IShowSpeed Performs at FIFA World Cup Closing Ceremony

IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr., began his journey as a teenager streaming games from his bedroom in Cincinnati, Ohio. Initially, he had very few viewers, sometimes as few as one or two.

However, his loud personality and engaging content led to a significant rise in popularity, culminating in his YouTube channel surpassing 10 million subscribers by 2022. His passion for football, particularly his admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo, helped him connect with a broader audience.

On July 19, 2026, IShowSpeed performed his song “World Cup (Champions)” during the FIFA World Cup closing ceremony before the final match between Spain and Argentina. He shared the stage with major entertainment figures like Tom Cruise, Post Malone, and Jennifer Hudson, marking a remarkable transformation from a teenage streamer to a global performer at one of the world's biggest sporting events.