On April 13, 2025, popular Twitch streamer Zack “Asmongold” stirred up significant conversation about tipping culture during a livestream. His assertion that tipping in restaurants should be eliminated ignited a spirited debate online. While a segment of viewers echoed his sentiments, others reminded him that many restaurant employees depend on tips to make ends meet due to their low hourly wages.
During his exchange with viewers, Zack reacted to a video clip demonstrating a restaurant imposing a minimum tip of 30%. He suggested a unique approach:
“What you do in a situation like this by the way, is just that you do a custom tip and you make it zero. That’s something they do at Torchy’s Tacos here in Austin, and that’s how you do it. Yeah, you custom, and then you go to zero. Obviously, not optional? Apparently, it clearly is.”
One user on X, @CaffeinaTL, highlighted the irony in Zack’s stance, pointing out his own reliance on donations much like tipping:
“Meanwhile he lives off donations hahahaha.”
Other users chimed in, emphasizing that many waitstaff depend on tips for their livelihoods, which can create an uncomfortable guilt for patrons:
“Tipping never bothered me till I found out waitresses at some places rely on them to make a living wage. After that, tipping no longer felt like doing something nice for the server… feels more like a guilt tax the owners put on their customers so they can save money on wages,” commented @CptTruth_.
“In some states, it’s still legal to pay tipped workers just $2.13/hour – as long as tips ‘make up the rest.’ A whole system built on guilt,” added @Uselessly_Smart.
Conversely, several users supported Asmongold’s position, insisting that customers have the right to refuse tips:
“Tipping shouldn’t be a thing,” expressed @WhosM1GUEL.
“Asmongold spittin’ facts, tipping’s a mess fr fr,” stated @Grug_EOTS.
“If you’re picking up your food, nah, ain’t tipping,” commented @marmilin.
Asmongold’s Perspective on Tipping Culture
Zack’s criticisms of tipping culture have been consistent over the years. In 2022, he even went so far as to joke about taking silverware as a means to “recover”the money he would typically spend on tips. In his recent remarks, he acknowledged that he does tip, but expressed a preference for rewarding the chefs and cooks who prepare the food rather than the waitstaff who deliver it:
“I’ve said this a hundred times, I don’t like getting into it too much. I would much rather tip the chef and the cook who makes the food, than the waiter who brings it to me. It’s like stolen valor almost.”
Zack has made headlines for several contentious opinions lately, including remarks about transgender children and their parents. It’s worth noting that he’s not the only Twitch streamer to speak out against tipping; others, such as Nick “Nmplol” and Roflgator, have similarly labeled the practice as a “scam.”
In a related statement, Asmongold took issue with Kick streamer Destiny for suggesting violence against US President Donald Trump, asserting that such remarks could potentially lead to deplatforming.