FaZe Banks: The Rise Of An Internet Icon

How Much Is FaZe Banks Worth?

Let me tell you about FaZe Banks, a guy who’s turned gaming into a multi-million-dollar empire. With a net worth of $13 million, this American social media personality and gaming entrepreneur has carved out a unique niche for himself. Banks, the self-proclaimed "internet gangster," started as a YouTuber and quickly rose to fame as the chief operating officer of FaZe Clan, one of the most iconic gaming groups on the planet. His YouTube channel, which boasts over five million subscribers and more than 411 million views, is just the tip of the iceberg. He's also dabbled in music production, composing, and songwriting, showcasing his diverse talents. Along the way, he's had his share of feuds with other gaming personalities, including the infamous Jake Paul. Standing tall at 6-foot-5, FaZe is often seen sporting his signature hat, making him a recognizable figure in the gaming world.

In 2022, Banks stepped down as COO of FaZe Clan, but don’t think for a second that he’s slowed down. He’s still very much involved with the group, continuing to influence the gaming community with his bold personality and innovative ideas.

From Lawrence to the Spotlight: FaZe Banks' Early Years

FaZe Banks, born Richard Bengtson on October 18, 1991, in Lawrence, Massachusetts, didn’t start out as the gaming titan we know today. His journey began when he moved to Lowell, Florida, at the age of seven. It all started with a Nintendo 64, a gift from his dad on the day it was released. That Nintendo 64 came with a copy of "Super Mario 64," and the rest, as they say, is history. Richard, or FaZe Banks as he's known now, attended Lowell High School and graduated in 2010. Little did he know back then that his love for gaming would lead him to the global stage.

Read also:

Gore Verbinskis Journey Unpacking His Net Worth Career And Impact

Building an Empire: FaZe Banks' Career

FaZe Banks’ career took off when he made the bold move to Los Angeles, California. There, he started posting short clips of himself playing video games. He joined YouTube in September 2011 under the name "BanksHasBank" before eventually rebranding. His first video, "The Single Greatest SoaRing In Style," dropped on October 5, 2011, and it didn’t take long for his content to catch fire. Initially, his videos were centered around the popular "Call of Duty" series, but as his audience grew, so did the scope of his content. By November 2016, he had reached one million subscribers, and by August 2017, he was at two million. Just two weeks later, he hit three million, and by November 2017, he had four million subscribers. His influence extends beyond YouTube, with three million followers on Instagram and nearly three million on Twitter (now X).

But FaZe didn’t stop at YouTube. He ventured into music, releasing his first single, "The FaZe Banks Songs," in 2017. As the founder and former Chief Operating Officer of FaZe Clan, he helped build one of the most popular gaming groups in the world. The clan, which plays games like "Call of Duty," "Fortnite," and "Overwatch," has attracted the attention of celebrities like Lil Yachty, Offset, and Post Malone. Before FaZe Clan, Banks was the leader of SoaR, another prominent gaming group. His most popular video, "Reacting To My Girlfriend's Vines," has garnered over 16 million views, showcasing his ability to connect with his audience through humor and authenticity.

Behind the Scenes: FaZe Banks' Personal Life

FaZe Banks isn’t just a gaming icon; he’s also a person with a rich personal life. In 2017, he began dating Instagram personality Alissa Violet, who was once Jake Paul's girlfriend. Their relationship wasn’t without drama, as they were involved in a physical altercation at a bar in Cleveland called Barley House. Banks claimed he was choked by a bouncer and shared the incident on Snapchat. Beyond the headlines, Banks has a unique tattoo on his arm with the number "68," a nod to a moment when he and his girlfriend simultaneously chose the same number between zero and 100.

Despite his larger-than-life persona, Banks is open about his mental health struggles. He’s known for having a short temper, but he’s always been candid about his challenges. At one point, he blamed Adderall for some of his struggles, but later admitted that he had never been addicted to the drug, though he had experimented with it in the past. Through it all, he encourages his fans to prioritize their mental and physical health, reminding them that it’s okay to be vulnerable and seek help when needed.