In the fast-paced world of esports and gaming, recognition of talent is a significant milestone. This year, two prominent figures from the VALORANT community, Tyson ‘TenZ’ Van Ngo and Alexis ‘alexis’ Guarrasi, have secured their spots on the prestigious Forbes 30 Under 30 US Games list, a testament to their remarkable achievements in the gaming industry.
The Dynamic Duo: TenZ and Alexis
TenZ and Alexis have captivated the gaming world with their exceptional skills and contributions. Alexis, a key player for Shopify Rebellion Gold, is lauded as the highest-earning woman in VALORANT history, with her earnings surpassing $150,000 (~£112,900) in prize money over five years. Her impressive track record includes consecutive VCT Game Changers Championship victories in 2023 and 2024. Meanwhile, TenZ, a former Sentinels star, is celebrated for his influential role in the VALORANT esports scene, having triumphed at Masters Madrid in 2024. After retiring from professional play in 2025, TenZ transitioned to content creation, continuing to shape the community by launching a VALORANT Community Awards Show.
The Forbes 30 Under 30 recognition underscores the profound impact TenZ and Alexis have had on the gaming world, both as competitors and creators.
Unveiling the Forbes 30 Under 30 List
The Forbes 30 Under 30 list is an annual celebration of young innovators and leaders across various fields, including gaming. This year, alongside TenZ and Alexis, the list features notable figures such as Jordan Lazarus, founder of Xen Gaming, Spencer Ma from Carry1st, and Twitch streamer Emily ‘Emiru’ Schunk, who has earned approximately $1.5m (~£1.1m) in the past year.
Achievements Beyond Esports
Forbes’ recognition extends to personalities beyond traditional esports, highlighting the diverse talents within the gaming industry. The inclusion of individuals like Jordan Lazarus and Spencer Ma emphasizes the broader influence of gaming, from business development to content creation, demonstrating the sector’s dynamic growth and potential.