The “Mount Rushmore”of Streaming: A Cultural Debate
The ongoing discussion about who should be featured on the “Mount Rushmore”of streaming has ignited vibrant conversations across social media platforms. Recently, a verified account on X, known as Clip (@clippedszn), shared an AI-generated depiction highlighting prominent streamers such as Adin Ross, Darren “IShowSpeed,”Kai Cenat, and Bryan “RiceGum.”This portrayal, however, faced significant pushback from certain members of the streaming community.
Live streaming has its roots stretching back to the early 2010s. In light of this history, some users on X assert that the individuals included in the AI-generated image do not reflect the true pioneers of the industry. For instance, one user remarked:
“Not even close,”said @nikoliasgoninus.
Another echoed this sentiment by arguing that those listed in the post lacked the foundational influence needed to be considered pioneers:
“None of these people pioneered streaming,”said @oxluosba.
Voices From the Community
The conversation has seen contributions from various streamers, including Russel, who suggested that icons like Paul “Ice Poseidon”and Tyler “Ninja”should be recognized for their instrumental roles in the evolution of live streaming:
“Reckful – Started Donations, Soda – Lebron of Twitch, Ice – Started IRL, Ninja – First bridge to Celebrities,”said @TwitchRussel.
Further comments highlight the historical depth of the industry:
“Bro streaming has been around longer than 3 f*ckin years,”said @OnepegMG.
“Ninja: mainstreaming streaming, Adin Ross: made just chatting more popping, Xqc: poggers, Flight/Speed: original clip farmers,”said @destroynectar.
“Real ones know the real pioneer @Nadeshot,”said @GeorgeGedd.
Identifying the Pioneers of Live Streaming
Livestreaming has emerged as one of the most dynamic and influential sectors of the internet. While many streamers have achieved unprecedented fame, determining the true innovators of the industry remains a contentious topic. Nonetheless, several names frequently appear in these discussions.
For example, the rise of IRL (In Real Life) streaming can be traced back to figures like Andy Milonakis and Ice Poseidon. Ice Poseidon notably revolutionized the genre by developing the backpack streaming setup— a portable rig that allowed for seamless mobile broadcasting through a combination of modems and battery packs.
Watch more about the IRL streaming setup
Ninja is another pivotal figure in the industry, often credited with bringing mainstream celebrities to platforms like Twitch. His historic Fortnite livestream with stars such as Drake, Travis Scott, and JuJu Smith-Schuster in March 2018 marked a watershed moment, attracting over 600,000 concurrent viewers.
Additionally, other influential names include Michael “Shroud,”instrumental in promoting gaming within the streaming sphere, and Imane “Pokimane,”a co-founder of OfflineTV, who is regarded as one of the leading personalities in the industry today.
It’s crucial also to acknowledge the impact of current stars like Kai Cenat and IShowSpeed, who continue to shape the landscape with their engaging content and collaborations with prominent musicians and athletes.