Valkyrae is a famous American online streamer, YouTuber, and podcaster, who has risen to become
one of the top female streamers in the world.
Having gained widespread fame through streaming on Twitch, the podcaster has been making waves for several years In fact, in the year 2020, she won the content creator of the year award, solidifying her as one of the most successful internet personalities in the world.
She has also made some as a video vixen, voice over actor. She is now the co-owner of the gaming organization 100 Thieves, and also the founder of Hihi Studios
Valkyrae Was Born in Washington 33 Years Ago
Valkyrae, whose real name is Rachel Marie Hofsetter, was born on January 8, 1992, and is now 33 years old. The popular streamer was born in Washington, USA, and was raised there as well.
Known for her charismatic personality and exceptional gaming skills, Valkyrae has become one of the most influential figures in the gaming and streaming world.
Her success across platforms like YouTube and Twitch has helped redefine the role of women in gaming and inspired millions of fans globally.
Valkyrae Was Raised in a Multicultural Household
Valkyrae was raised in a multicultural household with German, Spanish, Caucasian, and Filipino roots. She grew up in a close-knit family with three brothers and a younger sister.
Growing up, she developed a love for video games and online entertainment. The streamer also credits her mother for sparking her early interest in video games, encouraging her to explore gaming as a hobby from a young age.
She Worked At A Gaming Retail Store
Before becoming a full-time streamer, Valkyrae worked at GameStop, an American video game, consumer electronics, and gaming merchandise retailer. She did this to support herself during her studies. During her time working at GameStop, she ended up gaining firsthand experience in the gaming industry.
She later graduated from community college with an associate degree in arts and science, laying the foundation for her future career as a professional streamer and content creator.
Career Beginnings and Rise on Twitch
After leaving her job at GameStop, Valkyrae decided to pursue live streaming full-time. She launched her channel on Twitch, where she initially streamed games like Bloodborne and The Walking Dead. Her natural charm, genuine personality, and strong gaming skills quickly helped her stand out in the male-dominated streaming industry.
Her breakthrough came with the explosive popularity of Fortnite, where Valkyrae’s gameplay, engaging commentary, and modest, down-to-earth style earned her a devoted fan base. At a time when streaming culture often emphasized flashy personas, Valkyrae’s authenticity became her defining trait. She eventually amassed hundreds of thousands of followers on Twitch, making her one of the platform’s most respected female creators.
During this time, she also collaborated with well-known streamers such as Pokimane, Myth, Sonii, and Alexia Raye, further cementing her position within the gaming community.
Transition to YouTube and Global Recognition
After years of success on Twitch, Valkyrae made a bold move by transitioning to YouTube, where she began streaming and creating exclusive gaming content. Her channel quickly exploded in popularity, featuring a wide variety of titles including Fortnite, Among Us, Valorant, and other trending games.
With over 4 million subscribers and an ever-growing audience, Valkyrae became one of YouTube’s leading female gaming creators. Her engaging streams, relatable humor, and focus on community-building have made her one of the most recognizable faces in online entertainment.
Her growing success has also attracted sponsorships from global brands such as Gymshark, Urban Outfitters, and Forever 21, reflecting her influence both inside and outside the gaming sphere.
Achievements and Brand Influence
Valkyrae’s career milestones go beyond gaming. She has become a cultural icon and role model, breaking barriers for women in esports and streaming. Her presence at major gaming conventions like TwitchCon and BlizzCon underscores her importance in the industry.
Her partnership with 100 Thieves, one of the world’s top esports organizations, as both a co-owner and content creator, marked a significant milestone in her career — positioning Valkyrae as a businesswoman and gaming executive in addition to being a streamer.
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Valkyrae Has Featured In Music Video And Films
In recent years, Valkyrae has expanded her presence beyond gaming into music videos, animation, and film. In 2021, she appeared in high-profile music videos, including “DayWalker” by Machine Gun Kelly featuring Corpse Husband, as well as “Build a Bitch” and “Inferno” by Bella Poarch, showcasing her versatility as an on-screen performer.
In March 2022, Valkyrae ventured into voice acting, lending her voice to a member of the Hannya Squad in the English dub of the animated TV series Tribe Nine. Later that year, in December 2022, she voiced Squad Commander Red in the critically acclaimed animated series Sonic Prime.
Continuing to diversify her portfolio, Valkyrae made a cameo as herself in the 2023 action-comedy film, The Family Plan. In January 2025, she voiced the lead character, Ratchet, in the animated film Goldbeak, demonstrating her growing presence in animation and entertainment.
In April 2025, it was revealed that Valkyrae had filmed a cameo for A Minecraft Movie. While her 30-second scene was ultimately cut, she still appeared briefly in the background of the final release. That same year, she also featured in QTCinderella (Blaire)’s music video for “Forever”. The streamer has clearly established herself as a multifaceted content creator and entertainer.
Valkyrae’s Personal Life and Interests
Outside of gaming, Valkyrae enjoys anime, dance, and adventure activities. Some of her favorite anime series include Attack on Titan, Fullmetal Alchemist, Death Note, Kill La Kill, and Sword Art Online.
She was previously in a relationship with fellow Twitch streamer SonyD, beginning in 2016. Although private about her personal life, Valkyrae often shares glimpses of her friendships and experiences through her social media platforms, where she continues to connect with millions of fans.
Valkyrae Has A Lot of Influence in the Gaming Industry
From working in retail to becoming one of the most powerful female voices in gaming, Valkyrae has transformed what it means to be a digital creator. Her authenticity, professionalism, and perseverance have made her a symbol of empowerment for young gamers around the world.
With multiple awards, brand partnerships, and an ever-expanding global audience, Valkyrae’s influence continues to grow — both as a trailblazer in online entertainment and as an inspiration for the next generation of content creators.
