Valkyrae

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This article is about the live streamer. For the Norse mythological figure, see Valkyrie.

Valkyrae
Valkyrae in 2019
Personal information
Born
Rachell Hofstetter

(1992-01-08) January 8, 1992 (age 32)
Washington, U.S.
Occupations
YouTube information
Channel
Years active2014–present[a]
GenreGaming
Subscribers3.77 million (Valkyrae)
286,000 (Valkyrae2)
405,000 (ValkyraeShorts)[1]
Total views267.4 million (Valkyrae)
18.7 million (Valkyrae2)
195.3 million (ValkyraeShorts)[1]
Associated acts


100,000 subscribers2018
1,000,000 subscribers2020
Last updated: November 27, 2022

Rachell Hofstetter[2][3] (born January 8, 1992),[4] better known as Valkyrae, is an American Internet personality.[5] She has been YouTube's most-watched female streamer since 2020,[3] and appeared on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list in 2022.[6] She was named "Gaming Creator of the Year" by Adweek, and has won a Game Award and a Streamy Award.

Hofstetter is a co-owner of 100 Thieves, an esports and an apparel company, and has been a content creator for the brand since 2018. Hofstetter is an advocate for women in online gaming, sometimes playing games on all-female teams.[7]

Career

Early work and recognition (2014–2020)

After graduating from community college, Hofstetter worked various jobs, including a job at GameStop.[3] In 2014, while working, she began sharing her gaming hobby on Instagram, gaining a significant following. She was encouraged by various Instagram followers, friends, and Twitch streamers to start streaming on Twitch, beginning in 2015.[8] After gathering a following, Hofstetter began posting gaming videos on YouTube.[7]

In 2018, she became the first female gamer and content creator for 100 Thieves,[9] a competitive American esports team. On January 13, 2020, Hofstetter left Twitch for an exclusive streaming contract on YouTube.[10] While initially struggling to maintain an average viewer count of 5,000 towards the beginning of 2020, her YouTube channel experienced a significant boost when she started playing the online multiplayer social deduction game Among Us and began collaborating with popular streamers including Disguised Toast, Sykkuno, Pokimane, Jacksepticeye, Cr1TiKaL, Corpse Husband, xChocoBars, and Fuslie.

Hofstetter became the fastest growing female streamer of the year and surpassed Pokimane as the most-viewed female streamer of 2020.[11] Towards the end of 2020, Hofstetter's stream regularly peaked at concurrent viewer counts exceeding 100,000, typically during Among Us sessions.[11]

Breakthrough and expansion (2021–present)

On April 7, 2021, Hofstetter was announced as a co-owner of 100 Thieves alongside fellow 100 Thieves content creator, CouRageJD.[3][12] They join Scooter Braun, Dan Gilbert, the rapper Drake, and founder Matthew 'Nadeshot' Haag. As co-owners, Valkyrae and CouRage will receive equity in the company, which Forbes magazine recently valued at $190 million.[3] In March 2021, Hofstetter and content creator Natsumiii released a cover version of the song "Last Cup of Coffee" by LilyPichu.[13] Later that month, she portrayed Corpse Husband in the music video for the song "Daywalker!" by Machine Gun Kelly featuring Corpse Husband.[14] Hofstetter additionally made cameo appearances in music videos for Bella Poarch's songs "Build a Bitch" and "Inferno" later that year.[15][16]

Hofstetter, alongside Sykkuno and Corpse Husband, participated in a fundraiser for Feeding America hosted by Jimmy Fallon as a part of a segment for The Tonight Show in April. The segment included them playing Among Us with members of the American hip hop band The Roots, Tariq Trotter, Kirk Douglas, and Questlove, as well as cast members of the critically acclaimed American TV series Stranger Things, Gaten Matarazzo and Noah Schnapp.[17][18]

RFLCT controversy

On October 19, 2021, Hofstetter announced the launch of her skincare brand RFLCT. The brand, primarily geared towards gamers and those who put in heavy screen time, claimed that users are susceptible to skin damage caused by prolonged exposure to blue light, and that their products protect against it. RFLCT received backlash due to insufficient evidence supporting the claim;[19][20] according to Kathleen Suozzi, the director of the aesthetic dermatology program at Yale University, unless someone was already prone to melasma or hyperpigmentation, they were unlikely to suffer any consequence of sitting in front of a screen for long periods of time.[21]

Hofstetter addressed RFLCT's criticisms in October 2021, stating that “all of the hate, doubt, concerns, and criticisms are all warranted and valid" and that she was "very upset and confused” with the website, stating that updates were being made to the website.[21][22] She later revealed that she had previously been given access to research conducted by RFLCT supporting the products and that the research would be publicly available at product launch, however, she was informed post-launch that the research could not be released to the public.[23] Hofstetter then expressed a desire to part ways with RFLCT, but was contractually bound.[24] On October 30, 2021, RFLCT ceased operation of its website and online store. A statement on the website read “While we believe in the formulations created, after further reflection, have decided to move forward on new paths, effectively terminating the RFLCT brand.”[25][26]

Personal life

Hofstetter is of part Filipino and German descent and was raised in Moses Lake, Washington.[3][27] She has two brothers[28] and one younger sister. Her father died of cancer in 2017.[3] She graduated with an associate in arts from a community college in Washington.[3]

Discography

Singles

As a featured artist

Year Track Details Ref
2021 "Last Cup of Coffee" (with Natsumiii feat. LilyPichu)
  • YouTube Release Date: March 15, 2021
 [29]

Filmography

Television

Year Title Role Notes Ref.
2022 Tribe Nine Twin Anime; 1 episode[30] [31]

Music videos

Year Title Artist(s) Role Ref.
2021 "DayWalker" Machine Gun Kelly and Corpse Husband Corpse Husband [14]
"Build a Bitch" Bella Poarch Herself [15]
"Inferno" Sub Urban and Bella Poarch [16]
2022 "Car Crash" eaJ [32]
"Memories" Yungblud & Willow Smith [33]
"Dolls" Bella Poarch

Competitions

Year Event Note Ref.
2018
 Fortnite Pro-Am Teamed up with celebrity music producer Murda Beatz. [34]
2019
 Australian Open Fortnite Summer Smash [35]
Fortnite Celebrity Pro-Am Teamed up with Los Angeles Chargers player Justin Jones [36]

Awards and nominations

Year Ceremony Category Result Ref.
2019 11th Annual Shorty Awards Best in Gaming Nominated [37]
2020 The Game Awards Content Creator of the Year Won [38]
2021 Adweek Creator Visionary Awards Gaming Creator of the Year Won [39]
11th Streamy Awards Livestreamer Won [40]
2022 Forbes 30 Under 30 Games Included [6]
The Streamer Awards Best Variety Streamer Nominated [41]
12th Streamy Awards Streamer of the Year Pending [42]
Variety Streamer Pending
Esports Awards Streamer of the Year Pending [43]

See also

References

  1. ^ Rachel streamed on Twitch from 2015–2020 before announcing an exclusive contract with YouTube
  1. ^ a b "About Valkyrae". YouTube.
  2. ^ rae☀️ [@Valkyrae] (September 13, 2020). "Rachel - my real name Rae - the nickname I got everybody to call me since I put it in my username Rachell - read this on my birth certificate in 6th grade then asked my mom if that's actually how I spell my name and she says yes the nurse misspelt it and she forgot to tell me" (Tweet). Archived from the original on January 15, 2022. Retrieved January 22, 2022 – via Twitter.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h Hawgood, Alex (April 7, 2021). "Valkyrae Gets a Big Chair in the Gaming World". The New York Times. Retrieved April 8, 2021.
  4. ^ Bhatti, Fariha (January 8, 2021). "Valkyrae surprised with a birthday party on Rust server". WIN.gg. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
  5. ^ Wang, Lindsay (April 10, 2021). "Filipina American Valkyrae makes gaming history". AsAm News. Retrieved August 30, 2022.
  6. ^ a b "Forbes 30 Under 30 2022: Games". Forbes. Retrieved December 2, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  7. ^ a b Fagan, Kaylee (June 11, 2018). "This 26-year-old Fortnite streamer says she paid off her mom's debt with her Twitch earnings". Business Insider. Retrieved May 17, 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  8. ^ 🔴LIVE! Valorant then bloons then Uno THEN Bloons!. Valkyrae. March 8, 2021. Event occurs at 5:13:13. Archived from the original on March 8, 2021. Retrieved January 22, 2022 – via YouTube.
  9. ^ "From the 11th Annual Shorty Awards: Valkyrae". Shorty Awards. Retrieved May 17, 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  10. ^ Zelauskas, Amanda (January 13, 2020). "Valkyrae signs exclusive streaming deal with YouTube". Dot Esports. Retrieved March 5, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  11. ^ a b Banerjee, Sonu (January 14, 2021). "Valkyrae Surpasses Pokimane As The Most Viewed Female Streamer Of 2020". TalkEsport. Retrieved January 19, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  12. ^ Knoop, Joseph (April 7, 2021). "Streamer Valkyrae Becomes Co-Owner of 100 Thieves Esports Alongside CouRage". IGN. Retrieved April 8, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  13. ^ Wendy [@Natsumiii] (March 14, 2021). "It's finally out!! https://t.co/aPXgLwYEM6 our cute little cover @LilyPichu @Valkyrae ❤️☕️ #CupOfCoffee Valkyrae x Natsumiii x Lilypichu - Last Cup of Coffee ♫ Cover https://t.co/eVgrcYAKyT" (Tweet). Archived from the original on January 15, 2022. Retrieved January 22, 2022 – via Twitter.
  14. ^ a b Appleford, Danny (March 18, 2021). "Valkyrae stars in Machine Gun Kelly's DAYWALKER music video". Daily Esports. Retrieved March 18, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  15. ^ a b Haylock, Zoe (May 14, 2021). "And Now, TikTok Star Bella Poarch Steps Into the Pop-Girl Ring". Vulture. Retrieved October 27, 2021.
  16. ^ a b Haylock, Zoe (August 13, 2021). "Bella Poarch Welcomes You to Her Tower of Terror in the 'Inferno' Video". Vulture. Retrieved August 13, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  17. ^ Peters, Jay (April 6, 2021). "Jimmy Fallon played Among Us with streamers and the cast of Stranger Things in Twitch debut". The Verge. Retrieved April 6, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  18. ^ Jimmy Plays Among Us with Gaten Matarazzo, Valkyrae, Sykkuno, Corpse Husband & More | Tonight Show. The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. April 6, 2021. Archived from the original on November 30, 2021. Retrieved January 22, 2022 – via YouTube.
  19. ^ Nightingale, Ed (October 20, 2021). "Streamer Valkyrae faces backlash for new gamer skincare range". Eurogamer. Retrieved October 22, 2021.
  20. ^ Polhamus, Blaine (October 19, 2021). "Valkyrae's new skincare line sparks controversy". Dot Esports. Retrieved October 20, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  21. ^ a b Grayson, Nathan (October 22, 2021). "YouTube streaming star Valkyrae launches skin care line to controversy, ethical questions". The Washington Post. Retrieved October 23, 2021.
  22. ^ Alford, Aaron (October 21, 2021). "Valkyrae finally breaks her silence over RFLCT blue light controversy". InvenGlobal. Retrieved October 21, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  23. ^ Alford, Aaron (October 23, 2021). ""The research isn't fake:" Valkyrae stands by RFLCT blue-light product amid controversy". InvenGlobal. Retrieved October 23, 2021.
  24. ^ Katuwal, Arun (October 24, 2021). "Valkyrae Feels Trapped in RFLCT Contract — Drama Explained". HollywoodMask. Retrieved October 26, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  25. ^ Bolding, Jonathan (October 30, 2021). "That controversial gamer skincare line is no more". PC Gamer. Retrieved October 30, 2021.
  26. ^ Polhamus, Blaine (October 30, 2021). "Valkyrae's skincare line, RFLCT, is no longer available". Dot Esports. Retrieved October 30, 2021.
  27. ^ Periwal, Saahil Agnelo. ""I wouldn't be where I am today": Valkyrae shares heartfelt message of appreciation for mother". www.sportskeeda.com. Retrieved July 1, 2022.
  28. ^ "Richard e Hofstetter - View Obituary & Service Information".
  29. ^ rae☀️ [@Valkyrae] (March 14, 2021). "The Premiere for our song is live! Drops today at 2pm PST! Valkyrae x Natsumiii x Lilypichu - Last Cup of Coffee ♫ Cover - https://t.co/COSJIujLU5" (Tweet). Archived from the original on November 21, 2021. Retrieved January 22, 2022 – via Twitter.
  30. ^ "Excited to announce that sykkuno, toast and I had our first ever voice acting experience in an anime called Tribe Nine all thanks to Corpse:') syk and I played the twins! The episode is out now :)". Twitter. Retrieved April 12, 2022.
  31. ^ "Tribe Nine". Sound Cadence Studios. Retrieved April 12, 2022.
  32. ^ Park, Jae (April 8, 2022). "eaJ - Car Crash (Official Music Video, Starring Valkyrae & Kyedae from 100 Thieves)". YouTube. Retrieved April 8, 2022.
  33. ^ Purkayastha, Siddid Dey (May 6, 2022). "Valkyrae's Stunning Cameo Alongside Willow Smith and Yungblud Earns Immense Praise From Millions". EssentiallySports. Retrieved May 7, 2022.
  34. ^ Goslin, Austen (June 1, 2018). "Here's everyone playing in Epic's major Fortnite E3 tournament". Polygon. Retrieved May 17, 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  35. ^ Miceli, Max (January 16, 2020). "Fortnite Summer Smash headlined by numerous World Cup competitors". Dot Esports. Retrieved October 27, 2021.
  36. ^ Goslin, Austen (May 15, 2019). "Here are all the players for the 2019 Fortnite celebrity Pro-Am". Polygon. Retrieved May 17, 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  37. ^ "The Shorty Awards". Shorty Awards. Retrieved May 17, 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  38. ^ "Content Creator of the Year | Nominees | The Game Awards". Content Creator of the Year | Nominees | The Game Awards. Retrieved November 18, 2020.
  39. ^ "27 Innovators Who Are Unlocking the Creative Potential of Social Media". Adweek. May 2, 2021. Retrieved May 6, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  40. ^ Strause, Jackie (December 12, 2021). "Streamy Awards: MrBeast Wins 2021 Creator of the Year". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved December 12, 2021.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  41. ^ Miceli, Max (February 22, 2022). "All nominees for QTCinderella's Streamer Awards". Dot Esports. Retrieved March 13, 2022.
  42. ^ Hipes, Patrick (October 27, 2022). "Streamy Awards Nominations: MrBeast Tops List Again". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved October 28, 2022.
  43. ^ Tsiaoussidis, Alex (July 1, 2022). "The Esports Awards Streamer of the Year finalists for 2022 have been announced". Dot Esports. Gamurs.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Valkyrae&oldid=1124619838"