Streams - User contributions [en]

Category:One True King

2026-09-23T04:27:20Z

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People and topics related to the creator organization '''One True King''' (OTK).

* [[Asmongold]]
* [[Esfand]]

[[Category:Streams wiki]]

Category:Spanish streamers

2026-09-23T04:27:19Z

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Livestreamers from Spain.

* [[El Xokas]]

[[Category:Twitch streamers]]

Category:Canadian streamers

2026-09-23T04:27:18Z

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Livestreamers of Canadian nationality or strong Canadian association.

* [[Payo]]
* [[Kripparrian]] (Romanian-Canadian)

[[Category:Twitch streamers]]

Category:American streamers

2026-09-23T04:27:18Z

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Livestreamers of American nationality or primary U.S. residence covered on Streams wiki.

* [[Xaryu]]
* [[Asmongold]]
* [[Esfand]]
* [[Mitch Jones]]

[[Category:Twitch streamers]]

Category:World of Warcraft streamers

2026-09-23T04:27:17Z

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Creators closely associated with '''''World of Warcraft''''' livestreams, guides, PvP, or Classic/Hardcore content.

== Pages in this category ==
* [[Payo]]
* [[Xaryu]]
* [[Asmongold]]
* [[Esfand]]
* [[Kripparrian]]
* [[Mitch Jones]]
* [[El Xokas]]

[[Category:Twitch streamers]]
[[Category:Streams wiki]]

Category:Twitch streamers

2026-09-23T04:27:16Z

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This category groups articles about people who livestream primarily on [[Twitch]].

== Pages in this category ==
* [[Payo]]
* [[Xaryu]]
* [[Asmongold]]
* [[Esfand]]
* [[Kripparrian]]
* [[Mitch Jones]]
* [[El Xokas]]

[[Category:Streams wiki]]

Main Page

2026-09-23T04:27:16Z

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= Welcome to Streams =

'''Streams''' is an encyclopedic MediaWiki devoted to livestreamers, especially creators known for '''''World of Warcraft''''' and related Blizzard / MMO communities. Articles are independently researched drafts rewritten in encyclopedic tone—not verbatim copies of Wikipedia or other wikis.

== Featured streamers ==
{| class="wikitable" style="width:100%"
! Streamer !! Known for !! Page
|-
| '''[[Payo]]''' || Canadian WoW PvP / Classic / Hardcore rogue specialist || [[Payo]]
|-
| '''[[Xaryu]]''' || U.S. arena mage; fitness & healthy-gaming advocate (xaryu.tv) || [[Xaryu]]
|-
| '''[[Asmongold]]''' || MMO reaction giant; OTK co-founder; ZackRawrr on Twitch || [[Asmongold]]
|-
| '''[[Esfand]]''' || WoW Classic, football streams, OTK co-founder || [[Esfand]]
|-
| '''[[Kripparrian]]''' || Hearthstone Arena icon; WoW Ironman; Diablo III HC || [[Kripparrian]]
|-
| '''[[Mitch Jones]]''' || Early WoW PvP streamer; musician; Reckful tribute || [[Mitch Jones]]
|-
| '''[[El Xokas]]''' || Leading Spanish WoW / variety creator; SquidCraft peak || [[El Xokas]]
|}

== Browse by category ==
* [[:Category:Twitch streamers]]
* [[:Category:World of Warcraft streamers]]
* [[:Category:American streamers]]
* [[:Category:Canadian streamers]]
* [[:Category:Spanish streamers]]
* [[:Category:YouTubers]]
* [[:Category:One True King]]

== About this wiki ==
Streams (streams.wiki) collects biographical and career pages on livestream personalities with an emphasis on WoW-era creators. Content is written for MediaWiki publishing: use internal links, cited references, and category tags. '''Do not paste Wikipedia verbatim'''—rewrite and attribute sources at the foot of each article.

=== Contributing guidelines (summary) ===
* Prefer primary or recent public sources (official bios, Twitch/YouTube channels, reputable gaming press).
* Keep a neutral encyclopedic voice; place well-sourced controversies in their own section.
* Link related creators via a '''See also''' section.

== Quick links ==
* [https://www.twitch.tv Twitch]
* Project inventory: see repository <code>README.md</code> for draft file list and source notes.

[[Category:Streams wiki]]

El Xokas

2026-09-23T04:27:15Z

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{{Infobox person
| name = El Xokas
| birth_name = Joaquín Domínguez Portela
| birth_date = 13 April 1991
| birth_place = Abadín / Lugo area, Galicia, Spain
| occupation = Twitch streamer, YouTuber, entrepreneur
| years_active = 2018–present (Twitch); earlier YouTube
| known_for = Spanish ''World of Warcraft'' streaming; SquidCraft Games peak; ESLAND Revelation Streamer
| nationality = Spanish
}}

'''Joaquín Domínguez Portela''' (born 13 April 1991), known as '''El Xokas''' (also styled ElXokas / Elxokas), is a Spanish Twitch streamer, YouTuber, and entrepreneur from Galicia. He rose from Real Madrid video post-production work to become one of Spain’s most-subscribed Twitch channels, initially through ''[[World of Warcraft]]'' and later through large multi-creator events such as SquidCraft Games. As of mid-2025 public trackers listed multi-million followings across Twitch, YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.<ref name="progreso">[https://www.elprogreso.es/articulo/lugo/streamer-lucense-rompiendo-virtual-life/202101201529181481725.html El Progreso – El streamer lucense]</ref><ref name="as">[https://as.com/esports/quien-es-el-xokas-el-streamer-mas-popular-del-world-of-warcraft-n/ AS – Quién es El Xokas]</ref>

== Early life and education ==
Domínguez was born on 13 April 1991 in the Lugo province of Galicia; his father is from A Coruña and his mother from Abadín, and his family operates a hair salon. He attended Colegio Rosalía de Castro for primary school and Instituto Fingoi for secondary education, then moved to Salamanca for a bachelor’s degree in Advertising and Marketing at Universidad Pontificia de Salamanca, followed by postgraduate study in audiovisual post-production in Madrid.<ref name="progreso" />

== Career ==
=== Real Madrid and YouTube ===
In 2016 he began working as a video editor/post-producer for Real Madrid C.F. while uploading ''League of Legends'' content on YouTube. On 8 January 2018 he launched a Twitch channel centered on ''World of Warcraft'', and by 2019 Spanish esports press described him as a leading European creator in that category. He left the Real Madrid role on 27 August 2019 to stream full-time.<ref name="progreso" /><ref name="as" />

=== Twitch breakthrough ===
Through 2020–2021 he collaborated with major Spanish creators (including appearances alongside El Rubius and Ibai Llanos), joined large invitational events, and expanded into podcasting with '''EL XOKAST''', interviewing urban music artists. In January 2022 he received the ESLAND Award for Revelation Streamer of the Year. The same period saw mainstream television and podcast invitations (e.g., ''La Resistencia'', ''The Wild Project'').<ref name="progreso" />

A defining audience spike came during '''SquidCraft Games''' (Minecraft events inspired by ''Squid Game''). During the 2022 edition his broadcast peaked above 1.2 million concurrent viewers—among the highest figures then recorded on Twitch—though he did not win the final.<ref name="rtve">[https://www.rtve.es/playz/20220125/final-squid-game-minecraft-twitch-bate-todos-records/2268360.shtml RTVE – Squid Game Minecraft records]</ref> He has also streamed ''Rust'', variety games, and opinion/Just Chatting formats that keep him near the top of Spanish-language discovery charts; Forbes Spain and regional outlets have repeatedly listed him among the country’s highest-earning or most-watched creators.

=== Business and WoW events ===
In February 2024 Domínguez acquired prepared-meal company '''Knoweats''', positioning it against competitors such as Wetaca; the purchase drew both business coverage and public criticism related to competitive messaging.<ref name="know">[https://www.elespanol.com/alicante/vivir/gastronomia/20240207/xocas-compra-knoweats-empresa-nucia-prepara-platos-espectaculares-espana/830667276_0.html El Español – Xokas compra Knoweats]</ref> In early 2025 he organized '''Go Again''', a Spanish-community ''World of Warcraft'' Classic Hardcore event, reinforcing his ongoing association with WoW despite a broader content mix.<ref name="marca">[https://www.marca.com/esports/2025/02/03/go-again-xokas-wow.html Marca – Go Again WoW event (coverage)]</ref>

== Controversies ==
Spanish media have documented multiple public controversies, including remarks criticized by political figures and equality advocates (notably disputes involving then–Minister of Equality Irene Montero) and statements about dating that sparked widespread backlash. Coverage of these incidents is extensive in outlets such as ''Público'' and ''ABC''; they form part of his polarizing public profile alongside commercial success.<ref name="as" />

== Personal life ==
He has publicly confirmed a relationship with ''League of Legends'' streamer Zeling. Unlike some Spanish creators who relocated for tax reasons, he has stated a preference for remaining in Spain. Family background in a Galician hair salon and close ties to his grandmother have been featured in lifestyle profiles.

== See also ==
* [[Asmongold]]
* [[Esfand]]
* [[Payo]]
* [[Xaryu]]

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://www.twitch.tv/elxokas Elxokas on Twitch]
* [https://www.youtube.com/@ElXokas El Xokas on YouTube]

[[Category:Twitch streamers]]
[[Category:World of Warcraft streamers]]
[[Category:Spanish streamers]]
[[Category:YouTubers]]

Mitch Jones

2026-09-23T04:27:14Z

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{{Infobox person
| name = Mitch Jones
| birth_name = David Mitchell Jones
| birth_date = 23 July 1992
| birth_place = Maryland, U.S.
| occupation = Twitch streamer, musician
| years_active = 2011–present
| known_for = ''World of Warcraft'' PvP streaming; IRL/variety content; music tributes
| nationality = American
}}

'''David Mitchell Jones''' (born 23 July 1992), known professionally as '''Mitch Jones''', is an American Twitch streamer and musician. He emerged in the early 2010s Justin.tv/Twitch scene through ''[[World of Warcraft]]'' player-versus-player content, later expanding into IRL, reaction, and gambling-adjacent variety streams, and in 2021 released original music including a widely covered tribute to late streamer Byron “Reckful” Bernstein.<ref name="bi">[https://www.businessinsider.com/mitch-jones-music-video-twitch-twitter-streaming-spotify-past-behind-2021-7 Business Insider – Mitch Jones music and past]</ref><ref name="dotequit">[https://dotesports.com/streaming/news/mitch-jones-quits-streaming Dot Esports – Mitch Jones quits streaming (2021)]</ref>

== Early life ==
Jones was born on 23 July 1992 in Maryland, United States. Public interviews describe an early immersion in online gaming communities that led him onto livestream platforms as a teenager. As an adult he has primarily been based in Los Angeles, California.

== Streaming career ==
=== Justin.tv / Twitch beginnings ===
Jones began broadcasting around 2011 on Justin.tv (Twitch’s predecessor), focusing on ''World of Warcraft'' arena and world PvP. His high-energy personality and association with other early WoW personalities helped him sustain multi-thousand concurrent averages by the mid-2010s; contemporary reporting cited roughly 5,000 average viewers around 2015.<ref name="bi" /> Over time he mixed gaming with IRL walks, Just Chatting, and casino-style segments that kept him visible outside pure WoW directories.

=== Controversies and platform sanctions ===
Between 2017 and 2019 Jones received multiple Twitch enforcement actions. Coverage documented bans related to use of slurs on stream and, separately, streaming while looking at a phone while driving—an incident that drew BBC and gaming-press attention and contributed to temporary loss of Partner privileges. He publicly apologized for several incidents; Partner status and channel access were later restored under platform terms, but the period cemented a polarizing reputation in streaming discourse.<ref name="bi" /><ref name="bbc">Reporting summarized via BBC and Game Rant coverage of 2019 driving bans (see References).</ref>

=== Reckful tribute and music pivot ===
Jones was a close friend of Byron “Reckful” Bernstein. After Bernstein’s death in 2020, Jones released the single “Now That You’re Gone” on 19 April 2021 as a memorial tribute. Days later he announced an extended break from streaming to pursue music and “find meaning,” framing songwriting as outreach to listeners facing mental-health struggles similar to his own publicly discussed anxiety and depression.<ref name="dotequit" /><ref name="dexerto">[https://www.dexerto.com/entertainment/mitch-jones-remembers-reckful-tearful-tribute-song-1557179/ Dexerto – Reckful tribute song]</ref>

On 23 July 2021 (his birthday) he issued the debut EP '''''If I Could Go Back''''' and returned to Twitch with a live performance party. A second 2021 EP, '''''Broken''''', and later singles (including collaborations such as “Darkness” with Craig Mabbitt) continued the music catalog alongside intermittent streaming.<ref name="bi" /><ref name="knock">[https://theknockturnal.com/gaming-superstar-mitch-jones-makes-highly-anticipated-debut-with-emotional-ep-if-i-could-go-back/ The Knockturnal – If I Could Go Back]</ref>

== Musical releases ==
* '''Singles''': “Now That You’re Gone” (2021); additional tracks including “Perfect Vibe,” “West Coast Tragedy” (feat. Ouse), “Darkness” (feat. Craig Mabbitt, 2022).
* '''EPs''': ''If I Could Go Back'' (2021); ''Broken'' (2021).

== Personal life ==
Jones has spoken on stream and in interviews about living with anxiety and depression. He resides in Los Angeles. Profiles and tracker sites have placed his Twitch followership in the high hundreds of thousands as of the mid-2020s.

== See also ==
* [[Payo]]
* [[Xaryu]]
* [[Asmongold]]
* [[Esfand]]

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://www.twitch.tv/mitchjones MitchJones on Twitch]
* [https://twitter.com/MitchJonez @MitchJonez on X]

[[Category:Twitch streamers]]
[[Category:World of Warcraft streamers]]
[[Category:American streamers]]
[[Category:Musicians]]

Kripparrian

2026-09-23T04:27:14Z

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{{Infobox person
| name = Kripparrian
| birth_name = Octavian Morosan
| birth_date = 30 June 1987
| birth_place = Suceava, Romania
| other_names = Kripp
| occupation = Twitch streamer, YouTuber, gaming personality
| years_active = 2012–present (Twitch); earlier YouTube WoW/Diablo content
| known_for = ''Hearthstone'' Arena; ''Diablo III'' Hardcore Inferno; ''World of Warcraft'' Ironman
| nationality = Romanian-Canadian
| spouse = Rania Morosan (m. 2014)
}}

'''Octavian Morosan''' (born 30 June 1987), better known as '''Kripparrian''' or '''Kripp''', is a Romanian-Canadian Twitch streamer, YouTuber, and long-form gaming personality. He first gained notice as an elite ''[[World of Warcraft]]'' hunter and Ironman Challenge pioneer, then as a ''Diablo III'' Hardcore progression streamer, and later as one of the most-watched ''Hearthstone'' creators—especially in Arena and Battlegrounds modes. His Twitch channel is [https://www.twitch.tv/nl_kripp nl_kripp].<ref name="liq">[https://liquipedia.net/hearthstone/Kripparrian Liquipedia Hearthstone – Kripparrian]</ref><ref name="spotlight">[https://streamlabs.com/content-hub/post/streamlabs-streamer-spotlight-featuring-kripparrian Streamlabs – Streamer Spotlight: Kripparrian]</ref>

== Early life ==
Morosan was born in Suceava, Romania, and later settled in Canada. As a child he played paper ''Magic: The Gathering'', developing an analytical approach to rules and card evaluation that later informed digital card-game success. In university he studied mathematics and physics but found the coursework unsatisfying while spending increasing time on ''World of Warcraft''. After about a year he left college, worked as a computer technician for roughly two years, and continued producing unpaid YouTube tutorials until teammates encouraged him to livestream.<ref name="tts">[https://toptwitchstreamers.com/streamer/nl_kripp/ TopTwitchStreamers – nl_Kripp bio]</ref>

== Career ==
=== World of Warcraft ===
Before streaming fame, Morosan was a respected WoW player: a member of the high-end U.S. raiding guild Exodus, a top Hunter DPS parser (including period-leading benchmarks around mid-2010), and—by community chronicles—the first player to complete the self-imposed Ironman Challenge ruleset. He launched his YouTube presence with hunter and general WoW tutorial videos.<ref name="liq" />

=== Diablo III ===
At the 2012 launch of ''Diablo III'', Morosan and teammate Krippi prepared extensively for Hardcore Inferno progression. They achieved a widely reported world-first Hardcore Inferno clear before patch 1.0.3 eased difficulty, streaming the accomplishment on Twitch. The feat—and accompanying mechanical explainers—materially grew his audience and pushed him toward full-time streaming after he registered on Twitch in 2012 with Team NoLife peers.<ref name="liq" /><ref name="tts" />

=== Hearthstone ===
After receiving an early ''Hearthstone'' beta key, Morosan shifted primary focus to Blizzard’s digital card game. He finished second at the 2013 BlizzCon Innkeeper’s Invitational (losing in the final to Artosis), later reached Legend rank on the constructed ladder (August 2015), and became especially identified with Arena drafting—posting high win rates even from weak drafts—and later Battlegrounds. With his wife Rania he helped popularize '''Challengestone'''-style deckbuilding contests. He also cast high-profile events, including the 2015 Hearthstone World Championship broadcast alongside AmazHS and Frodan.<ref name="liq" /><ref name="redbull">[https://www.redbull.com/int-en/kripparrian-hearthstone-interview Red Bull – Hearthstone Q&A: Kripparrian]</ref>

At the 2014 Blizzard Stream Awards his channel won Favorite Hearthstone Stream and Most Engaged Viewers, and placed highly in average-viewership categories. He crossed one million Twitch followers in June 2017 and has remained above 1.5 million in mid-2020s tracker snapshots. He was affiliated with Team SoloMid for a period of his Hearthstone career. Outside Hearthstone he has also streamed ''Path of Exile'' and other ARPGs while retaining a reputation for long, candid sessions.<ref name="liq" /><ref name="spotlight" />

== Personal life ==
Morosan married Rania Morosan (online as underflowR) on 31 October 2014; she works as his manager and YouTube editor and maintains lifestyle clip channels. The couple lived in Athens, Greece, for about eighteen months and later designed and built a home in Canada. They keep dogs (including a German Shepherd named Dexter and a Corgi named Fey). Morosan has publicly identified as vegan.<ref name="tts" />

His username traces to earlier MMORPG characters (including ''Dark Age of Camelot''), shortened over time to “Kripp.”

== See also ==
* [[Asmongold]]
* [[Esfand]]
* [[Xaryu]]
* [[Payo]]

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://www.twitch.tv/nl_kripp nl_kripp on Twitch]
* [https://www.youtube.com/Kripparrian Kripparrian on YouTube]
* [https://liquipedia.net/hearthstone/Kripparrian Liquipedia profile]

[[Category:Twitch streamers]]
[[Category:World of Warcraft streamers]]
[[Category:Hearthstone players]]
[[Category:Romanian streamers]]
[[Category:Canadian streamers]]
[[Category:YouTubers]]

Esfand

2026-09-23T04:27:13Z

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{{Infobox person
| name = Esfand
| birth_name = Tim Esfandiari
| birth_date = 3 September 1991
| birth_place = Texas, U.S.
| occupation = Twitch streamer, YouTuber
| years_active = 2012–present
| known_for = ''World of Warcraft Classic''; sports streaming; co-founding One True King
| nationality = American
}}

'''Tim Esfandiari''' (born 3 September 1991), known online as '''Esfand''' or '''EsfandTV''', is an American Twitch streamer and YouTuber. A Persian American native of Texas, he built an audience through ''[[World of Warcraft]]'' private-server and Classic content, then diversified into Madden/NFL shows, GTA roleplay, and large IRL productions. He is a co-founder and co-owner of the creator organization '''One True King''' (OTK) and won Best Roleplay Streamer at the 2024 Streamer Awards.<ref name="uproxx">[https://uproxx.com/edge/esfand-thurdsay-night-football-streams/ UPROXX – How Esfand Went From WoW To Thursday Night Football]</ref><ref name="profiles">[https://streamerprofiles.com/esfandtv StreamerProfiles – EsfandTV]</ref>

== Early life ==
Esfandiari was born on 3 September 1991 to a Persian American family in Texas and grew up in the Dallas area. He attended Southern Methodist University (SMU), studying computer science. After an injury ended his college football playing ambitions, he worked on the SMU football staff in recruiting and video roles under coaches including Chad Morris, originally aspiring to a coaching career before content creation became full-time work.<ref name="uproxx" /><ref name="profiles" />

== Career ==
=== YouTube raids and private servers ===
He created a Twitch account in 2012 and a YouTube channel in 2016. Early uploads began as a practical solution: lacking hard-drive space for raid recordings, he posted ''World of Warcraft'' footage to YouTube, which unexpectedly gained traction—especially around vanilla private-server communities, where his Retribution Paladin guides and “Paladin Man” persona stood out.<ref name="uproxx" />

On 15 November 2017 Blizzard issued a DMCA strike against his YouTube channel for private-server streaming. He migrated emphasis to Twitch, rebuilt the audience there, and later noted the irony of being invited to BlizzCon-related streaming opportunities after the enforcement action.<ref name="uproxx" />

=== Method, Twitch growth, and OTK ===
In February 2019 he joined Method Gaming’s creator roster; he left in June 2020 after criticizing the organization’s handling of sexual-harassment allegations against affiliates. On 11 October 2020 he co-founded '''One True King''' with [[Asmongold]], Mizkif, Rich Campbell, and Tips Out. He is also linked as a co-owner of PC brand Starforge Systems through the OTK ecosystem.<ref name="profiles" />

During the official ''WoW Classic'' era he ranked among the category’s most visible English-language streamers, then broadened into variety, weightlifting/boxing bits, cooking, and collaborations with Austin-scene peers. He crossed one million Twitch followers in early 2022. Leaked Twitch payout data covering August 2019–October 2021 ranked him near the top 70 earners for that window.<ref name="profiles" />

=== Sports and roleplay content ===
Drawing on his football background, Esfand launched '''Let’s Go! Football''' with Twitch support—a weekly show featuring current and former NFL players and fellow creators. He has hosted draft-day extravaganzas with guests such as Austin Ekeler and Micah Parsons, worked as a pre-fight interviewer for Creator Clash charity boxing (2022–2023), and earned repeated Streamer Awards nominations for Best MMORPG Streamer before winning Best Roleplay Streamer in 2024 (also nominated for Best Sports Streamer that year).<ref name="profiles" /><ref name="uproxx" />

== Philanthropy ==
In April 2023 he and OTK organized a Charity Lift-A-Thon in which streamers lifted weight corresponding to donations, raising well over US$140,000 for Games for Love according to organizer and press reports.

== Personal life ==
Esfand is a Dallas Cowboys supporter and remains associated with the Austin, Texas streaming community. In May 2022, during an OTK trip to South Korea, he injured a thumb on an arcade machine and was hospitalized; the incident received brief international press attention.

== See also ==
* [[Asmongold]]
* [[Xaryu]]
* [[Payo]]
* [[Kripparrian]]

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://www.twitch.tv/esfandtv EsfandTV on Twitch]
* [https://www.youtube.com/@Esfand Esfand on YouTube]

[[Category:Twitch streamers]]
[[Category:World of Warcraft streamers]]
[[Category:American streamers]]
[[Category:YouTubers]]
[[Category:One True King]]

Asmongold

2026-09-23T04:27:12Z

Maintenance script:

{{Infobox person
| name = Asmongold
| birth_name = Zack Hoyt
| birth_date = 1990
| birth_place = Florida, U.S. (raised in Austin, Texas)
| other_names = ZackRawrr
| occupation = Twitch streamer, YouTuber, commentator
| years_active = 2008–present (YouTube); 2014–present (Twitch)
| known_for = ''World of Warcraft'' and MMO streaming; reaction and political commentary; co-founding One True King
| nationality = American
}}

'''Zack Hoyt''' (born 1990), known online as '''Asmongold''' and on Twitch primarily as '''ZackRawrr''', is an American livestreamer, YouTuber, and online commentator. He rose to prominence through ''[[World of Warcraft]]'' guides and raids, became one of Twitch’s most-watched MMO creators during ''WoW Classic'', and later expanded into variety games, reaction content, and political commentary.<ref name="dote">[https://dotesports.com/streaming/news/who-is-asmongold-everything-to-know-about-twitch-mmo-king Dot Esports – Who is Asmongold?]</ref><ref name="mm">[https://www.mediamatters.org/asmongold/asmongold-one-largest-us-streamers-youtube-has-leveled-gaming-politics Media Matters – Asmongold overview]</ref>

== Early life ==
Hoyt was born in 1990 in Florida and moved to Austin, Texas, shortly afterward. He developed an early interest in role-playing games and was introduced to ''World of Warcraft'' by a friend in 2006, around age sixteen. He has described becoming deeply invested in the title—later estimating tens of thousands of hours played—and briefly pursued college coursework (including business interests and community-college study) before leaving formal education to focus on content creation.<ref name="dote" />

== Career ==
=== YouTube beginnings ===
In 2009 Hoyt began uploading ''World of Warcraft'' videos, starting with short boss-kill clips and progressing into guides aimed at players who lacked high-quality tutorial content. Over the following years he built a reputation as a knowledgeable raider and personality within the WoW community, laying the groundwork for live broadcasting.<ref name="dote" />

=== Twitch and WoW Classic peak ===
He pivoted into Twitch streaming around 2014. Between 2014 and 2018 his audience remained closely tied to retail WoW progression and personality-driven raids. The August 2019 launch of ''World of Warcraft Classic'' produced a major surge in concurrent viewership, establishing him among the platform’s leading English-language WoW streamers through the ''Shadowlands'' period and beyond.<ref name="dote" />

In July 2021 he publicly played ''Final Fantasy XIV'' for the first time before a very large live audience, part of a broader shift toward other MMOs and single-player titles (including ''Lost Ark'', ''New World'', and FromSoftware games) when his relationship with Blizzard’s live service soured amid workplace-lawsuit coverage and industry criticism he discussed on stream.<ref name="dote" />

=== One True King, Starforge, and later commentary ===
In October 2020 Hoyt co-founded the creator organization '''One True King''' (OTK) with peers including [[Esfand]] and Mizkif. OTK grew into a multi-brand venture; in 2022 he helped announce '''Starforge Systems''', a PC hardware collaboration with creator Cr1TiKaL, which adjusted pricing after public criticism of launch costs. He later co-founded talent agency Mythic Talent in an advisory capacity (2023).<ref name="dote" /><ref name="otkleave">[https://dotesports.com/streaming/news/biggest-mistake-of-my-life-asmongold-explains-why-he-left-otk Dot Esports – Asmongold on leaving OTK]</ref>

By the mid-2020s a large share of his broadcast time consisted of Just Chatting–style reaction and political commentary layered onto gaming culture news, with gameplay often reserved for later in streams. Analytics summaries from industry trackers and advocacy groups have ranked his YouTube network (Asmongold TV, clips channels) among the highest-viewed U.S. creator channels in that commentary niche, while Twitch followership on ZackRawrr remained in the multi-million range.<ref name="mm" />

In late 2024 and February 2025 he stepped away from OTK leadership and related business roles, citing friction between polarizing on-stream political remarks, sponsor expectations, and impact on colleagues; coverage described the separation as mutual after earlier Starforge distancing.<ref name="otkleave" /><ref name="dexerto">[https://www.dexerto.com/twitch/asmongold-stepping-away-from-otk-leadership-amid-criticism-over-palestine-comments-2951971/ Dexerto – Asmongold stepping away from OTK]</ref>

== Public image ==
Fans colloquially call themselves “roaches,” a meme originating from viral clips of insects in his famously cluttered streaming space and his self-deprecating hygiene jokes. Supporters emphasize long-form honesty and game knowledge; critics highlight messy living conditions humor, inflammatory political statements, and platform controversies. Encyclopedic summaries should treat contested political claims as commentary rather than verified fact.

== See also ==
* [[Esfand]]
* [[Payo]]
* [[Xaryu]]
* [[Mitch Jones]]

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://www.twitch.tv/zackrawrr ZackRawrr on Twitch]
* [https://www.youtube.com/@AsmongoldTV Asmongold TV on YouTube]

[[Category:Twitch streamers]]
[[Category:World of Warcraft streamers]]
[[Category:American streamers]]
[[Category:YouTubers]]
[[Category:One True King]]

Xaryu

2026-09-23T04:27:11Z

Maintenance script:

{{Infobox person
| name = Xaryu
| birth_name = Josh Lujan
| birth_place = California, U.S. (raised in Tucson, Arizona)
| occupation = Twitch streamer, YouTuber, content creator
| years_active = 2012–present
| known_for = ''World of Warcraft'' arena/RBG PvP; health-and-gaming advocacy
| nationality = American
| website = [https://xaryu.tv xaryu.tv]
}}

'''Josh Lujan''' (born in California; raised in Tucson, Arizona), known online as '''Xaryu''', is an American Twitch streamer, YouTuber, and ''[[World of Warcraft]]'' PvP specialist. He is recognized for high arena and rated battleground rankings—especially as a Frost mage—and for blending competitive gameplay with messaging about physical fitness, nutrition, and healthier gaming habits through [https://xaryu.tv xaryu.tv] and related guides.<ref name="story">[https://xaryu.tv/pages/my-story My Story — Xaryu]</ref><ref name="tube">[https://www.tubefilter.com/2023/11/07/streamers-on-the-rise-xaryu/ Tubefilter – Streamers on the Rise: Xaryu (2023)]</ref>

== Early life ==
Lujan has described an early fascination with measurable progression, recalling elementary-school running clubs where daily mileage was tracked on a leaderboard. At age twelve he began playing ''World of Warcraft'', structuring schoolwork and chores around practice time in pursuit of global ladder rankings. After years of dedicated play he reached elite competitive tiers in North American arena and RBG scenes.<ref name="story" /><ref name="voyage">[https://voyagephoenix.com/interview/meet-josh-lujan-xaryu-currently-residing-tucson-arizona/ VoyagePhoenix – Meet Josh Lujan]</ref>

He was born in California and raised in Tucson, Arizona. He later attended Northern Arizona University, graduating in 2016 while maintaining a heavy streaming schedule.<ref name="voyage" /><ref name="tube" />

== Competitive World of Warcraft career ==
Xaryu became widely known as one of North America’s prominent Frost mages. Organization Method, announcing his signing in March 2017, summarized a track record that included Gladiator in Season 12; Rank 1 Gladiator across multiple Warlords of Draenor and earlier seasons; Rank 1 Gladiator in Legion Season 11; and first-place results in every RBG tournament Method listed for the WoD period. He has played all mage specializations, with Frost and Ice Lance frequently cited as favorites.<ref name="method">[https://www.method.gg/method-signs-xaryu Method Signs Xaryu (20 March 2017)]</ref>

His live streams document ladder climbs, losses, and coaching-style explanation aimed at viewers learning high-level mage PvP. Community coverage and his own interviews also place him among creators inspired by early Twitch-era personalities such as Reckful.<ref name="tube" />

== Streaming career ==
Lujan created a Twitch account around age eighteen (circa 2012) and began broadcasting top-level WoW play. Through college he averaged on the order of fifty hours of streaming per week, sometimes reaching sixty to seventy, often overnight (for example, 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. schedules he later described as unsustainable).<ref name="story" /><ref name="tube" /> After graduation he moved into a low-cost living situation and doubled down on full-time streaming.

By late 2023 Tubefilter reported that he had recently passed roughly 500,000 Twitch followers, with a substantial YouTube audience and additional clip channels. He continues to stream WoW most weekdays for multi-hour sessions, framing chat conversation around “doing your dailies” in real life—sleep, nutrition, sunlight, socialization—alongside gameplay.<ref name="tube" />

=== Health, fitness, and xaryu.tv ===
During sophomore year of college Lujan says he recognized severe underweight and poor nutrition (he has cited weighing about 100 lb / 45 kg at a low point) and began studying strength training and diet science while remaining competitively active. Meeting his partner Shannon (later wife) prompted schedule and lifestyle changes: earlier wake times, shared business work, and afternoon gaming content.<ref name="story" /><ref name="tucson">[https://www.tucsonlocalmedia.com/livenup/local-celebrity-gamer-helping-fellow-players-find-healthier-lifestyle/article_48c37918-3172-11ea-aa90-93b802021c70.html Tucson Local Media – Local celebrity gamer]</ref>

Together they developed digital products on xaryu.tv, including fundamentals/nutrition materials, a cookbook, and bodyweight training resources intended to connect gaming culture with practical health habits. During COVID-19 gym closures they ran community workout streams; Lujan later reduced scheduled on-stream workouts after finding he needed private training time for mental recovery, while continuing to discuss fitness on stream and Instagram.<ref name="tube" /><ref name="story" />

Local Arizona reporting has covered his dual identity as a high-rank arena player and fitness advocate, noting past sponsorships and Method affiliation alongside Corsair- and MSI-era product partnerships reported in regional features.<ref name="tucson" /><ref name="method" />

== Personal life ==
Lujan resides in the Tucson, Arizona area. He has spoken publicly about balancing marriage, upcoming parenthood (discussed in a 2023 interview when his wife was late in pregnancy), and a daytime streaming schedule that allows evenings offline.<ref name="tube" />

== See also ==
* [[Payo]]
* [[Asmongold]]
* [[Esfand]]
* [[Kripparrian]]

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://www.twitch.tv/xaryu Xaryu on Twitch]
* [https://xaryu.tv Official website]
* [https://xaryu.tv/pages/my-story Official “My Story” biography]
* [https://www.youtube.com/xaryu Xaryu on YouTube]

[[Category:Twitch streamers]]
[[Category:World of Warcraft streamers]]
[[Category:American streamers]]
[[Category:YouTubers]]

Payo

2026-09-23T04:27:11Z

Maintenance script:

{{Infobox person
| name = Payo
| occupation = Twitch streamer, YouTuber
| years_active = 2014–present
| known_for = ''World of Warcraft'' PvP, Classic, and Hardcore content
| nationality = Canadian
| website = [https://www.twitch.tv/payo twitch.tv/payo]
}}

'''Payo''' is a Canadian livestreamer and content creator best known for English-language ''[[World of Warcraft]]'' broadcasts on [[Twitch]], especially player-versus-player (PvP) play, Classic-era servers, and Hardcore (permadeath) modes. His channel, [https://www.twitch.tv/payo twitch.tv/payo], first went live on 25 March 2014 and has remained focused on WoW for more than a decade, making him one of the longer-running English-speaking specialists in that category.<ref name="tm">[https://www.twitchmetrics.net/c/59624901-payo TwitchMetrics – Payo]</ref><ref name="grok">[https://grokipedia.com/page/Payo_streamer Payo (streamer) – Grokipedia]</ref>

== Early life and background ==
Public profiles describe Payo as Canadian, with a French-Canadian background frequently noted in secondary biographies. He has generally kept detailed personal identifiers private; some aggregator bios report a given name of John, while others state that his legal name is not publicly confirmed.<ref name="grok" /><ref name="sbase">[https://streamersbase.com/streamers/payo StreamersBase – Payo]</ref> He has cited a desire to turn long-standing enthusiasm for PC gaming into a sustainable career as the motivation for going live on Twitch.

== Career ==
=== Launch and early WoW focus ===
Payo created his Twitch channel in March 2014 and quickly centered streams on ''World of Warcraft'' PvP during the ''Mists of Pandaria'' era. Early broadcasts emphasized rogue gameplay—stealth, burst damage, and open-world ambushes—delivered in English with an informal North American evening schedule.<ref name="grok" /> Over subsequent expansions he remained associated with chaotic world PvP and “griefing” style entertainment rather than exclusively ladder arena or organized raid commentary.

=== Growth with Classic and Hardcore ===
Audience growth accelerated around the 2019 release of ''World of Warcraft Classic'' and later Hardcore-mode waves, which rewarded high-stakes, clip-friendly PvP. By February 2021 he had crossed roughly 200,000 Twitch followers; later TwitchMetrics snapshots placed the channel above 430,000 followers, with multi-thousand average concurrent viewers during busy Classic/Hardcore periods and occasional peaks well into five figures.<ref name="tm" /><ref name="grok" /> He also maintains a YouTube channel (often branded Payowow) for edited highlights and longer-form clips, alongside social accounts such as Twitter/X (@payowow).

=== Style, series, and community ===
Recurring themes on the stream include “world rogue grief” sessions, Hardcore assassinations of other players or streamers, and humorous scam or duel bits that chat can react to with custom commands. Titles and VODs frequently advertise Hardcore kills, anniversary-server PvP, and Season of Discovery or Classic Era experiments. Community infrastructure includes Discord discussion spaces and challenge suggestions from viewers. Payo has appeared in collaborative clips and events with other WoW creators (including [[Xaryu]]) and has competed in high-stakes duel formats such as OTK-affiliated Hardcore tournaments and Makgora-style prize events reported in community coverage.<ref name="grok" />

== Streaming platforms ==
* '''Twitch''' — primary live platform since 2014; Partner channel focused on ''World of Warcraft''.<ref name="tm" />
* '''YouTube''' — highlights, compilations, and edited PvP moments.
* '''Social media''' — Twitter/X and Instagram used for announcements, memes, and clip promotion.

== See also ==
* [[Xaryu]]
* [[Asmongold]]
* [[Esfand]]
* [[Category:Twitch streamers|Twitch streamers]]
* [[Category:World of Warcraft streamers|World of Warcraft streamers]]

== References ==
<references />

== External links ==
* [https://www.twitch.tv/payo Payo on Twitch]
* [https://www.twitchmetrics.net/c/59624901-payo Payo on TwitchMetrics]
* [https://grokipedia.com/page/Payo_streamer Payo on Grokipedia]

[[Category:Twitch streamers]]
[[Category:World of Warcraft streamers]]
[[Category:Canadian streamers]]
[[Category:YouTubers]]