Rolling Stone has officially named IShowSpeed the Most Influential Creator of 2025, putting the explosive streamer at the top of a list packed with global heavyweights in gaming, entertainment, and culture.
Rolling Stone names @ishowspeedsui as the #1 most influential creator of 2025 👑
IShowSpeed has transformed a childhood nickname and his longtime love of video games into an IRL streaming empire.
Full list: https://t.co/skyf2C1hUS pic.twitter.com/VgiW5vNcMr
— Rolling Stone (@RollingStone) August 26, 2025
For those who’ve followed his journey, the win makes sense. In just a year, Speed has gone from being a massive American streamer to a worldwide phenomenon. His IRL tours across Asia, South America, and Europe became events in themselves, drawing crowds in the thousands and millions online.
In Indonesia, his stream smashed records for an English-speaking creator with over one million concurrent viewers.
Image Credit: iShowSpeed on Youtube
He trained with Shaolin monks in China, sparred with Manny Pacquiao in the Philippines, and even became an honorary mayor in Peru. From being speared in the WWE’s Royal Rumble to scoring the winning penalty in the Sidemen Charity Match, IShowSpeed has blurred the line between internet fame and global celebrity.
Image Credit: iShowSpeed on Youtube
Rolling Stone’s recognition cements what fans already knew, Speed is everywhere, and people can’t look away.
Gaming and streaming dominate the list
IShowSpeed isn’t the only gaming creator featured in Rolling Stone’s Top 25. Former #1 Kai Cenat holds strong at #4, proving he’s still one of the biggest names in streaming. MrBeast, who’s made philanthropy into viral content, sits at #7 after ranking #4 last year. Duke Dennis comes in at #12, blending gaming with real-life content that’s blown up across TikTok. VTuber Ironmouse also makes history at #17, after breaking Twitch subscriber records in 2024, showing just how far virtual creators have come.
Together, these names highlight how gaming and streaming aren’t niche anymore, they’re shaping culture in a way few could have predicted.
Beyond gaming: culture shapers of 2025
While the gaming world flexed its muscles, the list also celebrates creators from across entertainment, comedy, and lifestyle. Comedian Druski lands at #2 thanks to his viral sketches, while Ms Rachel at #3 continues to be one of the most trusted names for parents raising kids in the digital age.
Podcasting powerhouse Alex Cooper makes the list, alongside sharp voices like Hasan Piker, Drew Afualo, and Tefi Pessoa. Rising stars like Jake Shane and Brandon Edelman also feature, while Alix Earle and Meredith Hayden represent lifestyle and food content that dominates TikTok feeds everywhere.
Camilla Araujo and Anayka She bring fresh voices to the scene, Ilona Maher continues to push sports and body positivity, and Speedy Morman holds it down as one of the most authentic storytellers online. Theo Von, Dave Portnoy, Sabrina Brier, Quenlin Blackwell, Caleb Hearon, and Kay Poyer round out the list, proving the internet spotlight has room for every niche.
Rolling Stone’s Top 25 Most Influential Creators of 2025
Here’s the full list of everyone featured in Rolling Stone’s rankings this year:
- IShowSpeed
- Druski
- Ms Rachel
- Kai Cenat
- Quenlin Blackwell
- Caleb Hearon
- MrBeast
- Hasan Piker
- Camilla Araujo
- Alex Cooper
- Jake Shane
- Duke Dennis
- Drew Afualo
- Tefi Pessoa
- Speedy Morman
- Ilona Maher
- Ironmouse
- Anayka She
- Theo Von
- Sabrina Brier
- Alix Earle
- Meredith Hayden
- Dave Portnoy
- Brandon Edelman
- Kay Poyer
Source: Rolling Stone
A turning point for creators
What’s striking about the 2025 list is just how diverse it is. From VTubers to comedians, podcasters to lifestyle influencers, creators are no longer boxed in by one format or platform. Instead, they’re crossing over into mainstream culture, building loyal communities, and in Speed’s case, packing out arenas on the other side of the world.
Rolling Stone’s Most Influential Creators of 2025 shows us that the internet is where culture happens first. Whether you’re watching IShowSpeed stream live from Shenzhen, laughing at Druski’s latest skit, or tuning into Alex Cooper’s podcast, these creators aren’t just shaping online culture, they’re shaping culture, full stop.