YouTube gaming content creators have developed enormous influence over the past decade. Channels dedicated to gaming now boast unprecedented viewership and subscriber counts reaching well into the tens of millions.
To determine the crème de la crème, we set out to identify the top 10 gaming personalities dominating YouTube today by total subscribers. Our research uncovered some fascinatingrising stars along with renowned veterans who have been building their empires for over a decade.
Below we compiled an elite list of gaming channels killing it on YouTube right now ranked by total subscribers. We also included key metrics like total lifetime views and dug into what makes each gamer stand out from the increasingly crowded field.
#10. The Game Theorists (16.3 million subscribers)
The Game Theorists channel was created in 2011 and is hosted by Matthew Patrick (also known as MatPat). Over 16 million subscribers tune in to watch MatPat develop intricate theories and analysis that unwrap the mysteries behind popular gaming franchises.
Some of his most popular videos dive deep into hypothesized hidden meanings in games like Minecraft, Five Nights at Freddy’s and Fortnite using meticulous frame-by-frame analysis paired with humor and wacky skits.
This novel approach toward gaming commentary has proven wildly effective. Average videos receive 2 to 4 million views. One theory even amassed a staggering 32 million views after MatPat claimed to reveal the entire Five Nights at Freddy’s storyline.
#9 The Donato (27.6 million subscribers)
The Donato is a channel hosted by 22-year old Venezuelan gamer Donato Muñoz focused predominately on gameplay and tips/tricks related to shooting games like Call of Duty and Fortnite.
Muñoz rapidly rose to fame thanks to his videos covering the surging mobile game Free Fire, earning 47,000 new subscribers daily at his peak in June 2021. Riding this wave, The Donato reached 1 billion total channel views after just 7 months.
Today, The Donato boasts over 27 million subscribers and 5 billion total video views. Donato’s growth shows no signs of slowing thanks to his exceptional FPS skills and focus on massively popular titles like Fortnite, PUBG Mobile and Garena Free Fire.
#8. MrBeast Gaming (29.6 million subscribers)
The popular YouTuber ‘MrBeast’, known for his over-the-top challenge videos and giveaways involving millions in cash prizes, launched MrBeast Gaming as a side gaming channel in 2020.
Posting 1-2 times monthly, MrBeast Gaming creates gaming videos with production value on par with primetime TV. Videos incorporate facets that MrBeast fans crave – high entertainment value, high stakes challenges and intense viewer engagement.
In just over 2 years, MrBeast Gaming has accumulated nearly 30 million of the over 100 million total subscribers across all MrBeast channels. His gaming content reached a stratospheric 1 billion views in only 9 months as well.
#7 Jacksepticeye (28.9 million subscribers)
Seán McLoughlin, better known by his online alias Jacksepticeye, posts videos under the categories of vlogs, comedy sketches and gaming.
The Irish native plays and provides hilarious, expletive-laden commentary while skillfully navigating horror and adventure games. Racking up 15 billion lifetime views, his comedic approach has resonated with nearly 29 million loyal subscribers.
Fun fact – Jacksepticeye held the Guinness World Record for most YouTube subscribers gained in a single day, gaining 274,000 new followers on February 13, 2019.
#6 Dream (31.2 million subscribers)
The massively popular gaming channel ‘Dream’ is hosted anonymously by two creators known only as Dream and Matt.
While Dream and Matt got their start posting Let’s Play videos and walkthroughs across gaming, Minecraft gameplay has catapulted their subscriber count over 31 million since launching in 2014.
Their angle – seamless, long-form Minecraft videos appealing to casual gamers who enjoy living vicariously through the two untouchably skilled hosts.
Dream also leverages his persona as an expert Minecraft speedrunner, beating the game in shocking times. As the mystery around Dream’s identity persists, his astronomic popularity shows zero decline.
#5 Vegeta777 (33.6 million subscribers)
Hailing from Mexico, Vegeta777 posts humorous gaming videos and collaborations with other popular Spanish-speaking gaming YouTubers.
His specialty – providing laugh out loud commentary layered on top of his domination in multiplayer battle royales like Fortnite and PUBG.
Over 33 million dedicated subscribers now tune in to watch his entertaining, expletive-filled reactions and elite gaming skills. Vegeta777 has also accumulated over 15 billion lifetime channel views, further demonstrating his strong fanbase throughout Mexico, Latin America and Spain.
#4 Total Gaming (34 million subscribers)
Indian gamer Ajay runs Total Gaming – one of India’s most popular YouTube channels focusing on mobile games, shooter games and action-adventure titles.
In just 3 short years, Ajay has reeled in 34 million subscribers and over 6.1 billion views after getting his start creating gameplay walkthroughs and reviews.
While Total Gaming features content spanning gaming genres, PUBG and Garena Free Fire gameplay has ignited immense popularity in India specifically.
Ajay’s smooth narration paired with advanced combat skills make for an engaging viewer experience for his 34 million followers. Fun fact – Total Gaming became the first gaming channel in India to hit the 30 million subscribers mark.
#3 Markiplier (34 million subscribers)
Gameplay dominates Mark Edward Fischbach’s YouTube channel under his online pseudonym Markiplier. However, he also vlogs passionately about his life and showcases his quirky sense of humor through satirical comedy sketches.
Markiplier established a loyal supporter base thanks to his charismatic, goofball personality paired with animated, genuine reactions while playing predominantly horror/adventure games.
Fun fact – Markiplier held the Guinness World Record for most YouTube subscribers gained in a single day back in 2016, accumulating over 510,000 new followers in just 24 hours.
Today, Markiplier entertains over 34 million dedicated subscribers, earning about $20 million annually. His lasting influence indicates impeccable abilities as an influencer beyond the gaming space.
#2 Fernanfloo (45 million subscribers)
As one of the most recognizable gaming influencers on YouTube, Luis Fernando Flores, better known as Fernanfloo, posts streams and gameplay compilations from titles like Pokémon Go, GTA 5 and Call of Duty.
The Chilean gamer first rose to fame for his Grand Theft Auto V mod videos. Fernanfloo’s distinct sense of humor layered on top of smooth gaming skills has amassed him 45 million loyal, active followers.
Fernanfloo’s subscriber count has steadily climbed over his decade long career by collaborating with other top Hispanic gaming influencers and migrating to trendy games. Dedicating 12+ hours daily to producing content shows his extreme commitment to nurturing his strong community online.
#1 PewDiePie (111 million subscribers)
And topping off our list with a staggering 111 million total subscribers, PewDiePie stands alone as YouTube’s biggest gaming influencer.
Real name Felix Kjellberg, for over a decade the Swedish gamer has produced videos featuring his commentary while playing various horror, action and adventure games laced with plenty of cursing.
His fiery reactions, expert gaming skills and unfiltered style cultivated an unbreakable bond between Felix and his fans. 2021 marked his 10 year anniversary of making a living entertaining viewers on YouTube.
Despite various controversies over the years including being dropped by sponsors like Disney, PewDiePie still drives unmatched engagement. He continues gaining an average of 138,000 subscribers daily, only furthering his status as a living legend.
Key Takeaways on YouTube’s Biggest Gaming Channels
Analyzing patterns across the top channels uncovers what sticks when trying to build an audience around gaming:
- Comedic commentary and genuine reactions are pivotal – People love big personalities
- Mobile gaming content draws massive viewership internationally
- Collaborations with other top gamers in the niche drives more viewership
- Channels with consistent, high quality uploads over a long horizon see tremendous staying power to build subscribers counts in the tens of millions
The most popular gaming genres covered across these elite channels include multiplayer battle royale games like Fortnite and PUBG in addition to reliable classics like Minecraft. Thrilling horror titles and adventure games with unfolding plots episode-to-episode also captivate viewers.
Comparing Key Stats of the Top Gaming Channels
| Rank | Channel | Subscribers | Total Views |
| #1 | PewDiePie | 111 million | 28.7 billion |
FAQs About Gaming Channels
Who is the #1 gaming YouTuber in the world?
Swedish creator PewDiePie reigns supreme with over 111 total subscribers built up over an 11+ year career playing various games while commentating. He‘s maintained elite status despite controversies thanks to an infectious charm and incredibly loyal fans.
What is the most subscribed gaming niche on YouTube?
Battle royale games like Fortnite, PUBG and multiplayer online arenas garner tremendous viewership globally. Classic mainstay Minecraft also maintains elite popularity. Spanning multiple genres, these games allow skilled gamers to showcase expertise.
How much money do popular gaming YouTubers make?
Top gaming creators easily clear 7 figures thanks to YouTube‘s revenue sharing program, sponsorships, merchandise sales and fan subscriptions for access to extra content. For example, Markiplier reportedly earns $20 million annually from his 34 million followers.
How can I grow my gaming channel fast?
Consistent, high-quality uploads focused around trending games/genres optimize growth potential. Collaborating with other gaming influencers introduces your channel to new audiences. Most importantly – develop a unique, engaging persona. Express real reactions as you game and viewers will connect with your journey.
What equipment do I need?
Focus budget on optimizing video/audio quality over buying expensive gear. All you need is a relatively recent laptop or PC, a solid microphone and webcam. Concentrate efforts instead on production techniques through editing software.
Final Takeaway
As the data shows, gaming content dominates YouTube today thanks to massively entertaining personalities, viewer participation and ever-evolving games.
If you’re looking to subscribe to gaming channels that upload regularly, provide great commentary or showcase unbelievable skills, then be sure to follow the elite list of creators highlighted above!
