eSports

10 Most Watched Twitch Streamers of 2020 So Far as Ninja and Others Eye Return

Published

5 years ago

June 29, 2020

George Miller

Reading Time: 3 minutes

– Summit1g hits top spot with 75million hours watched

– End of Mixer leaves door open to Ninja & Shroud

– No Myth or Pokimane in top 10 list

2020 has been a strange year — but Twitch streamers have had it stranger than most. The global lockdown has driven huge spikes across the streaming world as these entertainers have been a lifeline for millions of fans looking for company and distraction from the safety of their home.

This led to 101% year-on-year viewership growth in April.

The award-winning esports bookmakers at Unikrn have created a list of the top 10 most watched twitch streamers of 2020 so far.

This comes with this week’s news that Microsoft has ditched their own streaming service, Mixer, leaving the door open for some of the biggest streamers on the planet to return to Twitch.

Tyler Blevins, known on Twitch as Ninja, accrued 14 million followers on Twitch before leaving to join Mixer in October last year, but the Fortnite gamer joined other big names such as Michael “Shroud” Grzesiek and Cory “King Gothalion” Michael as free agents with Mixer’s collapse.

So, they too could make this list before the end of the year!

Most Watched Twitch Streamers of 2020

10.

TimTheTatman

Name: Timothy Betar

Games: Fortnite, Overwatch, Call of Duty:

Country: United States

Age: 29

The online personality has recently become an icon.

Now with nearly five million followers on Twitch, you may have seen the 29-year-old in the NFL 100 advert at Superbowl LIV earlier this year.

Followers: 4,947,610

Watch time in 2020: 24,293,873 hours

Lirik

Name: Saqib Zahid

Games: PUBG, GTA V, others

Country: United States

Age: 29

Lirik has become well-known for his walkthroughs and guides as well as his competitive multiplayer gaming.

The 29-year-old is the king of variety, trying new games to give his fans a fair review of new opportunities.

Followers: 2,624,326

Watch time in 2020: 24,647,532 hours

Rubius

Name: Ruben Gundersen

Games: Fortnite, Minecraft and others

Country: Spain

Age: 30

Rubius is rumoured to be one of the highest earners on the platform.

It was reported that he was estimated to be earning around $135,000 per video.

Followers: 5,062,556

Watch time in 2020: 24,934,263 hours

Tyler1

Name: Tyler Steinkamp

Games: League of Legends

Country: United States

Age: 25

In January, Tyler1 set himself the challenge of reaching Challenger playing only Jungle on League of Legends ‘to prove a point’.

Last month, he achieved his goal, declared himself “the GOAT” and surprising many of his followers.

Followers: 3,387,929

Watch time in 2020: 26,644,027 hours

NICKMERCS

Name: Nick Kolchef

Games: Fortnite, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare

Country: United States

Age: 29

NICKMERCS has long been considered one of the best Fortnite streamers out there.

He’s even now got so popular that rapper Drake has publicly given the gamer permission to use his music in his streams.

Followers: 3,671,400

Watch time in 2020: 26,874,307 hours

Tfue

Name: Turner Tenney

Games: Fortnite

Country: United States

Age: 22

Amassing a fanbase of more than 8.5million on Twitch, Tfue now holds the highest number of followers on the platform.

The 22-year-old took a break from Fortnite back in May after calling out the game for being “unfair”.

Followers: 8,537,326

Watch time in 2020: 30,823,402

Anomaly

Name: Ludwig Lagerstedt

Games: CS:GO, Valorant

Country: Sweden

Age: 25

Anomaly’s figures have skyrocketed in the past few months, much because of his decision to re-stream 24/7 Valorant VODs.

There’s nothing wrong with this in terms of how Twitch sees it, though some fans and streamers have taken a disliking.

Followers: 2,631,307

Watch time in 2020: 47,037,756

xQcOW

Name: Félix Lengyel

Games: Overwatch and various other games

Country: Canada

Age: 24

XQC is never too far from the headlines.

The skilled gamer even revealed last year how YouTube wrote to him directly to ask him to never stream with them.

Followers: 3,068,964

Watch time in 2020: 55,745,432 hours

Gaules

Name: Alexandre Borba

Games: CS:GO

Country: Brazil

Age: 36

Gaules has been a sensation on Twitch over the past few months.

The Brazilian broke his own national record of 263,000 simultaneous viewers when he reached a peak of 393,000 viewers hosting the final of the BLAST Premier Spring Finals of North America.

Followers: 1,642,928

Watch time in 2020: 57,671,713 hours

Summit1g

Name: Jaryd Lazar

Games: CS:GO, Sea of Thieves, GTA V and more

Country: United States

Age 33

And 2020’s top streamer so far is Summit1g.

Twitch have even gone out their way to lock their most prized asset down by offering the popular gamer a new contract in recent weeks.

Followers: 5,357,969

Watch time in 2020: 75,839,528 hours

Most Watched Twitch Streamers of 2020

	Channel	Watch time	Stream time	Average viewers	Followers
1	summit1g	75,839,528	1,903	35,811	5,357,969
2	Gaules	57,671,713	4,218	13,694	1,642,928
3	xQcOW	55,745,432	1,800	28,975	3,068,964
4	Anomaly	47,037,756	1,148	19,808	2,631,307
5	Tfue	30,823,402	1,071	28,012	8,537,326
6	NICKMERCS	26,874,307	1,146	22,386	3,671,400
7	loltyler1	26,644,027	985	26,468	3,387,929
8	Rubius	24,934,263	510	47,931	5,062,556
9	LIRIK	24,647,532	1,103	21,928	2,624,326
10	TimTheTatman	24,293,873	865	27,126	4,947,610

*Statistics from Dec 29 2019 – June 26th

Anushka Bhatnagar

From Rolling Loud to Riot Games: How 2025 Became the Year of Indian Gaming

Published

1 day ago

December 23, 2025

Wladimir P.

from-rolling-loud-to-riot-games:-how-2025-became-the-year-of-indian-gaming

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: India has long been a mobile-first gaming market (thanks to PUBG Mobile/BGMI). But 2025 proved that PC esports is not dead; in fact, it’s thriving culturally. Riot’s ability to integrate VALORANT into mainstream Indian youth culture—from “topper” billboards on exam result day to hip-hop festivals—is a masterclass in localized marketing. The success of S8UL Esports in League of Legends also signals that South Asia is finally ready to compete in global Tier 1 events.

The Full Story

Riot Games has released a retrospective on 2025, describing it as the year gaming in South Asia “didn’t feel tucked away anymore,” but rather became an unmistakable part of mainstream culture.

From filled cafés during watch parties to billboards featuring “inside jokes” from voice comms, the publisher’s year was defined by a massive surge in engagement across India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Maldives, and Bhutan.

The Competitive Surge: LoL and VALORANT The year began with the launch of Legends Ascend South Asia, a structured pathway for League of Legends talent that the region had been demanding. Ninety-five teams competed, culminating in S8UL Esports lifting the trophy and qualifying for the LCP Wild Card Playoffs—placing South Asian talent directly into the global conversation.

Simultaneously, PC esports found its footing in India through VALORANT Challengers South Asia.

The Numbers: The circuit recorded over 103 million live and non-live views throughout the season.
The Finals: The LAN event peaked at 50,000 concurrent viewers, proving that the appetite for PC tactical shooters remains fierce in a mobile-dominated region.

Cultural Crossovers: V5 and Rolling Loud Midway through the year, VALORANT celebrated its fifth anniversary (V5) with a campaign deeply rooted in Indian student culture.

“VAL Toppers”: On JEE results day (a major academic milestone in India), Riot reimagined the traditional “exam topper” billboards to celebrate Radiant-ranked players, sparking a viral conversation.
Rolling Loud India: In November, gaming met hip-hop. Riot integrated VALORANT into one of the world’s largest hip-hop festivals, with karaoke pods and gaming zones operating alongside performances by Wiz Khalifa and Central Cee.

Management Commentary Anushka Bhatnagar, Publishing Lead for Riot Games India & South Asia, reflected on the shift:

“2025 felt like a year when India’s gaming and esports landscape stepped into the centre of cultural conversation. VALORANT turning five reminded us how deeply the community here has shaped the game. From grassroots watch parties to moments like Rolling Loud, the ecosystem grew with a confidence that felt distinctly homegrown.”

Grassroots Momentum Beyond the flash of festivals, the year was sustained by community energy. College events introduced first-time players to the ecosystem, while local watch parties turned malls into pop-up arenas, ensuring that the growth of South Asian gaming was built “together” rather than just broadcast from above.

The post From Rolling Loud to Riot Games: How 2025 Became the Year of Indian Gaming appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

CS2

GG.RECAP 2025: How GG.BET Bridged the Gap Between Football and CS2

Published

2 days ago

December 22, 2025

Wladimir P.

ggrecap-2025:-how-gg.bet-bridged-the-gap-between-football-and-cs2

Editor’s Take

Why this matters: While many operators treat sports and esports as separate silos, GG.BET spent 2025 actively dismantling that wall. Their strategy isn’t just about slapping logos on jerseys; it’s about content crossovers. Events like the “Match of LeGGends”—where pro footballers played Counter-Strike against NAVI—demonstrate a sophisticated understanding that the modern bettor is often a hybrid fan. This cross-pollination strategy is likely the future of betting marketing.

The Full Story

GG.BET, the international betting brand, has released a comprehensive video recap of its 2025 activity, showcasing a year defined by major traditional sports sponsorships and innovative projects that blurred the lines between the pitch and the server.

The recap, which details the operator’s expansion in both the sports and esports verticals, highlights a strategy built on immersive content rather than passive branding.

Traditional Sports: Boxing and Football In the world of traditional sports, GG.BET secured high-visibility partnerships. The brand served as the official partner for the heavyweight clash between Usyk and Dubois II, executing a global media campaign at Wembley Stadium.

In Ukraine, a key licensed market for the brand, GG.BET solidified its football presence by signing a three-year contract with the legendary FC Dynamo Kyiv, alongside sponsorships of FC Polissya and FC Zorya.

The “Dynamo 3.0” Campaign: To celebrate Dynamo Kyiv’s 30th championship, GG.BET hosted a “star-studded” press event featuring a short film on the team’s history, custom jerseys, and fan-centric activations, moving beyond standard sponsorship duties.

Esports Innovation: Mapping the Industry GG.BET continued to lead in its native esports territory. A standout project was the launch of the Interactive Esports Map in collaboration with Esports Charts. This tool provides users with retrospective data on global esports trends, including regional top disciplines and prize fund statistics.

The brand also focused on industry education, organizing the “Ukraine in Esports: Myth vs Fact” panel at the SBC Summit Ukraine and curating a unique “Esports Museum” to display legendary trophies and history.

Blurring the Lines: The “Match of LeGGends” Perhaps the most distinct initiative of 2025 was the “Match of LeGGends: Server Derby.” This crossover show match saw the current NAVI Counter-Strike 2 roster face off against footballers from Dynamo Kyiv inside the game server.

The Format: GG.BET designed unique game modes and special rules for the event, which was streamed with commentary from major figures in sports and entertainment. The project successfully introduced traditional sports fans to esports mechanics and vice versa.

Industry Recognition The efficacy of this hybrid communication strategy was acknowledged by the wider industry, with GG.BET securing the Operator of the Year in CEE title at the EGR Global Europe Awards 2025.

The post GG.RECAP 2025: How GG.BET Bridged the Gap Between Football and CS2 appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.

eSports

TEAM VITALITY RUN IT BACK FOR THEIR 2026 LEC ROSTER

Published

6 days ago

December 18, 2025

Wladimir P.

team-vitality-run-it-back-for-their-2026-lec-roster

Team Vitality is kicking off the new LEC season with renewed energy and a hunger to prove themselves on the international stage.
With superstar mid laner Marek “Humanoid” Brázda joining the lineup, alongside the support of an experienced coaching staff, the club is confident in its ability to compete at the highest level in 2026.
The squad’s goal is straightforward: become a top team in the LEC and qualify for Worlds in North America next year.
Next year marks a new chapter in the club’s long-term strategy to develop and elevate European talent, creating an environment built to deliver results.

Team Vitality is proud to present its new LEC roster for 2026. Throughout the upcoming season, the club aims to build on its existing core and further develop the team’s talent, while welcoming a new mid laner and a strategic Head Coach to elevate performance.

BACK WITH NEW FIREPOWER

The stage is set, and Team Vitality returns to the LEC more determined than ever. At the heart of this ambitious new roster is Kaan “Naak Nako” Okan, the Turkish superstar top laner, who will anchor the team. With the roster built around his talent, communication, and leadership, Team Vitality aims to make a deep run and achieve its first EMEA title.

Roster composition

Kaan “Naak Nako” Okan (Turkish) – 20 years old: The centrepiece of Team Vitality’s project, Naak Nako is an incredibly talented player known for his versatility and impact. A former high-level volleyball player, he began his professional League of Legends career in 2022 with Fenerbahce. Team Vitality then picked him up in December 2023, spent a year developing in the academy, and promoted him to the main roster, bringing both potential and dedication to the LEC squad.

Linas “Lyncas” Nauncikas (Lithuanian) – 21 years old: The hardworking engine of Team Vitality, Lyncas brings his relentless drive and consistency to the refreshed roster. Having played for several teams in the ERL and EMEA Masters, he was recruited by Team Vitality in May 2024. Now entering his third year in the LEC, Lyncas combines experience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the league to power the team’s 2026 ambitions.

Marek “Humanoid” Brázda (Czech) – 25 years old: A veteran of the LEC scene and one of its most consistent mid laners over the past five years, Humanoid is repeatedly ranked among the league’s top 3 midlaners and has qualified for Worlds multiple times with rosters such as Fnatic and MAD Lions. Joining the Hive, Humanoid reunites with longtime teammate and fellow Czech Carzzy, bringing renewed motivation, experience, and leadership that the club hopes will translate into success and lead them to the Worlds stage.

Matyáš “Carzzy” Orság (Czech) – 23 years old: Consistently recognised as one of Europe’s best ADCs, Carzzy enters his seventh LEC year with a wealth of experience and a proven track record, having previously lifted three LEC trophies with MAD Lions. He brings a great personality as well as undeniable skill to Team Vitality. This season, he looks to flourish alongside his new teammate Humanoid, building strong synergy and impact in the hopes of bringing the teams to new heights.

Kadir “Fleshy” Kemiksiz (Turkish) – 24 years old: Having played for Vitality.Bee for seven months, Fleshy was promoted to the main roster last year ahead of the Summer Split. He quickly made his mark in the scene by bringing stability and reliable performances to the bot lane, leaving a strong impression on fans and teammates alike. Now entering his first full year in the LEC, Fleshy is ready to fully prove himself and make a lasting impact on Team Vitality’s road to Worlds.

Coaching staff

Patrick “Pad” Suckow-Breum (Danish) – Head Coach: A competitor through and through, Pad brings a lifelong passion for sports, having previously competed at a high level in football. He has been a coach in League of Legends since 2017, taking his first steps into the LEC with MAD Lions in 2020. Joining Team Vitality in December 2023 alongside Head Coach Mac, Pad is now taking the next step in his career as the team’s Head Coach, ready to lead Team Vitality to new heights with his experience, discipline, and vision.

Danusch “Arvindir” Fischer (German) – Strategic Coach: An ambitious coach, Arvindir began his career in professional League of Legends as an analyst for top LEC organisations, including SK Gaming and Splyce, before transitioning into coaching. He has worked across all the major ERL leagues, including a 3.5-year tenure at BIG, before moving on to KOI and Team BDS Academy, where he led the team to victory in the 2024 EMEA Masters Summer Split. Joining Team Vitality in 2025 as the Head Coach of the LFL roster, he has proven his worth in developing Vitality.Bee, and has now been promoted to Strategic Coach of the LEC team.

Luka “Lukezy” Trumbić (Croatian) – Assistant Coach: Lukezy has been involved in competitive League of Legends since 2014, initially as a semi-pro player before transitioning to coaching in 2023. He has previously worked with UCAM and NNO, gaining valuable experience across several competitive environments. Joining Team Vitality in December 2024, Lukezy now enters his second LEC season as the team’s Assistant Coach, where he has a hands-on role in player development.

”The addition of Marek to the roster reflects our strategic ambitions for the upcoming LEC season. Over the past 18 months, we have focused on developing Lynacs and Naak, making 2026 a key performance year for the team. We are confident that we now have all the pieces in place to compete for the top positions in LEC. While this season will be decisive, our team thrives under pressure, positioning us well to meet the challenge.” explains Patrick “Pad” Suckow-Breum, Head Coach of the team.

A NEW ERA BEGINS

With a clear goal in mind of reaching the international stage, Team Vitality enters 2026 determined to make this its breakthrough season. The team’s mission is bold, yet simple: establish itself as a top contender in each LEC split and secure qualification to Worlds. The organisation is committed to elevating European talent and building a team capable of competing at the highest level.

“We are building on the momentum from 2025, with results continuing to improve. We’ve added experience and an X-factor in a key position, in the hope that this will serve as a catalyst to confirm the potential of the young players we backed last year. We are confident that they can demonstrate that European talent is capable of competing for the qualifying spots at the World Championships.” says Fabien “Neo” Devide, President and co-founder of Team Vitality.

See you at the LEC 2026 Versus tournament in Berlin, starting on January 17th for the beginning of the competition!

The post TEAM VITALITY RUN IT BACK FOR THEIR 2026 LEC ROSTER appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry Newsroom.