Tyler "Ninja" Blevins: The Gamer Who Turned Live Streaming Into A Global Phenomenon

How Much is Tyler "Ninja" Blevins Worth?

Let’s talk about Tyler Blevins, better known as "Ninja," the American gaming sensation who’s made a name for himself in the world of live-streaming. Ninja's net worth sits at an impressive $50 million, and it’s easy to see why when you look at his massive influence. As one of the most popular Fortnite players on the planet, Ninja has accumulated over 24 million YouTube subscribers and a staggering 2.5 billion views. On Twitch, he boasts a loyal following of 18.5 million fans. With subscriptions costing around $5 per month, Ninja consistently pulls in anywhere from $500,000 to $1 million monthly—just from playing video games. Talk about turning a passion into a career!

In 2018, Ninja inked a partnership deal with Red Bull Esports, further solidifying his status as a gaming icon. Later that year, he became the first esports player to ever grace the cover of ESPN The Magazine. But Ninja's story doesn’t stop there. In 2019, he made headlines again by jumping ship from Twitch to Microsoft’s Mixer platform, only to return to Twitch after Mixer shut down—earning a hefty payout along the way. More on that exciting chapter in just a moment.

From Detroit to Global Stardom: Ninja's Early Life

Tyler Blevins was born Richard Tyler Blevins on June 5, 1991, in Detroit, Michigan. Raised in Grayslake, Illinois, Tyler grew up in a close-knit family with his mom, Cynthia, dad, Chuck, and two older brothers, John and Chris. Both of his parents are of Welsh descent, and it was his father who first introduced him to the world of video games. Even back then, you could tell Tyler had a knack for gaming.

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While attending Grayslake Central High School, Tyler balanced soccer and part-time work at Noodles & Company with his growing love for gaming. It wasn’t long before he started competing in tournaments and joining professional gaming organizations. By the time he reached college at Wisconsin’s Silver Lake College, Tyler was already carving out a name for himself in the competitive gaming scene. This laid the foundation for the gaming superstar we know today.

Rising Through the Ranks: Ninja's Career

Ninja’s journey into professional gaming began in earnest in 2009 when he started playing Halo 3. Over the years, he played for prestigious teams like Team Liquid, Cloud9, and Renegades, honing his skills and building his reputation. By 2011, Tyler was streaming his gameplay online, drawing in audiences with titles like H1Z1 and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG).

Then came Fortnite Battle Royale, the game that truly skyrocketed Ninja’s career. Between September 2017 and March 2018, Ninja gained an astonishing 1.5 million followers on Twitch. But what really put him on the map was a legendary live stream session where he played Fortnite alongside A-list celebrities like Drake, Travis Scott, and Juju Smith-Schuster. With over 635,000 viewers tuning in, Ninja broke Twitch records and cemented his place in gaming history.

Throughout 2018, Ninja continued to dominate the gaming world, earning nearly $10 million that year alone. His influence even earned him a spot on Time magazine’s list of the world’s 100 most influential people. Epic Games recognized his contributions to Fortnite by adding a Ninja-themed cosmetic skin to the game in 2020. And let’s not forget his brief stint on Mixer, where he reportedly earned a jaw-dropping $40 million from Microsoft before returning to Twitch.

The Microsoft Mixer Deal: A Risk That Paid Off

Back in August 2019, Ninja sent shockwaves through the gaming community when he announced he was leaving Twitch, the platform that had made him famous, to join Microsoft’s Mixer. Fellow esports star Shroud followed suit a couple of months later. The move was bold, but it paid off handsomely when Mixer unexpectedly shut down in July 2020.

When Facebook Gaming expressed interest in acquiring both Ninja and Shroud, offering them double what Microsoft had paid, the duo declined. Instead, Microsoft triggered a buyout clause, paying Ninja a reported $30 million and Shroud $10 million to walk away. Ninja eventually returned to Twitch, where he continues to stream today, though he’s also embraced other platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook.

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Controversy and Comebacks: The Challenges Ninja Faced

Like any public figure, Ninja hasn’t been without his share of controversies. In 2016, he was suspended from Twitch for 48 hours after sharing the address of a donor who left a racist message. Another incident occurred in 2018 when Ninja accidentally used a racial slur while rapping along to Logic’s “44 More.” To his credit, Ninja quickly apologized and acknowledged his mistake.

Another topic of discussion has been Ninja’s decision not to stream with female gamers, citing concerns about protecting his marriage. While this choice sparked debate, it’s worth noting that Ninja remains committed to being transparent about his personal life and values.

Love and Partnership: Ninja’s Personal Life

Behind every great gamer is an even greater support system, and for Ninja, that’s his wife, Jessica Goch. The couple met at a Halo tournament in 2010 and began dating in 2013. They tied the knot in August 2017 and celebrated their honeymoon in the Caribbean. Jessica, now known as Jess Blevins, isn’t just a talented streamer with over 224,000 YouTube subscribers and 500,000 Twitch followers; she also served as Ninja’s manager until stepping down in October 2022 to focus on new opportunities.

In 2018, the couple splurged on a 6,700-square-foot mansion in the Chicago suburbs, complete with a game room and home theater. It’s safe to say they’ve created a space that’s as much about family as it is about gaming.

Giving Back: Ninja’s Commitment to Charity

Tyler Blevins isn’t just about gaming; he’s also deeply involved in charitable efforts. In 2018, he raised over $110,000 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention during a charity stream. That same year, Ninja donated $2,500 to the Alzheimer’s Association for every game he won in a Fortnite Battle Royale esports event. He also contributed to raising $340,000 at the #Clips4Kids event and donated $1 million to charity after winning the Fortnite Pro-Am event.

During the 2020 coronavirus pandemic, Tyler and Jess stepped up once again, donating $150,000 to Feeding America. These acts of kindness demonstrate Ninja’s dedication to using his platform for good.

Awards and Recognition: Ninja’s Legacy

Ninja’s impact on the gaming world hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2018, he took home the Gaming and Live Streamer awards at the Streamy Awards and was named Esports Personality of the Year at the Esports Awards. He also earned the title of Content Creator of the Year at The Game Awards that same year. The accolades continued in 2019 when he won the Live Streamer award again and was crowned Twitch Streamer of the Year at the Shorty Awards.

Perhaps the ultimate honor came when Time magazine included Ninja on its prestigious list of the world’s 100 most influential people in 2018. Whether you’re a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, there’s no denying Ninja’s influence on the industry.