Streamer Awards 2025: IShowSpeed Dethrones Kai Cenat, League Legends Honored

The streaming world's biggest night has wrapped, and the 2025 Streamer Awards delivered drama, celebration, and a changing of the guard. Held on December 6th at Los Angeles's Wiltern Theater and hosted by the dynamic duo of QTCinderella and Maya Higa, the ceremony celebrated the creators who define digital entertainment. While the narrative heading in was all about Kai Cenat's potential sweep, the final award told a different story—one where persistence and a groundbreaking marathon finally paid off for one of the platform's most energetic personalities.

**The Main Event: Speed Stops the Streak**

Coming in with a leading five nominations, Kai Cenat was the heavy favorite to secure a third consecutive Streamer of the Year win. His monumental 2025—hitting 20 million Twitch followers and pulling off celebrity collaborations like the one with LeBron James—seemed unstoppable. He didn't leave empty-handed, securing wins for Best Just Chatting Streamer, Best Marathon Stream (Mafiathon 3), Best Streamed Event (Streamer University), and Best Streamed Collab. However, the top prize went to IShowSpeed, who finally broke through after years of being a viral sensation. His victory was undoubtedly powered by his 'Speed Does America' marathon, which also earned him the Best IRL Streamer award, proving that relentless, cross-country content can topple even the most established streaming empires.

**A Night of Recognition for Gaming and League Icons**

Beyond the headline battle, the awards highlighted the deep connection between streaming and gaming. CaseOh_ took home the prestigious Gamer of the Year award, a testament to his broad gaming appeal. For the League of Legends community, there were several standout moments. The legendary AD carry and content creator Doublelift was honored with the Legacy Award, a fitting tribute to his enduring impact from the pro stage to the streaming arena. Furthermore, the Best MOBA Streamer category was a showcase of LoL talent, with popular analyst and co-streamer Marc Robert 'Caedrel' Lamont claiming victory over other notable names. This win underscores the massive, dedicated viewership that League of Legends commands in the streaming ecosystem.

**What This Means for the League Community**

For players and fans, nights like these are more than just a popularity contest. They signal where the culture is headed and which creators are shaping how we experience the game. Caedrel's win validates the analytical, co-streaming model that has become integral to watching pro play. Doublelift's legacy award reminds us of the rich history that current pros and streamers are building upon. Furthermore, seeing major brands like Red Bull (winner of Best Brand Partner) invest heavily in the event confirms that streaming is now a central pillar of esports and gaming marketing. The platforms and personalities celebrated here are the ones bringing League of Legends to millions of viewers daily, driving meta discussions, and creating the community moments we all talk about.

The 2025 Streamer Awards solidified that streaming's top tier is more competitive than ever. While Kai Cenat's empire remains formidable, IShowSpeed's breakthrough proves that new formats and relentless energy can redefine the pinnacle. For us in the League community, it's encouraging to see our game's ambassadors and its unique viewing culture—from intense co-stream analysis to legendary pro player legacies—receiving their rightful spotlight on one of streaming's biggest stages. As the industry grows, expect League of Legends to remain at the heart of the conversation.