Latest news with #StreamerUniversity
Fast Company
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Fast Company
‘I still think I'm dreaming': Kai Cenat's ‘Streamer University' now has its first graduating class
The class of 2025 have now graduated from Kai Cenat's 'Streamer University.' Last week, 120 students—handpicked from more than a million applicants—attended the University of Akron for a four-day live-in boot camp. Of course, the whole thing was streamed by Cenat as well as attendees. Cenat, who has 17.3 million Twitch followers and ranked No. 24 on Forbes 's list of the top-earning creators in 2024, with estimated earnings of $8.5 million, first announced his plans in February, explaining how he wants to help streamers both big and small learn from his success. Cenat introduced each of the inaugural class from behind his principal's desk during an hour-long meet-and-greet video, available to watch on YouTube. Enrollment was free, with food and accommodations on the college campus covered. Each student was also given a T-Mobile phone to livestream the entire experience. They did not disappoint. Content was streamed across nearly 1,000 different Twitch channels with over 719,000 peak concurrent viewers and over 27 million total hours of watch time, per Twitch Tracker. In addition to snippets from inside the classrooms, other viral clips show students skipping class, trashing dorm rooms, and fighting with water guns (which ended with one student being hospitalized). Follower boosts for grads Despite some bad behavior, many students reported major follower growth from attending the university. 'Before and after streamer uni,' one participant posted on X. According to screenshots, her average views rose from below 100 to nearing 10,000. 'I still think I'm dreaming,' she wrote. While livestreaming their experiences, students were also enrolled in lessons taught by 'professors,' aka popular influencers. The curriculum covered 'Defense Against Hating' and 'Internet Beef,' among other subjects. During the grand finale awards ceremony, rapper Drake made a surprise appearance with a virtual message for both students and faculty. 'Year one is officially in the books. Congratulations,' Drake said from behind a desk. 'To be able to organize this incredible academia event . . . is something that has never been done before. Show love to your dean, the one and only Kai Cenat.' Cenat's success has apparently not gone unnoticed by other streaming giants. During a recent Twitch stream filmed from his office, Cenat hinted that major streaming services had all expressed an interest in bringing 'Streamer University' to their platforms. However, the 23-year-old emphasized the importance of maintaining creative autonomy. 'With an idea like this so original, you gotta keep it where it's at,' he said. 'I want y'all to learn something, bro. Y'all channels, and who you are as a person. This y'all idea, this is your guy's stuff. Treat your platform as you would treat other platforms.'
Cosmopolitan
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
All the Kai Cenat 2025 Streamer University Controversy, Explained
It was nothing if not ambitious. Last weekend, Kai Cenat, one of the world's top Twitch streamers, took over a college campus in Akron to host 'Streamer University,' a four-day program that drew 120 students and 17 professors. All food/lodging expenses were covered by Kai, and each student was gifted a T-Mobile phone from which they could livestream their entire experience. Like real school, students could partake in semi-serious classes to prime themselves for virality (like 'Monetization for Dummies' and 'Defense Against Hating'). Also like real school, there was real drama, which is inevitable when you put a large number of young people in close quarters for an extended period of time (see: Love Island, any season). But unlike real college, the Streamer University students were fame-hungry and surveilled by hundreds of thousands of Twitch users 24/7. Thanks to that, we got a handful of meme-worthy moments, plus highly entertaining evidence that the creator economy is alive and well. So alive and well, in fact, that these participants were willing to commit to 96 hours of live-streamed dormitory life to succeed within it. Plus, the University of Akron was willing to loan their campus to a 23-year-old Twitch star to host this action. 'Our team is committed to helping the greater Akron community and beyond take advantage of all UA has to offer by hosting successful events on our campus,' said Brandon Alexander, the University of Akron's director of conference and events services. 'As we establish campus as an incredible option for large-scale conferences, it only serves to benefit the region.' Now you may ask–who had the time to keep up with a round-the-clock production like Streamer University? And I have the same question. But I've made it my mission to figure out exactly how this whole Kai Cenat fest went down. So let's run back the most notable moments that transpired at the most-discussed fake college around. From a viewership standpoint, SU was a success. According to Cenat's team, it garnered over 23 million total hours watched. The most-viewed participants included Kai (obviously), his Twitch stream regular/right-hand man, Ray, and the influencer India Love, who you might remember from her popular presence on Tumblr in the early 2010s. (We love cross-platform success.) In potentially less exciting news, the university's top-viewed channel belonged to 'professor' DDG, who was also named the weekend's MVP. Earlier this month, DDG's ex, Halle Bailey, received a temporary restraining order against DDG, alleging abuse, so the decision to name him SU's MVP was a divisive one. Kai made the initial call for Streamer University applicants earlier this month via a very Harry Potter-inspired trailer. We were finally able to meet the inaugural class of 120 creators selected during an hour-long meet-and-greet video, which you can watch on YouTube (should you have time to spare). Here's a rundown of the weekend's top ten performers: Is the route to online success predictable enough to build a curriculum around? The school's class offerings would indicate that. Students could take courses taught by 'professors' (aka popular influencers like Duke Dennis and cookingwithkya) on the following need-to-know influencing concepts: SU was not without its hiccups. Before classes kicked off, controversy began to brew about admissions. The streamer Malik Richh hopped online to accuse Kai of favoritism, saying that he had a bias for close friends and established creators during the student selection process. Some of the program's female participants were also subject to misogynistic claims from social media commentators, insinuating that their admission was based on looks alone. Despite that noise, SU was truly a win for the girls involved, with streamers like Primate Paige and Daejorno sharing their accounts' significant growth after the program. Throughout the weekend, physical altercations also arose, a dorm room was trashed, and one student was even sent to the hospital after getting injured during a water gun battle. In another highly-discussed moment, Drake's number was leaked during a livestreamed FaceTime call with one of the students, Tylil. He revealed the rapper's number to his audience by turning his phone toward the camera, which Drake took fairly well, telling him, 'You definitely leaked my number. Don't worry, I can get a new number tomorrow. It's a blessing in disguise anyway.' The rapper also sent in a congratulations message for graduates, which was shown during the commencement ceremony. So that's what you missed on Glee. It's unlikely that everyone who's graduated from Streamer University can or will replicate Kai's unique success. This man has had stars like Tyla, SZA, Benny Blanco, and Kevin Hart join his streams and has (inadvertently) caused a full-blown riot on the streets of New York City. But if anything, the fanfare and intrigue around this past weekend's livestreamed programming is pretty indicative that we've entered a new chapter of online influencing. One in which authentic, no-holds-barred access to creators might take precedence over carefully edited content. Kai implied that platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime were interested in buying the streaming rights for "Streamer University," but justified his decision to keep the operation independent on Twitch, with a strong message for creators. During a post-university stream, he said: "With an idea like this original, you gotta keep it where it's at. I want y'all to learn something, bro. [Your] channels, and who you are as a person… This [your] idea, this is [your] stuff. Treat your platform as you would treat other platforms."
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Kai Cenat Seemingly Hints At Amazon, Netflix Bids To Buy Streamer University
Fresh off the massive success of his Streamer University event in Akron, Ohio, livestream sensation Kai Cenat is making it clear: his vision is for the people — not the corporations. Just days after its conclusion, Cenat has revealed that major entertainment companies are already circling the concept. 'One thing I learned with this sh*t, bro… A lot of people been talking about how this sh*t should be on Netflix,' Cenat told viewers during a follow-up stream. 'Or Amazon Prime should buy this, Tubi should buy it. Somebody higher and they do it crazy. We already been getting talks with different people.' Despite the corporate interest, Cenat was quick to shoot down the idea of selling the concept to any major streamer, instead choosing to double down on the independent nature of his brand and message. 'With an idea like this so original, you gotta keep it where it's at,' he continued. 'I want y'all to learn something, bro. Y'all channels, and who you are as a person… This y'all idea, this is your guy's stuff. Treat your platform as you would treat other platforms.' 'Shout out to all these big platforms, they have subscriptions, bro. Twitch, I think of it all like this: If you gonna sub up, you gonna get some good sh*t. Y'all have the opportunity to make y'all platforms as big as other platforms,' he concluded. The viral creator's message was clear: originality and ownership matter most. As he carves out new ground in the crossover between live entertainment, education, and culture, Cenat is resisting the lure of licensing deals — and empowering his audience to do the same. The three-day seminar-style gathering brought together thousands of fans and aspiring creators, offering panels, performances, and insight from some of the biggest names in the streaming world. Guest appearances included the likes of popular streamers DDG, India Love, Duke Dennis, and cookingwithkya, with virtual support from none other than Drake. For now, Streamer University remains firmly planted in the grassroots streaming world — exactly where its creator wants it. See Kai Cenat speak on keeping Streamer University independent below. More from Kai Cenat Irritated By Fan Crashing AMAs Livestream To Praise Ye Maleah Joi Moon, Tony Winner, Cast As Lead In 'A Different World' Spinoff Pilot Taraji P. Henson Is A Mom On A Mission In Tyler Perry's 'STRAW'
Time of India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
5 Most-Watched Channels from Kai Cenat's Streamer University
Image via: Christopher Polk / Getty Images On Memorial Day Weekend 2025, the University of Akron became the epicenter of the internet galaxy, thanks to Streamer University, a revolutionary game of development dreamed up by Twitch legend Kai Cenat. This four-day, May 22–25, digital bootcamp was an equal parts reality television show, online university, and influencer summit. With over 120 featured creators and 17 online streaming 'professors' delivering a packed itinerary of classes in the one-of-a-kind, one and only streaming curriculum, the event didn't just innovate, it redefined possibility, shattering all records. Here's a deeper dive to understand the creative approaches and bold execution that powered the 5 most-watched channels, at Streamer University. 1. DDG – The Cinematic Showman With a staggering 3.57 million unique viewers, DDG didn't just co-stream, he co-created. From rivalry-fueled drama to impromptu house parties, DDG's flow was more reality television than esports. His most recent album Blame the Chat gave fans another reason to keep their eyes glued, and continually changing headlines of a very public and bizarre personal life added an unintentional sense of drama. Less than half the audience in 2016 in the same time frame weren't simply watching a stream, they were tracking a narrative. Streamer University Best Moments! 2. Ray – The International Wildcard Clocking in at 1.73 million views, Twitch-transplant Ray proved to one and all yet again why this Taiwan-native has become a valued cornerstone of Kai Cenat's massive content empire. From day one, ever since his serendipitous first encounter with Cenat in that now-famous 2023 Japan meeting, Ray has rolled with the punches. His 71-hour streaming marathon was peppered with dozens of celebrity skits. Ray's talent for combining AMP's cultural freakiness with his avant-garde global viewpoints gave fans a supremely fresh and side-splittingly insane experience. 3. Kai Cenat – The Dean Behind the Dream With a modest 5 hour 35 minutes of streaming time, Kai Cenat still managed to finish third most viewed. That's the bug's power. As the visionary and self-appointed 'Dean' of the weekend, Cenat wasn't just there—he was everywhere. From classroom visit drop-ins to private birthday party cameos, his impact streamed through almost every stream. His scant personal airtime highlights his gravitational pull in the streaming universe. Viewers tuned in because it was his school. Kai's legacy of viral Mafiathons and high-wattage celebrity collabs only heightened the hype and the gravity of the event. 4. Rakai – The Wild Card of Campus Rakai isn't new to pot stirring, and with 1.46 million views, he definitely didn't miss a beat. Crowned 'Worst Behavior' at the closing ceremony, Rakai carried his rebellious charm and high-energy antics all the way through the 45 streamed hours. Streamer University Award Ceremony! 5. Wendy Ortiz – The Sensation With 1.35 million views, Wendy Ortiz showed us all that realness and magic are the gold bricks of the streaming world. She went nearly 50 hours deep live with the grab the mic standout moments almost always paired with her sister Evelyn, making them the weekend's most iconic sibling duo. Her deep roots in the social media landscape, paired with her personal experience as a new mom, made her content relatable and engaging. Streamer University was more than just a competition for the most hours logged or views accrued. It was a celebration, a proving ground, and a testament to how online content can reflect, lampoon, and elevate real-world institutions. Yet, Kai Cenat didn't simply construct a half billion dollar event, he established a blueprint for this new breed of digital intellectualism. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
'Everybody is not being considerate': Kai Cenat Reacts to Eye Injury at Streamer University
Image via: Christopher Polk / Getty Images A high-energy game at the recent Streamer University event took a dangerous turn on May 25, 2025. A female student got a serious eye injury from an Orbeez gun. The game, meant to be a fun and chaotic end to the event, made Twitch star Kai Cenat stop the activities and go to the hospital. This started a bigger talk about safety at events run by influencers. Streamer University: A Bold Try at Content Creation The University of Akron hosted Streamer University from May 22 to May 25, 2025. It brought in more than 120 people who want to create content chosen from over one million who applied. Kai Cenat, the very popular Twitch streamer known for his high energy and huge social media following, put the event together. Streamer Hospitalised at Streamer University, Kai Cenat Responds The event promised to mix learning and fun. Big names like Duke Dennis DDG, and AMP Agent 00 gave talks and workshops. They covered topics from personal branding and content creation to how to handle the always-changing digital world. The goal was to give people who came both the skills and the exposure they need to do well in content creation. A Game Gone Wrong Nevertheless, the big finale on the last day turned into a disaster. A game that seemed harmless with Orbeez guns—devices that fire small, water-absorbing pellets—got out of hand too fast. The game resulted in one player getting hit in the eye causing a bad injury. As the situation spiraled, Kai Cenat, looking worried, made a quick announcement. 'I'm on my way to the hospital, and all I'm asking for y'all is to clean because everybody is not being considerate. Please, if you come together and just clean, that's all,' he said. The event, which was shown live on Twitch, set off alarms about the balance between making engaging content and keeping participants safe. Critics have asked if events like Streamer University—full of lively and sometimes careless activities—are ready to handle the physical risks that come with them. The incident at Streamer University surely highlights the urgent need for better safety planning. As the content creation grows higher, there will be better plans in the future, at least the community is thinking. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
