streaming, xQc became one of Twitch’s most-watched streamers from 2020 to 2022. He’s known for his high-energy, unfiltered content and humorous commentary. In June 2023, he signed a groundbreaking $100 million deal with Kick, solidifying his status as a major figure in the gaming world.
5. PewDiePie 111M on YouTube
Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg, better known as PewDiePie, is a Swedish gaming YouTuber. He’s celebrated for his Let’s Play videos, vlogs, comedy shorts, and formatted shows. This gaming influencer is one of the originals. In fact, he has one of the oldest accounts still active on YouTube. PewDiePie’s unique humor and energetic commentary have built a massive, dedicated following. His content spans humorous reactions, internet culture, and even politics.
Recognized as one of the highest-paid YouTubers, PewDiePie was featured in Time Magazine’s list of the world’s 100 most influential people. He has won numerous awards, including Starcount Social Star Awards, Teen Choice Awards, and Golden Joystick Awards. His engaging personality and genuine reactions solidify his place as a top gaming influencer. His knack for turning everyday gaming into must-watch entertainment makes him the YouTube equivalent of a blockbuster movie star.
6. DanTDM 28.7M on YouTube
Daniel Robert Middleton, better known as DanTDM, is a British YouTuber and gamer. He’s renowned for his video game commentaries on titles like Minecraft, Roblox, Pokémon, and Sonic the Hedgehog. He expanded his reach by streaming live on Twitch. This helped him capitalize on endorsements, subscriptions, advertisements, and donations to maximize his revenue.
DanTDM has won numerous prestigious awards, including a Kids’ Choice Award and multiple Guinness World Records for his gaming achievements, particularly in Minecraft. He has also received YouTube’s Golden and Diamond Play Buttons. A testament to his massive fan following and contributions to the platform. In 2017, he was named the richest YouTuber and featured in an interview by BBC News. With his engaging content and dedicated fanbase, DanTDM continues to be a major gaming influencer.
7. Jacksepticeye 30.7M on YouTube
Seán William McLoughlin, better known as Jacksepticeye, is an Irish YouTuber celebrated for his gaming content and vlogs. Born on February 7, 1990, and raised in Cloghan, County Offaly, McLoughlin started his YouTube journey in December 2012. His channel rapidly grew, reaching a million subscribers in 2014 and 10 million by 2016. As of March 2024, his channel boasts 30.6 million subscribers and 16.6 billion views. That makes it the second most-subscribed Irish channel on YouTube. If you’re searching for a gaming influencer who commands attention, look no further.
Beyond YouTube, he co-founded the clothing brand Cloak with Markiplier. And he owns Top of The Mornin’ Coffee. McLoughlin has also appeared on Disney XD and Irish National Television. Plus, he’s toured Europe and the US with his “How Did We Get Here” and Game Grumps’ “Ready Player 3” tours. In 2021, he featured in the film “Free Guy” alongside Ryan Reynolds. And he released a biographical documentary in 2022. An active philanthropist, he has raised tens of millions for charity and received awards from organizations like Save the Children. This gaming influencer wins big and gives back.
8. Kyedae 2.9M on Twitch
Kyedae Alicia Shymko, better known as Kyedae, is a Japanese-Canadian Twitch gaming influencer, streamer, and content creator. Fans renown her for her engaging gameplay streams of Valorant, Overwatch 2, Overkills, The Walking Dead, and more. With over 2.9 million followers on Twitch, Kyedae also boasts high engagement on Instagram and TikTok. So if you’re looking for a gaming influencer with cross-functional appeal, she could be the partner for you.
She was introduced to the streaming world through her then-boyfriend and now-fiancé, esports player TenZ. She quickly honed her Valorant skills and began streaming independently. From there, she connected with notable gamers, including Offline TV and Friends, and grew her own dedicated following.
Known for her offbeat and cheeky sense of humor, which humorously contrasts with TenZ’s cleaner image, Kyedae joined the prestigious esports organization 100 Thieves in April 2021. Aiming to reach Radiant in Valorant, she continues to captivate audiences with her dynamic streams and charismatic personality.
That’s a Wrap on Our Favorite Gaming Influencers of 2024
It’s clear that these digital rock stars are redefining the gaming landscape. From Ludwig’s record-breaking subathons to Valkyrae’s award-winning streams, these gaming influencers blend entertainment, expertise, and charisma to captivate millions.
Whether they’re launching major esports teams, breaking world records, or pioneering new trends, these gaming giants are not just playing games. They’re changing the rules. These gaming influencers remind us that there’s always room for one more level, one more innovation, and one more unforgettable moment.
If this sounds like the energy you’d like to bring into your next gamer-focused influencer marketing campaign, you’re in the right place. Schedule a strategy call with us today. We’ll pair you with gaming influencers who can help you uplevel your campaigns and achieve all your goals.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Abigail Welcom | Marketing Magician
Abby wins hearts and gains trust as our Brand Marketing & Outreach Coordinator. She puts her Film and Television Production degree to good use dreaming up visual marketing for The Shelf. When she’s not dazzling us with out-of-the-box ideas, you can likely find her at The Happiest Place on Earth — Disneyland!