Valkyrae
A pioneering force in live-streaming who rose from retail jobs to become a top-tier gaming personality and a powerful executive co-owning 100 Thieves.
Born 1992 (age 34)·American online streamer and YouTuber·Birthday: January 8·Millennials
Biography
Rachell 'Valkyrae' Hofstetter’s story is a digital-age fairytale. Before she was one of the world's most-watched streamers, she was working at a GameStop and a sushi restaurant, streaming games like 'Counter-Strike' and 'World of Warcraft' to a handful of viewers for fun. Her breakthrough came with the explosive popularity of 'Fortnite' and later, the social deduction game 'Among Us,' where her expressive reactions and genuine camaraderie with other creators captivated millions. Valkyrae’s ascent was historic; in 2020, she was crowned YouTube's top live-streamer, a landmark moment for women in a male-dominated space. Her influence extended beyond the screen when she became a co-owner of the lifestyle and gaming brand 100 Thieves, leveraging her business acumen to help shape the company. As the founder of Hihi Studios, she continues to build her own media empire, proving that streamers are not just entertainers but formidable entrepreneurs.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Valkyrae was born in 1992, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Valkyrae Was Born
The biggest hits of 1992
#1 Movie
Aladdin
Best Picture
Unforgiven
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Valkyrae's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1992Born
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
1997Started school
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
2005Became a teenager
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Could drive
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2010Could vote
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2013Turned 21
Edward Snowden reveals NSA surveillance programs
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $152,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Thrift Shop" — Macklemore & Ryan LewisBest Picture: 12 Years a Slave
2022Turned 30
Russia invades Ukraine; Queen Elizabeth II dies
Gas: $3.97/galHome: $348,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"As It Was" — Harry StylesBest Picture: Everything Everywhere All at Once
2026Age 34 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Was named 'Content Creator of the Year' at The Game Awards in 2020, a major industry recognition.
- Became a co-owner of the gaming and lifestyle organization 100 Thieves, moving from content creator to executive.
- Won the 'Favorite Female Streamer' award at the 12th Shorty Awards in 2020.
- Her YouTube channel has amassed millions of subscribers, making her one of the platform's most successful live-streamers.
Did You Know?
She is of Filipino and German descent.
Valkyrae's first job was at a Chuck E. Cheese's restaurant.
She is a big fan of the 'Harry Potter' series and has a Hogwarts house tattoo (she's a Hufflepuff).
She initially kept her streaming a secret from her family, who found out through a news article.
““I just want to show people that it doesn’t matter where you come from, you can do anything.””
