As esports continues to evolve, streaming has emerged as a powerful way for both current and retired pros to stay connected with their communities. These five streamers are making a significant impact, combining elite gameplay with strong online presence, and shaping the direction of competitive gaming and content creation in 2025.
TenZ Transitions from VALORANT Prodigy to Leading Streamer
Jared ‘TenZ’ Latham, known for his sharp VALORANT skills, has successfully made the jump from competitive play to content creation. His rise began with Cloud9 and peaked when he led Sentinels to victory at VCT Masters Reykjavik in 2021, the first major international VALORANT event.
Over time, he moved away from professional competition, expressing concerns about VALORANT’s increasing focus on utility over mechanical skill. Still, he remains active in the game through streaming, drawing in a large following with a blend of gameplay and commentary. His Twitch channel now boasts over 4.3 million followers.
Shroud Evolves from CS Legend to Esports Org Owner
Michael ‘Shroud’ Grzesiek stands as one of the most recognizable figures in streaming, having transitioned from a celebrated Counter-Strike: Global Offensive career to full-time content creation. He played a key role in the success of teams like Cloud9 and Sentinels, known for his unmatched precision in shooters.
Shroud eventually stepped back from professional play, opting to launch his own organization, Shroud-X, and focus on streaming. His audience of 11.1 million Twitch followers regularly tunes in to watch his gameplay across titles like Apex Legends, Call of Duty, and Marvel Rivals, along with more relaxed content that showcases his personality.
Beaulo Remains an R6 Icon After Retirement
Jason ‘Beaulo’ Doty earned his reputation in Rainbow Six Siege, where he was praised as one of the top players in the game. His standout moment came with TSM’s victory at the Six Invitational 2022, a win that solidified his place in esports history.
After initially retiring in early 2023, Beaulo made a brief comeback later that year with DarkZero Esports before officially stepping away again on March 5, 2025. While he no longer competes professionally, his Twitch channel with 1.3 million followers continues to grow as he dedicates himself fully to streaming.
Faker Balances Pro Play and Streaming in League of Legends
Lee ‘Faker’ Sang-hyeok, a living legend in the League of Legends scene, remains an active competitor with T1 while also developing a strong presence in content creation. Despite focusing on competition, Faker’s streams have gained popularity thanks to his deep knowledge of the game and insights into the professional scene.
With three World Championship titles from 2013, 2015, and 2016, and multiple domestic LCK victories, Faker has become an icon not only for his accomplishments but also for his influence. His Twitch channel, which has 3.9 million followers, showcases top-tier gameplay and offers viewers a glimpse into the life of one of esports’ most successful figures.
Clix Stands Out in Fortnite Streaming and Esports Ownership
Cody ‘Clix’ Conrod is a dominant figure in Fortnite, known for his technical skill and competitive achievements. His early career with Misfits Gaming and later NRG Esports saw him place highly in international events like FNCS.
In recent years, Clix has become a major content creator while also stepping into a leadership role as co-owner of XSET, a North American esports organization. His Twitch account, with 8.1 million followers, reflects his continued influence in the Fortnite scene, keeping fans engaged with fast-paced gameplay and entertaining commentary even outside of tournaments.