Who’s the best gamer in 2026? If trophies matter, look to recent winners: FNCS, VALORANT Masters, or PUBG champs like Merstach, Queasy, SwizzY, and f0rsakeN from Paper Rex.
But, the most famous gamer isn’t just trophy winners. It’s those on streams, clips, and social feed. Ninja, Pokimane, you name it.
Now, if you’re curious about who is the world’s no 1 gamer that shines in 2026, this guide highlights 25 of the world’s top gamers. Let’s go!
Key Points:
- Fame = Skills + Audience. Famous gamers blend competitive success with large, dedicated Gen Z and younger followings on YouTube Gaming and Twitch, not just in-game skill.
- Esports Legends & Influencers Unite. The list features Fortnite pros, CS and Valorant champions, and gamers like Ninja, PewDiePie, Pokimane, xQc, Markiplier, and Jacksepticeye. Trophies and strong personalities can make you famous worldwide through Let’s Plays, and streaming.
- Global & Multilingual Reach. Famous gamers come from all over and speak many languages. Think JuegaGerman, ElRubiusOMG, f0rsakeN. Gaming is a global force, fueled by loyal fans who spread the word and boost game downloads.
- Famous ≠ “Best”. While the “best gamer” shifts, top gaming influencers stand out for their influence, community reach, and earning power through sponsored streams and brand deals.
Top Gamers in the World: Who They Are?
When you think of best gamers, you probably think of pro players like Peterbot, who won $200,000 at the FNCS Global Championship, or f0rsakeN, who dominated in Valorant at VCT Masters.
Elite competitors, yes. But tournament winnings alone don’t define the most famous gamers. A new game patch, a shift in the meta, or a rising star can dethrone last season’s top player.
So, who are the “top gamers” this article is actually talking about in 2026?
- Tournament Champions — They win titles in Fortnite, VALORANT, CS2, Call of Duty, and PUBG. Their names fill leaderboards and championship rosters. They earn MVP awards and top brackets at global tournaments. If you follow esports, you know these names.
- Gaming Influencers — These are the creators who built huge followings on YouTube and Twitch (or TikTok). They may lack championship trophies, but millions watch them play like Pewdiepie with 111 million followers. Their influence shapes game trends and gaming culture.
- Crossover Stars — Some gamers live in both worlds. Ninja started out as a Halo player before becoming a top Fortnite streamer on Twitch and YouTube. Shroud went from winning ESL Pro League Season 4 with Cloud9 in CS:GO to drawing millions to his FPS streams.
- Regional and Multilingual Icons — Gaming fame crosses language barriers. Top players hold regions, gathering loyal fans in Spanish-speaking areas like ElRubiusOMG, Southeast Asia like f0rsakeN, and other underserved markets.
Top 32 Famous Gamers in the World
Here are the world’s most famous gamers in 2026:
1. Ninja
- Real name: Richard Tyler Blevins
- Games: Fortnite, Valorant, League of Legends
- Followers: 19.3M (Twitch), 23.6M (YouTube)
- Listed due to: Former Halo professional gamer, gaming influencer
Ninja is a gaming legend who defined the professional player archetype. He gained fame through competitive Fortnite, turning his esports success into widespread mainstream recognition.
His gameplay is dynamic, but his personal brand sustains his influence. Behind the gaming persona, Ninja is now one of the most recognizable social media influencers worldwide.
Although his live viewership isn’t as high as Fortnite’s peak of 667,000 concurrent viewers at a Las Vegas event, he still maintains one of the largest combined followings on Twitch and YouTube.
His switch from Twitch to Mixer sparked huge conversations about how streamers make their money and helped cement him as one of the highest paid Twitch streamers.
What makes Ninja a famous gamer: A gaming talent, with a memorable on-screen presence, and a trailblazer turning streaming pro players into global gaming influencer.
2. PewDiePie
- Real name: Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg
- Games: Minecraft, Amnesia, Five Nights at Freddy’s, variety/indie titles
- Followers: 1.8M (Twitch), around 110M (YouTube)
- Listed due to: A YouTube creator whose gaming videos and commentary shaped Let’s Play culture for over a decade.
You’ve likely heard of PewDiePie. His real name is Felix Kjellberg, a Swedish gaming YouTuber who first blew up with horror and indie games like Amnesia: The Dark Descent and Let’s Play reactions.
He rose to fame on YouTube with his humor, wild energy, and controversial comments. Even with less content and less gaming, he remains one of the gaming influencers.
PewDiePie shifted from gaming to vlogs, meme reviews, and internet culture commentary. His personal, conversational style drew viewers in, making them feel like insiders.
Why PewDiePie is a famous gaming influencer: One of the most talented content creators in the gaming niche with global influence.
Related: Best Games to Stream on Twitch and YouTube
3. KaiCenat
- Real name: Kai Carlo Cenat III
- Games: GTA V RP, Fortnite, NBA 2K, variety party games
- Followers: 20.1M Twitch
- Listed due to: Record-breaking Twitch subathons and one of the most-watched gaming streamers
Kai Cenat? Yes, he’s one of top gaming personalities known for energetic, fast-paced shows. He combines gameplay, GTA V roleplay, and variety acts, all while centering community interaction.
His rise began with a month-long subathon, featuring surprise celebrities and viral moments. During Mafiathon 3 , Kai hit 1.1 million subs, and was the biggest streamer in 2025.
His content includes chatting, reactions, and “Just Chatting” streams. For many Gen Z viewers, he’s like a glimpse of the top gamer of 2026. Less trophies, more talking about games, and memes.
What makes Kai Cenat a gaming influencer: A record-breaking Twitch star, made gaming broadcasts must-see events with subathons, variety streams, and celebrity collabs.
4. Ibai
- Real name: Ibai Llanos Garatea
- Games: League of Legends, FIFA/EA FC, GTA V
- Followers: 19.8M (Twitch), 15.3M (YouTube)
- Listed due to: A unique Spanish‑language mega‑streamer, blending esports, sports, and entertainment.
Ibai is one of Spain’s top gaming figures. He started as a League of Legends caster, streaming matches and reacting to esports moments.
Since then, he has expanded to cover League of Legends, football in EA Sports FC, and other games. His streams are often among Spain’s most-watched gaming shows.
He’s also known for events like La Velada del Año, which drew 9 million viewers on Twitch, its record for most viewers ever.
What makes Ibai a famous gamer: One of the most recognized gaming icons in Spanish-speaking countries combines gaming and entertainment content.
5. xQc
- Real name: Félix Lengyel
- Games: Overwatch, GTA V RP, Minecraft, variety
- Followers: 12.2M Twitch
- Listed due to: Former Overwatch League pro turned variety streamer with enormous watch‑time
Félix Lengyel, aka xQc, is a popular YouTuber and Twitch streamer. He started out playing Overwatch professionally in 2017 with teams like Denial eSports.
While his professional career proved his skills, xQc’s fame soared through his variety streams.
In 2023, he signed a two-year, $100 million deal with Kick. It’s non-exclusive, so he remains on Twitch and continues to help build a new platform.
Fast forward to 2026, and he’s still one of the most-watched gaming creators out there, known for his “Just Chatting” and marathon gaming sessions.
What makes xQc a popular gamer: a professional gamer who has become famous for his vast experience, varied content, and unique personality.
Related: How to Stream on Twitch
6. Shroud
- Real Name: Michael Grzesiek
- Games: Valorant, Apex Legends, CS:GO, PUBG
- Followers: 11.3M (Twitch), 6.82M (YouTube)
- Listed Due To: Ex‑CS:GO pro famed for superhuman aim and mechanical skill
No, he wasn’t just some random pro. Michael “Shroud” Grzesiek is one of those gamers who took his top-tier Counter-Strike skills and made a name for himself worldwide as an FPS legend.
As a CS:GO pro, he helped Cloud9 win ESL Pro League Season 4. Then he retired to stream full-time. On Twitch, Shroud hit more than 10 million followers.
And what makes Shroud different is how his aim works in any shooter—PUBG, Apex Legends, Valorant, you name it. Fans call him the “human aimbot” because he can lock onto targets so easily.
What makes Shroud one of the most famous gamers: One of the online gaming personalities in FPS games with a uniquely calm trait and great gaming skills.
Read More: How to Become a Game Streamer
7. Pokimane
- Real name: Imane Anys
- Games: League of Legends, Valorant, Among Us
- Followers: 9.4M (Twitch), 6.63M (YouTube)
- Listed due to: A top woman streamer blending gameplay and IRL content to the mainstream
Video game culture has long been a male-dominated space, but Imane Anys, better known as Pokimane, broke through and became one of the biggest names out there.
Back in 2018, she was into League of Legends during the Fortnite hype and won a Shorty Award. Now, she mainly streams Valorant and Just Chatting a few times a month.
Sometimes, full-time grinding isn’t what you want anymore, right? Your content needs a switch to better match your passions and audience.
And that shift paid off. In July 2025, TIME Magazine put her on the first-ever TIME100 Creators list, showing she’s become a mainstream gaming icon, not just a streamer.
Why Pokimane is a famous gamer: One of the most influential female content creators in gaming history.
8. Jacksepticeye
- Real name: Seán William McLoughlin
- Games: Minecraft, Happy Wheels, horror games
- Followers: 2.8M (Twitch), 31.1M (YouTube)
- Listed due to: A gaming content creator with hyper-energetic Let’s Plays and charity streams
Jacksepticeye, born Seán William McLoughlin, is one of YouTube’s top gamers. He started his channel in 2007 but posted his first video in 2017, playing Metal Gear Solid 4.
Yes, he’s not into Fortnite or esports. Instead, he focuses on horror and indie games. He became well-known after videos about Undertale and Five Nights at Freddy’s.
His horror game reputation is unmatched on YouTube. In August 2025, he played Dread Flats, calling it “the scariest game this year,” and the video hit 1.6 million views.
Why Jacksepticeye is a popular gamer: Fun personality with creative gaming content in many niches from horror to war game and Minecraft
9. Markiplier
- Real name: Mark Edward Fischbach
- Games: Five Nights at Freddy’s, horror games, story‑driven indies
- Followers: 2.5M (Twitch), 38.1M (YouTube)
- Listed due to: A gaming influencer with horror playthroughs and big-budget projects
Is there any doubt that Markiplier is one of the top gaming influencers out there? His videos’ve changed, but he started out with horror games like Amnesia and Dead Space over twelve years ago.
Now, he’s the King of FnaF. His first Five Nights at Freddy’s video from August 2014 has been viewed 114 million times, and his entire FNAF playlist across 157 videos sits at 513 million views.
And his gaming cred isn’t just about viewers. It’s about skills most players can’t beat. In August 2014, he beat FNAF’s 20/20/20/20 mode, the hardest setting with all four animatronics maxed out.
Why Markiplier is a famous gamer: great gaming skills and passion for scary games with consistency to make awesome content over 12 years.
10. IShowSpeed
- Real name: Darren Jason Watkins Jr.
- Games: FIFA/EA FC, Roblox, Fortnite, football and IRL content
- Followers:
- Listed due to: Meme‑driven streams and shorts that top YouTube Gaming view charts
IShowSpeed isn’t a competitive gamer like Bugha, and he’s not a polished gaming streamer like Ninja.
People tune in because of his energy and personality. That’s why he won Streamer of the Year in 2025, with 42.8 million YouTube subs and over 52,000 viewers at times.
His strength is in FIFA, where his love for the game, and his wild side, show most. In May 2025, he spent $50,000 opening FIFA packs, yelling when he didn’t get what he wanted.
His reactions went viral, which made him well-known in the gaming world. And he’s not just streaming alone. He plays $50,000 FIFA matches with KSI.
11. Tyler1 or loltyler1
- Real Name: Tyler Steinkamp
- Games: League of Legends, World of Warcraft, Old School RuneScape
- Followers: 5.4M (Twitch), 2.75M (YouTube)
- Listed Due To: Top gaming influencer for League of Legends, unique gaming streamer
If Shroud’s calm vibe isn’t your thing, then give Tyler Steinkamp a shot. He could become your new favorite online gaming personality.
This gaming influencers used to play up to 30 different games every day. That’s a lot and would tire most people out. And in 2023, he pull in 300,000 viewers to watch him in just 20 minutes.
Is he the best gamer in League of Legends? He’s not a pro gamer. But hitting Challenger rank in all five roles (top, jungle, mid, bot, support) says a lot.
You know that Challenger is the top tier, right? So, mastering just one role is hard, but Tyler managed to do it for all five.
What makes Tyler1 a famous gamer: Awesome gaming skills and a unique personality as a gaming influencer.
11. Markiplier
- Real Name: Mark Edward Fischbach
- Games: Five Nights at Freddy’s, Amnesia, Alien: Isolation
- Followers: 2.5M (Twitch), 37.4M (YouTube)
- Listed due to: One of the top gamers on YouTube
Is there any doubt that Markiplier is one of the top gaming influencers out there?
Well, his videos have changed over time. But we can’t forget his start with horror games like Amnesia and Dead Space more than twelve years ago.
Now, his channel is still a place for fans of scary games, featuring titles like Five Nights at Freddy’s, Poppy Playtime, and the very popular Balatro.
Mark Edward Fischbach is his real name. He shows us that starting small and being real is important.
Why Markiplier is a famous gamer: great gaming skills and passion for scary games with consistency to make awesome content over 12 years.
12. TenZ
- Real name: Tyson Ngo
- Games: Valorant, CS:GO
- Followers: 4.5M (Twitch), 2.61M (YouTube)
- Listed due to: Valorant prodigy famed for highlights and early wins, an iconic FPS pro.
TenZ is a legendary gamer. His 2021 Masters Reykjavik performance, with a 290 Combat Score and over 1 kill per round in a solo Valorant game, remains unmatched.
In June 2021, TenZ moved from Cloud9 to Sentinels in a deal worth $1.25 million, which at the time was the most significant transfer in Valorant history.
He then dominated Fnatic 3-0 in the grand finals, took home MVP, and helped Sentinels win their first international trophy.
His skill wasn’t just aim. He spent hours in CS:GO and Valorant, and he’s disciplined with tactics. He knows sightlines, crosshair, and kill feed tracking way better than most pros after a year.
What makes TenZ a top gamer: One of the most skillful FPS gamers ever, wins international trophy
13. Bugha
- Real Name: Kyle Giersdorf
- Games: Fortnite
- Followers: 5.3 million (Twitch), 4.39 million (YouTube)
- Listed due to: Winner of the inaugural Fortnite World Cup in 2019
Who is the world’s no. 1 gamer in Fortnite in 2019? Yes, Bugha or Kyle Giersdorf.
He became an overnight sensation when he won the inaugural Fortnite World Cup Solo at just 16 years old. That win made him a millionaire, giving him $3 million.
But it wasn’t just about the money. He became one of the best Fortnite players in the world. He beat 40 million players and was one of the final 100 in a live game at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
He has three FNCS titles, 18 Cash Cup wins, and 14 Top 10 finishes, with 12 in the Top 5. So, he really dominates every game meta, region, and team format.
Why Bugha is a famous gamer: his legendary win at the 2019 Fortnite World Cup Solos turned him into one of the best gamer in the world
14. ZywOo
- Real Name: Mathieu Herbaut
- Games: Counter-Strike 2, CS:GO
- Followers: 79.7K (Twitch), 98.2K (YouTube)
- Listed Due To: Top gamers with great skills and consistency
Mathieu Herbaut, better known as ZywOo, may not have the massive following of some gamers. He has “only” 98.2K subscribers on YouTube.
But for fans, his achievements shine. He has earned 21 MVP awards from HLTV. His tournament rating stands at 1.42. A number that many pros can only dream of.
ZywOo is a loyal professional gamer. While many top players go after bigger paychecks, he stays committed to Vitality and helps the gaming team reach the top of the global rankings.
What makes ZywOo a top gamer: Great talent who dominates gaming tournaments, dedicated to the team to reach the best.
15. Aspas
- Real Name: Erick Santos
- Games: Valorant
- Followers: 401K (Twitch), 1.1M (YouTube)
- Listed Due To: Valorant Champions 2022 Winner, gaming influencer
When you think of Valorant gaming tournaments, Eric Santos is a name that comes to mind. He’s a standout player for Leviatán, and he knows how to play a Duelist.
He goes head-to-head with opponents, often leading the charge and racking up kills. He’s all about it. He even set a record with 82 kills in a Best-of-3 series during the VCT 2025 – Americas Kickoff.
This pro gamer knows that his fearless approach and sharp aim have helped him become one of the top players in Valorant’s competitive scene.
What makes Aspas a world no 1 gamer: A Valorant World Champion known for his incredibly aggressive and successful Duelist gameplay.
16. ImperialHal
- Real Name: Phillip Dosen
- Games: Apex Legends
- Followers: 1.2M (Twitch), 363K (YouTube)
- Listed Due To: Apex Legends pro players
Who doesn’t know ImperialHal? He’s called “the CEO” of Apex Legends for his awesome gaming skills that have taken his team to be game competition winners.
His real name is Phillip Dosen and he is one of the best in-game leaders in Apex Legends.
Yes, he’s the strategic mind behind TSM’s dominance. His ability to understand the game, make fast choices, and guide his team to win is what sets him apart.
TSM’s victory at the ALGS Championship 2023 is the result. He secured the top title in Apex Legends, which makes him one of the most famous gamers in the world.
What makes ImperialHal a famous gamer: One of the most famous gamers in the world known for his exceptional leadership as an in-game leader.
17. NICKMERCS
- Real name: Nicholas Kolcheff
- Games: Fortnite, Call of Duty: Warzone, Apex Legends
- Followers: 6.7M (Twitch), 4.09M (YouTube)
- Listed due to: The controller-aim icon, known for aggressive BR gameplay and the tight-knit MFAM community
By December 2025, more than 11 million people watch NICKMERCS’ streams. He doesn’t just see them as “followers,” but as the “MFAM” community.
Before Fortnite and Warzone, Nick Kolcheff became known for Gears of War. In 2009, he won three MLG championships, mainly playing tight 2v2 shotgun matches with a controller.
His success in Warzone during 2020-2021 was more than just winning. It showed that controller aim can compete with top PC players.
What makes NICKMERCS a world no. 1 gamer: A Call of Duty and Fortnite icon known for aggressive play and leadership who become a top gaming influencer.
18. TimTheTatman
- Real name: Timothy John Betar
- Games: Call of Duty, Fortnite, Counter‑Strike, variety
- Followers: 7.6M (Twitch), 5.26M (YouTube)
- Listed due to: A gaming streamer with millions of followers
Gamer, nerd, geek. That’s TimTheTatman. He spent six days failing to win a single game of Fall Guys in August 2020, and 347,000 people tuned in to watch him finally grab his first crown
That moment says everything about Tim Betar’s style. He’s not the best at every game, but he’s great at turning the grind into pure entertainment.
His Warzone videos often show teammates carrying him while he chats away. But none of that stops millions from watching. Relatable beats being perfect.
19. Caedrel
- Real Name: Marc Robert Lamont
- Games: League of Legends
- Followers: 1.2M (Twitch), 499K (YouTube)
- Listed Due To: League of Legends gaming influencer and analyst
Don’t be surprised to see Caedrel on our list of famous gamers, even with his ups and downs as a pro gamer.
He started it out in 2015. He’s played for teams like H2K and has hit the playoffs multiple times during his gaming career.
His real name is Marc Robert Lamont. He is famous in the League of Legends gaming community for going from a pro player to a respected analyst and gaming influencer.
Best MOBA Streamer 2024 and Esport Analysis of the Year 2021 are among his achievements as he transitioned from being a gamer to working in gaming.
What makes Caedrel a famous gamer: His deep knowledge of League of Legends and his entertaining style as a co-streamer make a strong impression.
Related: Best Game Streaming Platforms Today
20. JuegaGerman
- Real Name: Germán Alejandro Garmendia Aranis
- Games: Minecraft, The Last of Us, Roblox
- Followers: 1.9M (Twitch), 52.7M (YouTube)
- Listed due to: YouTube gaming content creator
Who are the famous gamers on YouTube who speak Spanish? Germán Garmendia would be the first name that comes to mind. He is known as JuegaGerman, a popular gaming YouTuber.
Germán is famous for his entertaining gaming videos. He has gained a huge following of 52.7 million fans.
This gaming influencer is famous for more than just gaming. He also makes comedy sketches and vlogs. This broadens his audience and helps him connect with more viewers.
Did you know JuegaGerman is also a musician and voice-over artist? If you watch the Spanish version of Ice Age Collision Course, you’ll hear him as Julian, the Mammoth.
What makes JuegaGerman a top gamer: his unique gaming content that blends humor and creativity in a way that’s tough for others to copy.
21. Clories
- Real Name: Nguyễn Long Hảo
- Games: PUBG
- Followers: –
- Listed Due To: PUBG Global Championship 2024 Winner
Our list of the best gamers in the world wouldn’t be complete without mentioning a player from The Expendables. They’re the winners of the PUBG Global Championship 2024.
One of the key players is Clories, whose real name is Nguyễn Long Hảo. He led The Expendables to Vietnam’s first PUBG world title.
Why is he awesome? The Expendables came back from being 36 points behind to beat T1 and Kwangdong Freecs. And Clories won two matches in a row.
At PGC 2024, he had an average of 1.43 kills and dealt 229.63 damage per game. This shows he is one of the esports champions who can play well under pressure.
22. ElRubiusOMG
- Real Name: Rubén Doblas Gundersen
- Games: Minecraft, GTA V, Fortnite
- Followers: 16.1M (Twitch), 40.7M (YouTube)
- Listed due to: A top gamer on YouTube, Twitch streamer
Have you heard of Virtual Hero? This animated series hit Movistar+ in 2018, based on a comic trilogy by Rubén Doblas Gundersen, aka ElRubius.
Rubén is a one of the famous gamers out there that has managed to put creative side of him ito great content.
How it all started? He broke a record in 2018 when his Fortnite livestream got over 1.1 million viewers. That beat the previous record set by Ninja and Drake on Twitch.
It was a big deal, and everyone talked about it, which helped him become a famous gamer.
Why ElRubiusOMG is a famous gamer: His gaming skills for battle royale games are awesome and his creativity to make great content is top-notch.
23. Fernanfloo
- Real Name: Luis Fernando Flores Alvarado
- Games: Fortnite, God of War, GTA V
- Followers: 3.5M (Twitch), 49.9M (YouTube)
- Listed due to: Gaming influencer for Spanish-speaking audiences
Looking for a famous gamer with killer content for Spanish-speaking audiences? Look no further than Fernanfloo. This gaming influencer blends hilarious commentary with great gaming skills.
He started his channel in 2011. At first, he made funny videos, but then he focused on gaming. By 2016, he was one of the biggest YouTubers for Spanish speakers.
Now, Fernanfloo has over 48 million subscribers on his gaming channel and become one of the top gaming influencers in the world and the highest paid Twitch streamers.
Why Fernanfloo is a famous gamer: a gaming content creator who mixes funny moments with gaming skills for titles like Fortnite, God of War, GTA V
24. SSSniperWolf
- Real Name: Alia Marie Shelesh
- Games: Fortnite, Call of Duty, Minecraft
- Followers: 339K (Twitch), 35.1M (YouTube)
- Listed due to: A famous gamer on YouTube with various content
If Pokimane is the charming face of gaming, SSSniperWolf is often the center of controversy.
From doxxing Jackfilms to producing insensitive content, her actions as one of the top gaming influencers have led to bans and demonetization.
Even with criticism, SSSniperWolf has many fans. This shows how being an online gaming personality can be tricky when it comes to being responsible.
While now she focuses more on reaction videos, it was her gameplay in games like Minecraft, Among Us, and Call of Duty that first made her famous as a gaming influencer.
Why SSSniperWolf is a famous gamer: a famous gamer known for her great gaming skills and controversial online persona.
Read: What Does AFK mean in gaming?
25. Setty
- Real Name: Iwo Zając
- Games: Fortnite
- Followers: 354K (Twitch), 337K (YouTube)
- Listed due to: Fortnite player, Twitch streamer, and YouTube content creator
Iwo Zając, known as Setty, may not have a large following on YouTube and Twitch. But he is the best gamer in the world, for sure.
In 2022, he and KimiFN won the FNCS Invitational, or the Fortnite World Cup. But that’s not the only great thing he’s accomplished as a pro gamer.
He achieved second place in the Grand Royale that same year, earning an amazing $400,000.
And in 2023, he scored another achievement by finishing in 9th place at the Red Bull Contested LAN.
Why Setty is the world’s no. 1 gamer: won the 2022 Fortnite World Cup and came in second at the Grand Royale.
26. Damon “Karma” Barlow
- Real name: Damon Barlow
- Games: Call of Duty (various titles)
- Followers: 466K (Twitch), 257K (YouTube)
- Listed due to: Only three-time Call of Duty World Champion, influential player and coach
Damon “Karma” Barlow is a famous gamer and Call of Duty expert. He has won three championships, making him one of the greatest professional gamers.
Karma’s journey as an esports athlete started early in Call of Duty, with standout gameplay marked by clutch plays and sharp game sense.
After playing for ten years, he stopped competing in 2020. In May 2023, Karma switched from playing games to coaching and became the main coach for OpTic Texas.
So, is Karma still a famous gamer in 2025? Sure. Because of him, the OpTic Texas won the Call of Duty League Championship in both 2024 and 2025.
27. Shifty
- Real name: Adrian Shifty
- Games: Call of Duty: Warzone, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Modern Warfare III
- Followers: 161K (Twitch), 40K (YouTube)
- Listed due to: Dominant Warzone professional, multiple World Series of Warzone champion.
When it comes to followers, Shifty’s not quite at Ninja’s level yet, only having 35.6K subs. But, he’s a skilled Call of Duty player and has won several World Series of Warzone tournaments.
As a key player on Team Falcons’ Warzone squad, he’s made a name for himself as a top-tier esports athlete and a famous gamer in the battle royale gaming community.
He won first place at the World Series of Warzone 2024 – Global Finals, earning $100,000. This win increases his total gamer earnings to over $320,000 from previous tournaments.
He also did well at the Esports World Cup 2024 – Warzone. Because of these wins, he’s now one of the top 10 Warzone players in the world.
What makes Shifty a popular gamer? The back-to-back World Series of Warzone champion and 2024 EWC MVP, known for unparalleled rotational IQ and long-range accuracy.
28. f0rsakeN
- Real name: Jason Susanto
- Games: Valorant, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
- Followers: 755K (Twitch), 368K (YouTube)
- Listed due to: APAC Valorant superstar
Famous gamer from Southeast Asia? Yes. Jason “f0rsakeN” Susanto is a standout player who has boosted Indonesian esports on the global stage, especially in Valorant.
But, before that, f0rsakeN honed his skills in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, shining in the Asian circuit. But it was his move to Valorant in 2020 that truly unlocked his potential.
As a key player for Paper Rex, a top team in Asia-Pacific, F0rsakeN is known for his aggressive, intense play. He often leads with bold, unpredictable entries using agents like Jett or Raze.
He’s known for epic moments like his Chamber Quadra-kill on Ascent at VCT Champions 2022 against EDG. Forsaken also recently won 1st at VALORANT Masters Toronto 2025.
What makes f0rsakeN a famous gamer: A top-tier gamer. He’s a master of every role, a 2025 Masters Toronto champion, and the first Indonesian Game Awards nominee.
29. m0NESY
- Real name: Ilya Vyacheslavovich Osipov
- Games: CS:GO
- Followers: 1.2M (Twitch), 255K (YouTube)
- Listed due to: Prodigy AWPer
Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov is a rising star in Counter-Strike. At just 20, he’s already among the top 10 players worldwide. His sharp AWPing and aggressive rifling set him apart.
People often call him “The Flash” or “Baby Goat.” m0NESY began playing Counter-Strike 1.6 at age five, proving his talent from a very young age.
m0NESY played a key role in their victories at major events like BLAST Premier: World Final 2022, and IEM Katowice and Cologne in 2023.
In April 2025, m0NESY joined Team Falcons, a move that confirmed his status as a leading esports athlete and gaming personality.
So, what makes m0NESY one of the best gamers? He’s the youngest player to transfer for $600,000 and became #1 on HLTV after winning the 2025 Grand Slam.
30. Derke
- Real name: Nikita Sirmitev
- Games: Valorant, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
- Followers: 207K (Twitch), 32.1K (YouTube)
- Listed due to: Multiple VCT Masters champion, key player in Team Vitality
Nikita Sirmitev, a Finnish-Russian player, is one of the top 10 Valorant gamers in the world. He moved from CS:GO, where he played as an AWPer, to become a leading figure in Valorant.
His journey reflects the rapid growth of esports and has made him one of famous gamers in the FPS genre.
In October 2024, Derke left Fnatic to join Team Vitality. He quickly made an impact, helping his new team win first place at the VCT 2025 EMEA Kickoff.
Although he is primarily an esports athlete, Derke also has a strong presence on Twitch, with over 206,000 followers.
What makes Derke a famous gamer? He’s the first to win two VCT trophies in a row and holds the record for most kills in a single EMEA VCT map.
31. Peterbot
- Real name: Peter Kata
- Games: Fortnite
- Followers: 1.1M (Twitch), 889K (YouTube)
- Listed due to: Fortnite Champion Series (FNCS) Global Champion
Fortnite is a highly competitive game. It’s no surprise that most of the top gamers on our list are also top players in Fortnite. Besides Setty, you’ll find the name Peter “Peterbot” Kata.
At just 18 years old, he has already changed the game for Fortnite players. He went from a promising talent to becoming the undisputed FNCS Global Champion in a very short time.
His skill was clearly shown when he, along with his duo partner Pollo, won the FNCS Global Championship in September 2024. They earned a huge $200,000 for that single victory.
What makes Peterbot a top gamer? He’s the first to win FNCS 6 times and crushed the 2024 Global Championship with record-breaking damage and precise shotgun shots.
32. Clix
- Real name: Cody Conrod
- Games: Fortnite
- Followers: 8.5M (Twitch), 3.7M (YouTube)
- Listed due to: Top competitive Fortnite player and streamer
Clix’s dad bought him a $1,000 gaming PC, hoping he’d pay him back with tournament winnings.
At first, it didn’t seem likely. But in early 2019, he started making it into Fortnite World Cup online opens. Clix won his first qualifier with 80 points and took home $10,000.
His first FNCS with NRG in March 2021, playing alongside Kyle “Bugha” Giersdorf and Timothy “Bizzle” Miller, got him 5th place and $18,000. That was his best FNCS finish at the time.
What makes Clix a famous gamer? The only pro who’s also a co-owner of XSET. He’s a Forbes 30 Under 30, and he’s set to be the best Battle Royale streamer in 2025.
World’s Best Gamers: Wrap Up
Who is the best gamer in the world? Well, it depends on who wins the competition. Each year, there may be new winners, but some names may stay at the top year after year.
Now, who are the famous gamers today? You can measure their popularity by how many followers they have on YouTube, Twitch, or other platforms. But, just because someone is famous doesn’t mean they’re the best.
Those top gamers on YouTube or Twitch often make a lot of money. It can be through partnerships, ad revenue, and even fan donations on platforms like Gank. In short, it’s definitely possible to make a living as a gamer or gaming streamer.
So, if you’re inspired by famous gamers, then get ready to learn and practice. You could be the next top gamer in the world!
