From his contagious energy to his popular streams, IShowSpeed is nothing shy of an internet sensation. Formerly known as Darren Watkins Jr., he has taken the internet by storm with his inspiring, eye-catching, and unfiltered presence that his audience grabs onto.
Most known for his livestreams and unpredictable behavior, Speed has gained a massive following that cannot stay away from his unique brand of entertainment. In 2016, Watkins began his content journey by streaming on Twitch but soon moved to YouTube, where he started his channel called “IShowSpeed,” where he started posting all his gaming content.
With his love for soccer, Speed shifted his content towards soccer, showing his apparent love for Cristiano Ronaldo. Speed has also collaborated with stars like Kai Cenat and Central Cee, who love and support the progress Speed has made and shown. Recently, Speed joined Logan Paul and NBA Superstar Kevin Durant in a YouTube video to talk about all things basketball. This video went viral as Durant spent the day roasting Speed and beating him in a one-on-one basketball game. KD showed a hard exterior, but fans could tell there was a bond between the two.
His story of relentless determination and hard work is under all the viral moments and laughs in his streams. Watkins has overcome numerous challenges to get to the foundation of his channel today, working from the ground up. Watkins’ transparency allows him to share both the good and bad times in his life with his followers, whom he views as family, because he wants everyone to see his true self, making his streams more relatable.
He went from 5,000 to nearly 30 million subscribers across his three YouTube channels in three years. Thanks to his passion, he knew to persevere regardless of the obstacle he had in front of him. His hard work not only paid off with his channel, but in 2022, he went on to win the prestigious Streamy Award for Breakout Creator.
This is a huge milestone for him: “I would have never thought telling my young self that I won an award.” Watkins continues to be a testament to what enough grind and commitment can lead to. He never fails to advise his young followers on his streams. Whether he is breaking into laughter or climbing the charts, IShowSpeed’s charm keeps viewers hooked, ultimately making every stream an unforgettable experience.