Introduction
Valkyrae, whose real name is Rachell Hofstetter, is a popular American content creator, YouTuber, and streamer. She first rose to fame through Twitch, where she gained attention for her entertaining gameplay of titles like Fortnite, League of Legends, and Among Us. Her engaging personality and close connections with other creators helped her rapidly grow a loyal fanbase.
In 2020, Valkyrae made headlines when she became a co-owner of the gaming organization 100 Thieves, making her one of the few women in a leadership position in the esports world. She also transitioned from Twitch to YouTube, where she became one of the platform’s top female streamers. Her livestreams, collaborations, and vlogs continue to attract millions of viewers worldwide.
Beyond gaming, Valkyrae is recognized for her influence in the digital space and her advocacy for mental health and female representation in gaming. She has appeared in music videos, hosted gaming events, and been featured in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list. Her career reflects both her gaming skill and her powerful presence in the online entertainment industry.
Who is Valkyrae ?
Valkyrae, whose real name is Rachell Marie Hofstetter, is a popular American content creator, YouTube streamer, and entrepreneur. She is best known for her livestreams of games like Among Us, Fortnite, and Valorant. Valkyrae began her career on Twitch in 2015 and later moved exclusively to YouTube, where she became one of the platform’s most-watched female streamers.
In 2021, she made history by becoming a co-owner of the esports and lifestyle brand 100 Thieves, making her one of the few women to hold such a position in the gaming industry. She has won several awards, including Content Creator of the Year, and is recognized for promoting mental health awareness and supporting diversity in gaming.
Valkyrae is also an entrepreneur and co-founder of Hihi Studios, a media company launched in 2024 that focuses on anime-inspired storytelling. She has been featured in mainstream media, worked with major brands, and continues to influence both gaming and digital culture on a global scale.
Valkyrae wiki
| Attribute | Information |
| Real Name | Rachell Marie Hofstetter |
| Online Name | Valkyrae |
| Date of Birth | January 8, 1992 |
| Place of Birth | Moses Lake, Washington, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Filipino (mother) and German (father) |
| Profession |
Streamer, YouTuber, Content Creator, Entrepreneur
|
| Platforms | Formerly Twitch; now primarily on YouTube |
| Known For |
Among Us, Fortnite, Valorant, YouTube livestreams
|
| Years Active | 2015–present |
| Esports Affiliation | Co-owner of 100 Thieves |
| Business Ventures | Founder of Hihi Studios (2024) |
| Awards |
Content Creator of the Year, Gaming Creator of the Year (Adweek)
|
| Podcast | Co-host of Press ESC |
| Notable Collaborations |
Bella Poarch, Machine Gun Kelly, Gymshark, and more
|
| Social Media Presence | YouTube, Instagram, Twitter/X, TikTok |
| Recognition | Featured in Forbes 30 Under 30 |
Valkyrae Biography
Full Name: Rachell Marie Hofstetter
Date of Birth: January 8, 1992
Birthplace: Moses Lake, Washington, U.S.
Nationality: American
Ethnicity: Filipino and German descent
Occupation: Online streamer, YouTuber, Co-owner of 100 Thieves
Early Life
Valkyrae grew up in Washington and developed an early interest in gaming, encouraged by her mother. She attended community college and worked at GameStop before transitioning into full-time content creation
Career Highlights
- 2015: Started streaming on Twitch.
- 2018: Gained popularity playing Fortnite and became the first female content creator for 100 Thieves
- 2020: Signed an exclusive streaming contract with YouTube, leading to a surge in viewership
- 2020: Won Content Creator of the Year at The Game Awards
- 2021: Named Gaming Creator of the Year by Adweek
- 2022: Featured in Forbes 30 Under 30
- 2025: Returned to Twitch after a hiatus
Achievements & Influence
Valkyrae is recognized for her engaging content, collaborations with top creators, and contributions to the gaming industry. She co-founded Hihi Studios, expanding her influence beyond streaming
Major Achievements
Content Creator of the Year (2020) – Won at The Game Awards for her outstanding presence in the gaming community.
Gaming Creator of the Year (2021) – Recognized by Adweek for her influence in digital content creation.
Forbes 30 Under 30 (2022) – Featured in Forbes for her contributions to gaming and entertainment.
Co-owner of 100 Thieves (2021-Present) – Became a co-owner of the esports and lifestyle brand, expanding her role beyond content creation.
Hihi Studios Founder (2024) – Established Hihi Studios, a media company focused on gaming and entertainment.
Return to Twitch (2025) – After years of exclusive streaming on YouTube, Valkyrae made a highly anticipated return to Twitch.
Influence in Gaming & Digital Media
Breaking Barriers for Women in Gaming – As one of the most successful female streamers, she has paved the way for more women in esports and content creation.
Expanding Beyond Gaming – Valkyrae has ventured into fashion, beauty, and lifestyle content, collaborating with major brands.
Community Engagement – She actively interacts with her audience, fostering a loyal fanbase across multiple platforms.
Philanthropy & Advocacy – Supports various charitable causes and promotes inclusivity in gaming.
Valkyrae’s Awards
Valkyrae has received several prestigious awards for her contributions to gaming and content creation. Here are some of her notable accolades:
| Award | Year | Category | Details |
| The Game Awards | 2020 | Content Creator of the Year |
Recognized for her impact on the gaming community.
|
| Streamy Awards | 2020 | Best Live Streamer |
Honored for her engaging and high-quality live streams.
|
| Adweek Creator Awards | 2021 | Gaming Creator of the Year |
Acknowledged for her influence in digital content creation.
|
| Forbes 30 Under 30 | 2022 | Gaming & Entertainment | Featured for her contributions to the industry. |
| The Sapphire Award | 2024 | Best Female/Marginalized Gender Streamer |
Awarded for excellence in streaming in a male-dominated industry
|
Valkyrae’s Rise to Fame
Valkyrae’s journey to fame is a testament to her dedication, adaptability, and engaging personality. Here’s how she became one of the most influential figures in gaming and streaming:
Early Struggles & Breakthrough
- Before becoming a full-time streamer, Valkyrae worked at GameStop, a car wash, and a bank to support herself during community college
- She started sharing gaming clips on Instagram, which quickly gained traction, leading her to explore Twitch streaming
- Her breakthrough came in 2018 when she started streaming Fortnite, attracting a large audience
Major Career Moves
-
- In 2018, she became the first female content creator for 100 Thieves, a major esports organization
- In 2020, she signed an exclusive streaming contract with YouTube, which significantly boosted her viewership
- Her streams of Among Us in late 2020 skyrocketed her popularity, regularly exceeding 100,000 concurrent viewers
- She won Content Creator of the Year at The Game Awards in 2020, cementing her status as a top-tier streamer
Expanding Influence
- Valkyrae has collaborated with major brands, including fashion and beauty companies, expanding her presence beyond gaming
- She co-founded Hihi Studios, a media company focused on gaming and entertainment
- In 2025, she made a highly anticipated return to Twitch, reconnecting with her original streaming audience
Connect with Valkyrae on Social Media
| Platform | Username | Link |
| YouTube | Valkyrae | YouTube |
| Twitch | Valkyrae | Twitch |
| @Valkyrae | ||
| @valkyrae | ||
| TikTok | @valkyrae | TikTok |
Valkyrae Relationships
Valkyrae has kept her personal relationships largely private, but fans have speculated about her dating life over the years.
Past & Rumored Relationships
Sonii (Michael Sherman) – Valkyrae was in a long-term relationship with fellow streamer Sonii. They dated for several years before publicly announcing their breakup in 2020, citing personal growth and career focus.
Hasan Piker – There have been ongoing rumors about Valkyrae and Twitch streamer Hasan Piker being romantically involved. Fans have speculated based on their interactions at events and social media exchanges, but neither has confirmed a relationship.
Valkyrae on Relationships
- She has mentioned in interviews that her standards for a boyfriend are high, emphasizing emotional maturity and independence.
- Valkyrae has expressed that she is focused on her career and personal growth, which has influenced her approach to relationships.
Valkyrae’s Childhood & Family Background
Valkyrae, whose real name is Rachell Marie Hofstetter, was born on January 8, 1992, in Moses Lake, Washington, U.S. She comes from a Filipino and German heritage and grew up in a modest household with her siblings.
Family & Siblings
- Mother: Valkyrae has credited her mother for encouraging her passion for gaming from a young age.
- Father: Her father passed away in April 2017 after battling cancer.
- Siblings: She has three brothers and one younger sister, KC Lyn Marie Hofstetter
Early Life & Upbringing
- Valkyrae attended community college and worked various jobs, including at GameStop, to support herself financially.
- Despite facing challenges, she remained passionate about gaming, which eventually led her to explore content creation.
Family Challenges & Personal Loss
- She also experienced the tragic loss of her brother, who died by suicide.
- She has openly shared how these events shaped her perspective on life and strengthened her resilience.
Valkyrae’s Journey in Gaming & Content Creation
Valkyrae, whose real name is Rachell Marie Hofstetter, is a professional online streamer, YouTuber, and entrepreneur. She has built a successful career in gaming and digital content creation, earning recognition as one of the most influential female streamers.
Primary Roles
Online Streamer – Valkyrae streams gameplay, reaction content, and collaborations with other creators.
YouTuber – She produces gaming-related videos, vlogs, and interactive content for her millions of subscribers.
Co-owner of 100 Thieves – She holds an ownership stake in the esports and lifestyle brand 100 Thieves, contributing to its growth and direction.
Founder & CEO of Hihi Studios – She established Hihi Studios, a media company focused on gaming and entertainment.
Industry Influence
- She has been recognized as a top female gaming creator, breaking barriers in the male-dominated esports industry.
- Valkyrae has collaborated with major brands in gaming, fashion, and entertainment, expanding her influence beyond streaming.
- She has won multiple awards, including Content Creator of the Year at The Game Awards.
Valkyrae’s Academic Journey & Early Learning
Valkyrae, whose real name is Rachell Marie Hofstetter, pursued her education in Washington, U.S.
Schooling & Higher Education
- She attended Interlake Senior High School in Washington.
- Later, she enrolled in community college, where she earned an associate degree in arts and science
Early Career & Work Experience
-
- While studying, she worked at GameStop, a car wash, and a bank to support herself financially
- Her time at GameStop played a crucial role in her transition into gaming and content creation.
Valkyrae’s Visual Identity & Presence
| Feature | Details |
| Height | 5 feet 3.5 inches (161 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 53 kg (117 lbs) |
| Hair Color | Dark brown (often dyed blonde, silver, or platinum) |
| Eye Color | Light brown |
| Body Measurements | 34-24-35 inches |
| Skin Tone | Fair |
| Distinct Features | Petite frame, charming smile, expressive eyes |
| Build | Slim |
| Fashion Style | Casual, streetwear, and gaming-inspired outfits |
Legacy & Future Plans
Valkyrae’s journey from a GameStop employee to a digital powerhouse reflects not only personal grit but a transformation in how society views women in gaming and content creation. Her rise to the top of YouTube’s streaming charts and her groundbreaking role as a co-owner of 100 Thieves signify a larger shift toward inclusivity and creator-led business ventures in the gaming world.
With her recent launch of Hihi Studios, Valkyrae is extending her influence into storytelling and entertainment beyond livestreaming. The company represents her ambition to explore new creative formats like animated series, podcasts, and more collaborative projects, showing that she’s not confined to one platform or niche.
Despite facing public challenges like the RFLCT skincare controversy, Valkyrae demonstrated resilience, openly addressing the situation and learning from it. This transparency has strengthened her bond with fans and cemented her image as a relatable and trustworthy creator.
As an advocate for mental health, diversity, and female empowerment, she regularly speaks out on issues that matter. Valkyrae is not only shaping culture but inspiring a generation of women and marginalized voices to enter spaces where they’ve traditionally been underrepresented.
Looking ahead, Valkyrae’s impact will likely extend into production, business leadership, and mentoring roles. With millions of followers, a strong voice in the industry, and a clear vision for the future, she continues to redefine what it means to be a successful content creator in the digital age.
Interesting Facts About Valkyrae
-
First Female Co-Owner of 100 Thieves
Valkyrae made history by becoming the first female co-owner of the esports and lifestyle brand 100 Thieves in 2021—a major milestone for women in gaming. -
YouTube’s Most-Watched Female Streamer
In 2020 and 2021, she was recognized as YouTube’s most-watched female streamer, with millions of hours of content viewed globally. -
Filipino-German Heritage
She proudly embraces her mixed heritage, often talking about her Filipino mother and German father, and promotes diversity in the gaming world. -
Started as a GameStop Employee
Before her fame, Valkyrae worked at GameStop, which helped fuel her love for gaming and interact with the gaming community firsthand. -
Featured in Music Videos
She has appeared in music videos alongside major artists like Machine Gun Kelly and Bella Poarch, blending gaming with mainstream pop culture. -
Forbes 30 Under 30
Valkyrae earned a spot in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in 2022 for her massive influence in the digital content space. -
Mental Health Advocate
She is vocal about mental health struggles and encourages open conversations, especially about the pressures of online fame and burnout. -
Launched Hihi Studios
In 2024, she co-founded Hihi Studios, a creative media company that produces anime-inspired stories and digital content. -
Co-hosts a Podcast
Valkyrae is a co-host of the podcast Press ESC, where she discusses internet culture, gaming, and behind-the-scenes life as a creator. -
Strong Female Gaming Icon
She continues to be a role model for women in gaming, breaking barriers and proving that success in esports and streaming isn’t limited by gender.
Valkyrae’s Net Worth (2025 Estimate)
As of 2025, Valkyrae’s estimated net worth is around $10–15 million. Her income and wealth come from a variety of successful ventures:
Income Sources:
| Source | Details |
| YouTube Streaming |
Millions of subscribers, ad revenue, memberships, and super chats
|
| Sponsorships & Brand Deals |
Collaborations with Gymshark, HyperX, Lexus, and other global brands
|
| 100 Thieves Co-Ownership | Holds equity in the esports and lifestyle brand |
| Hihi Studios | Co-founder of her own anime-inspired media company |
| Merchandise | Revenue from Valkyrae-themed apparel and product lines |
| Podcast & Appearances |
Co-host of Press ESC, with deals and guest spots on other platforms
|
| Investments & Partnerships | Likely includes equity stakes in creative and gaming ventures |
Career Highlights Boosting Net Worth:
-
Multi-year exclusive streaming deal with YouTube
-
Major brand campaigns and high-profile music video appearances
-
Forbes 30 Under 30 recognition, increasing her market value and media presence.
Conclusion
Valkyrae is far more than just a gaming streamer — she’s a trailblazer, entrepreneur, and role model. From her humble beginnings working at GameStop to becoming YouTube’s most-watched female streamer and a co-owner of 100 Thieves, she has broken countless barriers in the male-dominated gaming industry. Her passion, authenticity, and dedication have not only built her a massive fanbase but also inspired a new generation of creators.
Through her ventures like Hihi Studios, public advocacy for mental health, and commitment to representation, Valkyrae continues to redefine what it means to be a successful digital creator. Her story is a powerful example of how passion, resilience, and creativity can lead to extraordinary success — both on screen and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What is Valkyrae’s real name?
Her real name is Rachell Marie Hofstetter.
When was Valkyrae born?
She was born on January 8, 1992.
Where is Valkyrae from?
She is from Moses Lake, Washington, USA.
What is Valkyrae’s ethnicity?
She is of Filipino and German descent.
What platform does Valkyrae stream on?
She streams exclusively on YouTube since 2020.
How did Valkyrae become famous?
She gained popularity through her engaging Twitch streams, especially during the rise of Fortnite and Among Us.
Is Valkyrae part of 100 Thieves?
Yes, she is a co-owner and former content creator of 100 Thieves.
What games is Valkyrae known for?
She is known for playing Among Us, Valorant, Fortnite, and League of Legends.
Has Valkyrae won any awards?
Yes, she has won awards like Content Creator of the Year and Gaming Creator of the Year.
What is Hihi Studios?
It’s a media company co-founded by Valkyrae in 2024, focused on anime-style storytelling.
Is Valkyrae in a relationship?
As of now, she has not publicly confirmed any current relationship.
What is Valkyrae’s net worth?
Estimated at $10–15 million as of 2025.
Does Valkyrae have a podcast?
Yes, she co-hosts Press ESC, a podcast discussing gaming and internet culture.
What was Valkyrae’s job before streaming?
She worked at GameStop, which helped spark her passion for gaming.
Is Valkyrae active on social media?
Yes, she’s active on YouTube, Twitter/X, Instagram, and TikTok, with millions of followers.
