10 Key Gaming Influencers to Watch

With 65% of the adult U.S. population playing video games, gaming influencers are more influential than ever, drawing in viewers with their passion, expertise, and authentic connections. Globally, over 921 million people tune in to watch live gaming streams each year, highlighting the immense reach of this community. Remarkably, 32% of U.S. gaming influencer followers will follow their favorite influencer “no matter what” platform they are on. This deep bond between influencers and their audience is redefining the gaming landscape, turning creators into key drivers of the industry’s growth. In this blog, we spotlight 10 gaming influencers who are engaging millions with their unique content.

1. Ninja (Tyler Blevins)

Instagram: 12.2M Followers
TikTok: 10.8M Followers
Twitch: 19.1M Followers
YouTube: 23.8M Subscribers

Tyler “Ninja” Blevins is a household name in the gaming world, renowned for his dynamic presence on platforms like Twitch and YouTube. A former professional gamer, Ninja first made waves in the esports scene through competitive play in Halo 3. However, it was his leap into Fortnite Battle Royale in late 2017 that catapulted him to stardom. Known for his charismatic personality, and engaging streams, Ninja quickly became one of the most recognizable figures in gaming. 

2. Cupquake (Tiffany Garcia)

Instagram: 1.4M Followers
TikTok: 1.4M Followers
Twitch: 240K Followers
YouTube: 7.08M Subscribers

Tiffany “Cupquake” Garcia is an American YouTuber known for her diverse content, which spans gaming, DIY projects, and cosplay. She launched her channel in 2010, quickly becoming one of the first prominent Minecraft creators on the platform. With hundreds of episodes dedicated to the game, Cupquake’s Minecraft videos have garnered millions of views and a devoted fan base. However, her content goes beyond Minecraft, as she explores a wide range of games—from adventurous quests to indie gems—often alongside her husband, Mario or son Leo. 

3. LaurenzSide (Lauren Weber)

Instagram: 830K Followers
TikTok: 4.2M Followers
Twitch: 331K Followers
YouTube: 9.13M Subscribers

Lauren Weber, better known as LaurenzSide, has carved out a unique niche in the gaming world as a “gaming comedian” with over 9 million subscribers on her YouTube channel. Renowned for her hilarious commentary, Lauren blends improv comedy, storytelling, and a touch of weirdness with gaming to create content that keeps her audience entertained and laughing. Her distinctive jump-cut editing style adds an extra layer of engagement, making every video a dynamic experience.

4. LoserFruit (Kathleen Belsten)

Instagram: 1M Followers
TikTok: 4.4M Followers
Twitch: 3M Followers
YouTube: 4.74M Subscribers

Kathleen Belsten, better known as LoserFruit, is a popular Australian gamer and content creator who has captured the hearts of fans worldwide with her bubbly personality and quirky sense of humor. Initially gaining recognition for her Overwatch and Fortnite videos, she quickly became best known for her Fortnite content. LoserFruit’s primary platforms are YouTube and Twitch, where she shares a mix of gaming experiences, live streams, vlogs, and interactive sessions with her dedicated audience.

5. Bradley Colburn (theRadBrad)

Instagram: 5.9M Followers
Twitch: 19.4K Followers
YouTube: 43.1M Subscribers

Bradley Colburn, better known as theRadBrad, is an American YouTuber and Let’s Player celebrated for his comprehensive video game walkthroughs. With a reputation as the “King of the YouTube Walkthrough,” Colburn has become a go-to source for gamers seeking in-depth guidance and gameplay experiences across a variety of new releases. His channel has amassed a massive following, thanks to his approachable commentary, detailed playthroughs, and consistent coverage of the latest titles. 

6. Markiplier (Mark Fischbach)

Instagram: 12M Followers
TikTok: 7M Followers
Twitch: 2.5M Followers
YouTube: 36.8M Subscribers

Mark Fischbach, known as Markiplier, is an American YouTuber, actor, and filmmaker celebrated for his engaging playthroughs. Mark gained prominence with his gripping horror game content, including popular titles like Amnesia: The Dark Descent, Five Nights at Freddy’s, and Slender. Beyond the horror genre, Markiplier’s primary focus is on spotlighting indie games across various genres, using his platform to bring attention to lesser-known titles. 

7. Gab Smolders

Instagram: 393K Followers
TikTok: 287.5K Followers
Twitch: 373.1K Followers
YouTube: 1.15M Subscribers

Gab Smolders is a Dutch gaming YouTuber renowned for her expertise in horror games and her engaging Twitch streams. With a deep passion for the genre, she captivates her audience by exploring some of the most chilling titles, including Fatal Frame and Ikenie no Yoru. Having previously lived in Japan, Gab brings a unique perspective to her content, utilizing her Japanese language skills to translate Japanese horror games for her viewers. Her blend of immersive gameplay, linguistic talent, and a genuine love for horror games has established her as a standout figure in the gaming community.

8. Kelsey Impicciche

Instagram: 254K Followers
TikTok: 391.8K Followers
Twitch: 162K Followers
YouTube: 919K Subscribers

Kelsey Impicciche is a multi-talented actress, gaming personality, and social media content creator with a presence across platforms. Her charismatic personality and creative flair shine through in every piece of content she produces, whether it’s engaging videos or live streams. Known for her work on BuzzFeed Multiplayer, she gained recognition for her entertaining 100 Baby Challenge in The Sims 4. Since leaving the company in 2021, Kelsey has continued to captivate audiences with her gaming content. She maintains a consistent streaming schedule, live-streaming The Sims 4 every Wednesday and Saturday.

9. runJDrun (JD Witherspoon)

Instagram: 252K Followers
TikTok: 116.3K Followers
Twitch: 66K Followers
YouTube: 553K Subscribers

JD Witherspoon is a versatile creator known for his dynamic presence in acting, comedy, and content creation. His engaging personality and broad reach make him a standout figure for targeting Gen Z and Millennial audiences with a passion for gaming. JD’s content spans a wide range, from gameplay and commentary to reaction videos, and he’s also explored sketches and vlogs. His ability to connect with viewers through nearly every gaming system and his innovative approach to content ensure that he resonates with a diverse audience eager for entertaining and relatable gaming experiences.

10. Alixxa (Alina)

Instagram: 125K Followers
TikTok: 407.9K Followers
Twitch: 472K Followers
YouTube: 61.4K Subscribers

Alina, known online as Alixxa, is a prominent content creator and streamer celebrated for her engaging Fortnite videos. Her journey in the gaming world began with streaming World of Warcraft, where she began building a following. Today, Alixxa is a key player for Team Liquid, a leading professional esports organization. Her vibrant streaming presence and competitive gameplay continue to captivate audiences, showcasing her evolution from a passionate gamer to a recognized figure in the esports community.

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For brand marketers looking to make a significant impact, partnering with gaming influencers can be a game-changer. These influencers offer an authentic connection to a highly engaged audience, delivering content that resonates deeply and drives real engagement. By aligning your brand with influential figures in the gaming community, you can tap into their loyal fan base, amplify your message, and enhance your brand’s credibility through trusted voices.

Captiv8 can provide you with the tools and insights needed to effectively collaborate with gaming influencers. Our platform helps you identify the right creators who align with your brand’s values and objectives, ensuring that your campaigns are impactful. Let us help you harness the power of gaming influencers to elevate your brand and drive meaningful results. Interested in learning more? Take a platform tour today!