History of IShowSpeed in Timeline

Darren Jason Watkins Jr., also known as IShowSpeed, is a popular American YouTuber and streamer. He's recognized for his high-energy, often dramatic, live streams featuring a variety of content and real-life (IRL) streams from different locations around the globe. IShowSpeed is considered among the world's most popular online personalities.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

January 21, 2005: IShowSpeed's Birth

On January 21, 2005, Darren Jason Watkins Jr., known as IShowSpeed, was born. He would later become a famous American YouTuber and streamer, known for his energetic live streams and worldwide IRL streams.

2016: Creation of YouTube Account

In 2016, Darren Watkins Jr. created his YouTube account and uploaded gameplay videos occasionally.

2016: YouTube Channel Registration

In 2016, IShowSpeed registered his YouTube channel and began posting gaming content.

December 2017: Start of Livestreaming

Around December 2017, Watkins began livestreaming and uploading videos of games such as NBA 2K and occasionally Fortnite, averaging two viewers.

April 2021: YouTube Channel Reaches 100,000 Subscribers

In April 2021, IShowSpeed's YouTube channel reached 100,000 subscribers.

August 2021: Release of "Dooty Booty"

In August 2021, IShowSpeed released his debut single, "Dooty Booty", on his YouTube channel, quickly gaining traction on YouTube and TikTok.

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December 2021: Twitch Ban

In December 2021, IShowSpeed participated in Adin Ross's Twitch "e-dating" livestream and made offensive remarks to Ash Kash, which led to a ban from Twitch for "sexual coercion or intimidation."

2021: Rise in Popularity

In 2021, IShowSpeed started gaining online attention because of his personality. He was banned from Twitch following a sexual harassment incident and began streaming on YouTube full-time.

April 2022: Valorant Ban

In April 2022, IShowSpeed made misogynistic comments towards a female player while playing Valorant on a live stream, resulting in a permanent ban from Valorant and other Riot Games titles.

April 2022: Talking Ben's Resurgence

In April 2022, IShowSpeed's videos on Talking Ben the Dog significantly boosted the mobile app's popularity, making it the best-selling game on the App Store over a decade after its initial release.

June 2022: Release of "Ronaldo (Sewey)"

In June 2022, IShowSpeed released the song "Ronaldo (Sewey)" inspired by his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo.

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July 4, 2022: Pikachu Firework Incident

On July 4, 2022, during American Independence Day, IShowSpeed set off a Pikachu firework inside his bedroom, which almost resulted in a fire.

July 2022: YouTube Ban for Minecraft Mod Stream

In July 2022, IShowSpeed received a community guidelines strike and a one-week ban on YouTube after livestreaming his character engaging in sexual activity in a sexual Minecraft mod named "Jenny's Mod".

August 2022: Swatting Incident

In August 2022, IShowSpeed was swatted while livestreaming on YouTube, resulting in officers handcuffing him.

September 2022: Sidemen Charity Match Incident

In September 2022, during the Sidemen Charity Match, IShowSpeed was given a yellow card for whipping the referee Mark Clattenburg with his shirt after his goal was disallowed.

November 2022: Release of "World Cup"

In November 2022, IShowSpeed released the single "World Cup" under Warner Records, commemorating the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

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November 2022: Sky Sports Removal and Cryptocurrency Controversy

In November 2022, Sky Sports stopped featuring IShowSpeed on their platform due to his past derogatory comments. He also faced controversy for allegedly promoting a cryptocurrency scam involving The Paradox Metaverse.

December 2022: Streamy Award and Racism Controversy

In December 2022, IShowSpeed won the Streamy Award for "Breakout Streamer." Also in December 2022, he was involved in a racism controversy for his behavior toward a Chinese spectator at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

2022: Shift to Soccer Content

In 2022, IShowSpeed began shifting his focus towards soccer-related content and became an avid supporter of Cristiano Ronaldo.

2022: Release of "World Cup" and Streamy Award

In 2022, IShowSpeed signed with Warner Records and released his single "World Cup", which charted in several countries. He also received the Breakout Streamer of the Year award at the 12th Streamy Awards.

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May 2023: Exclusive Streaming Deal with Rumble

In May 2023, IShowSpeed announced that he had signed an exclusive streaming deal with Rumble, in collaboration with Kai Cenat.

July 7, 2023: Performance at Rolling Loud Festival

On July 7, 2023, IShowSpeed made a surprise appearance at the 2023 Rolling Loud festival in Portugal, where he performed "Shake", "World Cup" and "Portuginies" alongside Ski Mask the Slump God and DJ Scheme.

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August 2023: YouTube Flashing Incident

In August 2023, IShowSpeed accidentally flashed his penis during a livestream while playing Five Nights at Freddy's: Security Breach, leading to the term "IShowMeat" trending online.

October 2023: Twitch Unban

In October 2023, IShowSpeed's Twitch account was unbanned after being banned in December 2021.

December 2023: Charity Boxing Match Against KSI

In December 2023, IShowSpeed fought KSI in a charity boxing sparring match, raising money for the Anthony Walker Foundation.

February 23, 2024: "Match for Hope 2024" Participation

On February 23, 2024, IShowSpeed participated in "Match for Hope 2024", a soccer charity match in Qatar, where a clip of him slide tackling Kaká went viral.

March 2024: Release of Trip 2 Brazil EP

In March 2024, IShowSpeed released his first extended play, Trip 2 Brazil.

April 7, 2024: WrestleMania XL Appearance

On April 7, 2024, IShowSpeed appeared at WWE's WrestleMania XL as a Prime bottle, where he was kicked by Randy Orton and RKOed onto the commentators' table.

May 29, 2024: Injury at Cooper's Hill Cheese-Rolling

On May 29, 2024, IShowSpeed suffered a leg injury at the annual Cooper's Hill Cheese-Rolling and Wake in Gloucestershire, England, requiring hospitalization.

July 2024: Europe Tour and Hospitalization in Norway

In July 2024, during the UEFA Euro 2024, IShowSpeed toured Europe. On July 3, he injured his ankle in Norway and was attacked by a crowd, resulting in hospitalization.

August 3, 2024: Luxury Car Jump Stunt

On August 3, 2024, IShowSpeed performed a livestreamed stunt in Miami where he jumped over two speeding luxury cars.

September 2024: Southeast Asia Tour

In September 2024, IShowSpeed toured Southeast Asia, visiting seven countries. One of his livestreams, "IRL Stream in Indonesia", marked the first time an English-speaking streamer received 1 million viewers in a livestream.

November 2024: Race Against Noah Lyles and Complex Ranking

In November 2024, IShowSpeed lost an exhibition race against Noah Lyles and was ranked first by Complex Networks in its list of "The 25 Best Streamers Right Now".

December 2024: Multiple Awards at Streamer Awards and GOAL Champions Awards

In December 2024, IShowSpeed won several awards including "Get Off Your A** Award (Best IRL Streamer)", "Best International Streamer", and "Streamer of the Year" at the Streamer Awards. He also won the "Most Influential Soccer Creator" award of the GOAL Champions Awards.

2024: Streamer of the Year at Streamer Awards

In 2024, IShowSpeed won the Streamer of the Year award at the Streamer Awards.

January 10, 2025: South America Tour Announcement

On January 10, 2025, IShowSpeed announced that he would be doing a tour in South America.

February 1, 2025: WWE Royal Rumble Appearance

On February 1, 2025, IShowSpeed appeared in WWE’s Royal Rumble, substituting for Akira Tozawa. He eliminated Otis but was eliminated by Bron Breakker. He later retired from wrestling after injuries.

February 14, 2025: "Match for Hope 2025" Participation

On February 14, 2025, IShowSpeed participated in "Match for Hope 2025", a soccer charity event in Qatar. His team lost 6-5, but the event raised over $10.7 million for charity.

February 2025: Retirement from Wrestling

In February 2025, following injuries sustained in the Royal Rumble, IShowSpeed announced his retirement from wrestling.

March 5, 2025: CBS Sports Golazo Feature

On March 5, 2025, IShowSpeed was featured on CBS Sports Golazo's coverage of the UEFA Champions League.

March 8, 2025: Sidemen Charity Match 2025

On March 8, 2025, IShowSpeed participated in the 2025 Sidemen Charity Match, scoring his first goal in the series and securing victory for the YouTube Allstars in a shoot-out.