Twitch CEO Dan Clancy was recently asked to name his “Mount Rushmore” of streaming, a metaphorical tribute to the four most iconic and influential figures in the streaming world. This kind of question naturally invites debate and passionate opinions, as streaming culture is dynamic and the landscape shifts rapidly with new talents rising to prominence every day. However, what really caught people’s attention was who Clancy left out—most notably Kai Cenat and iShowSpeed. These two are arguably among the biggest streamers in the world right now, commanding enormous audiences, shaping internet culture, and driving engagement in ways few others can match. Their omission sparked conversations across social media and within the streaming community, raising questions about what it truly means to be a titan in the space, how different generations of streamers are valued, and whether traditional views of influence are evolving too slowly to keep pace with the new wave.
To understand why this omission matters so much, it helps to look at what Kai Cenat and iShowSpeed represent in today’s streaming ecosystem. Kai Cenat has built a massive following on Twitch through a combination of high-energy gameplay, charismatic personality, and authentic engagement with his community. His streams are often a blend of gaming, reaction content, and real-life interaction, appealing to a broad and very passionate audience that is younger and highly active on social media platforms beyond Twitch, like TikTok and YouTube. Cenat’s ability to connect with his fans transcends just gameplay—he’s an entertainer, a cultural influencer, and a trendsetter who drives conversation and participation around his streams.
Similarly, iShowSpeed has become a colossal figure in the streaming world due to his unique style and magnetic personality. Speed’s content mixes gaming, music, and spontaneous, sometimes chaotic moments that feel very raw and genuine. His authenticity and emotional openness have garnered him a dedicated fanbase that tunes in not just for entertainment, but because they feel connected to his journey and personality. This kind of deep, personal connection is a relatively new phenomenon in streaming that differs from the polished or scripted content that was more common in earlier eras. It’s a form of engagement that fuels loyalty and growth, which has helped iShowSpeed rise to the ranks of the most viewed and talked-about streamers globally.
The fact that both Cenat and Speed have exploded in popularity in recent years—and especially that they resonate so strongly with younger audiences—speaks volumes about how streaming culture is evolving. They represent a new generation of creators who aren’t just gamers; they’re hybrid entertainers who blend gaming, social interaction, music, and real-life moments into a cohesive, engaging experience. This shift challenges older paradigms of what makes a streamer “great” or “iconic.” Historically, Twitch’s biggest names were often defined by long-standing consistency in competitive gaming or content centered strictly around video games. Legends like Ninja, Shroud, or even Pokimane built empires largely on their mastery and presentation of games, their competitive skill, or their gaming-related personalities.
But the landscape is different now. The most impactful streamers aren’t necessarily the best at games or even those who stick to a single niche. The cultural power of streamers like Kai Cenat and iShowSpeed lies in their ability to influence broader youth culture, shape online trends, and engage across multiple platforms simultaneously. They are trendsetters who push the boundaries of what streaming means, making it feel less like a monologue of gameplay and more like a dynamic, multi-faceted social event. This kind of influence arguably holds just as much, if not more, weight in defining the future of the streaming world. So when Dan Clancy leaves these two out of his Mount Rushmore, it feels like a glaring oversight that suggests a disconnect between the leadership at Twitch and the actual pulse of the community, especially its younger demographic.
Critics argue that Clancy’s list reflects a more traditional or conservative view of streaming’s “greats,” focusing on names that might have shaped Twitch during its early growth or who represent a certain image of professionalism and brand safety that Twitch wants to uphold. This isn’t necessarily a wrong approach—it makes sense from a corporate perspective to celebrate figures who have elevated the platform’s reputation or brought stability and legitimacy to the streaming ecosystem. However, it also risks alienating or overlooking the new wave of creators who bring massive audiences, cultural relevance, and fresh energy to the platform.
The streaming world has always been fluid and somewhat unpredictable. It’s shaped not just by corporate interests or historical influence but by the fans, the communities, and the viral moments that can catapult a streamer to stardom overnight. Kai Cenat and iShowSpeed exemplify this modern phenomenon. Their rise is driven largely by organic growth, virality, and the kind of relatability that sparks deep loyalty from viewers. Their ability to create viral content—memes, clips, music collaborations, and challenges—has given them an outsized presence in the cultural zeitgeist that extends well beyond Twitch.
Furthermore, the question of who belongs on a streaming “Mount Rushmore” isn’t just about popularity—it’s about lasting influence, innovation, and the ability to shape the platform’s future. Kai Cenat and iShowSpeed have demonstrated innovative approaches to content that blend various entertainment forms, redefining what a Twitch stream can be. They engage their audience in a way that feels spontaneous and real, which contrasts with more polished, corporate-style streaming but feels incredibly authentic and magnetic to many fans.
By omitting them, Clancy’s list misses an important narrative about how streaming is evolving from a niche gaming activity into a broader cultural and entertainment phenomenon. This evolution is what drives Twitch’s growth and relevance today, particularly with younger audiences who consume content differently from previous generations. Kai Cenat and iShowSpeed’s approach to content creation and community building is shaping the future of streaming, arguably as much as any of the earlier pioneers who established the platform’s foundation.
Their exclusion also highlights a broader tension in the streaming industry between legacy recognition and current influence. The early Twitch stars helped build the foundation for the platform’s success, often under very different conditions and with fewer resources. Their contributions are undeniably significant. Yet, the platform must also embrace the future, and that future is being defined by creators like Cenat and Speed who bring fresh energy, innovation, and a deeply engaged fanbase.
The conversation around this omission also opens up questions about what metrics should define greatness in streaming. Is it follower count? Consistency? Cultural impact? Revenue generation? Engagement? Each of these measures tells a different story. For example, while some older streamers might have impressive subscriber counts or long histories on the platform, they might not command the same viral influence or multi-platform presence that newer stars wield. Conversely, the rapid rise of creators like Cenat and Speed shows how much the platform and its audience have diversified and how multi-dimensional modern streaming has become.
What’s clear is that the streaming “Mount Rushmore” is not a static monument but a living, evolving idea. It needs to reflect the changing face of the platform and the diverse talents that drive its continued success. Dan Clancy’s omission of Kai Cenat and iShowSpeed, therefore, serves as a wake-up call for the industry to rethink who it elevates and celebrates. These two creators embody the cutting edge of streaming culture today, and recognizing them is essential to acknowledging the platform’s full story.
Ultimately, while any list of the “greatest” streamers will be subjective and inevitably spark debate, it’s hard to ignore the seismic impact that Kai Cenat and iShowSpeed have had on Twitch and streaming culture at large. They have transformed the way audiences engage with streams, blurred the lines between gaming and entertainment, and cultivated communities that are vibrant and influential. To exclude them from a symbolic “Mount Rushmore” risks overlooking the very future Twitch needs to embrace.
The streaming ecosystem thrives on innovation, authenticity, and connection, all areas where Cenat and Speed excel. Their cultural significance is undeniable, their audiences are massive, and their influence is shaping the platform’s trajectory. As Twitch continues to grow and evolve, its leaders would do well to celebrate and elevate these new icons alongside the pioneers who paved the way. Doing so would not only reflect the reality of today’s streaming world but also inspire the next generation of creators who see themselves in these trailblazers.
In the end, a true “Mount Rushmore” of streaming should honor not just the past but the present and future—recognizing the creators who are defining the culture now, not just those who defined it years ago. Kai Cenat and iShowSpeed are undeniably among those defining the present. Their omission from Dan Clancy’s list is less a reflection of their status and more a sign of how fast the streaming world moves, and how leadership must continually adapt to celebrate the freshest, most influential voices shaping the platform every day.
