2023 brought a notable shift in the Twitch landscape. For three years, Felix ‘xQc’ Lengyel, a Canadian streamer and former Overwatch professional, reigned as the platform’s most-watched streamer. However, this year, Kai Cenat, an emerging talent in the streaming community, dethroned xQc, marking a new era in Twitch’s history.

xQc was at the top of the list for three straight years

Kai Cenat’s rise to the top was nothing short of extraordinary. In a record-breaking streak, he not only clinched the title of Twitch’s most-watched streamer but also became the platform’s most subscribed streamer ever. His 30-day “Mafiathon” subathon in early 2023 played a pivotal role in this achievement, attracting over 300,000 subscribers at its peak and surpassing well-known streamers like Ninja and Ludwig.

xQc

Meanwhile, xQc’s transition to Twitch’s rival platform, Kick.com, might have played a role in his shift in ranking. Despite losing the top spot on Twitch, xQc’s move was financially significant, securing a whopping $100 million deal with Kick.com. This move underscores the fluidity and competitive nature of the streaming industry, where platform loyalty and audience preferences can rapidly change.

The 2023 Twitch rankings also saw Brazilian streamer Gaules and Spanish streamer Ibai claiming high spots, showcasing the global appeal and diversity of Twitch’s streaming community. Gaules, known for his Counter-Strike: Global Offensive streams, and Ibai, with his engaging content, both accumulated over 100 million hours of watch time each, demonstrating the vast reach and influence of Twitch streamers globally.

This shift at the top of Twitch’s rankings is a reminder of the ever-changing landscape of online streaming. As new talents like Kai Cenat rise to prominence, they bring fresh perspectives and dynamics to the platform, keeping the world of digital content vibrant and unpredictable.

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