Ever wondered how a former GameStop employee became the queen of gaming? Meet Valkyrae (real name Rachell Hofstetter), the trailblazing YouTuber, Twitch icon, and co-owner of 100 Thieves, who redefined success in the esports world. With over 3.5 million YouTube subscribers and a Guinness World Record under her belt, her story is a masterclass in passion and perseverance. Let’s unravel her inspiring journey!
Valkyrae Real Name & Wiki Bio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Rachell Hofstetter |
| Age | 32 (as of 2025) |
| Birthday | January 8, 1992 |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | German-Spanish-Filipino-Caucasian |
| Height | 5′ 3″ |
| Residence | Los Angeles, California |
| Profession | YouTuber, Streamer, Co-Owner of 100 Thieves |
| Social Media | Instagram • YouTube • Twitter • TikTok |
Why does Valkyrae matter? As the most-watched female streamer globally, she’s shattered stereotypes and championed diversity in gaming. Her 2023 Time 100 Most Influential People honor cements her legacy beyond pixels and controllers.
Family, Education & Humble Beginnings
The Hofstetter Household
- Siblings: Three brothers, one younger sister.
- Parents: Details kept private to respect their privacy.
- Education: Earned an associate degree in arts and science from a Washington community college.
From Retail to Riches: Before fame, Valkyrae worked at GameStop, juggling retail duties with late-night streaming sessions. Her grind paid off she quit in 2019 to stream full-time, proving that even humble starts can lead to extraordinary finishes.
Valkyrae Career Highlights: A Timeline of Triumphs
Breaking Into the Gaming World
- 2015: Started streaming League of Legends on Twitch.
- 2018: Joined 100 Thieves as their first female creator, skyrocketing during the Fortnite craze.
- 2020: Signed an exclusive YouTube deal, becoming its top female streamer.
Beyond Gaming: Entrepreneurship & Entertainment
- RaeWear: Launched her clothing line in 2021, blending streetwear with gamer culture.
- Time 100: Recognized in 2023 for influencing global digital culture.
- Netflix’s The Circle: Announced participation in October 2023, expanding her entertainment footprint.
Award Shelf:
- Guinness World Record (2020) – Most-Watched Female Twitch Streamer.
- Esports Awards – Streamer of the Year (2021).
- Shorty Awards – Best Gaming Creator (2022).
Valkyrae’s Cars & Bikes: Luxury Meets Speed
| Cars | Bikes |
|---|---|
| Lamborghini Urus (2022) | Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R (2020) |
| Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon (2021) | Harley-Davidson Electra Glide (2018) |
| BMW M8 Competition Gran Coupe (2020) |
Fun Fact: Her first major purchase was a 2016 Mercedes S-Class, symbolizing her early success.
Net Worth & Income Streams
- Estimated Net Worth: $3 million (2023).
- Monthly Earnings: ~$150,000 (YouTube ads, sponsorships, 100 Thieves equity, RaeWear, and Rae Skincare).
Pro Tip: Diversification is key! Valkyrae’s ventures beyond gaming secure her financial prowess.
Valkyrae’s Gaming Setup: Tools of the Trade
| Equipment | Model |
|---|---|
| Monitor | BenQ ZOWIE XL2540 |
| Mouse | HyperX Pulsefire Surge |
| Keyboard | HyperX Alloy Elite |
| Headset | HyperX Cloud Alpha |
| Camera | Sony A6400 |
Why It Matters: High-quality gear ensures seamless streams, keeping her audience engaged.
5 Valkyrae Milestones That Changed Gaming
- 2018: Joined 100 Thieves, paving the way for female creators.
- 2020: Guinness World Record for Twitch dominance.
- 2021: Launched RAEvelation podcast, sharing candid life stories.
- 2023: Named to Time 100 and debuted Rae Skincare.
- 2023: Entered reality TV with Netflix’s The Circle.
FAQs: Your Valkyrae Questions, Answered
How did Valkyrae choose her name?
She combined “Valkyrie” (mythical Norse figures) with her nickname “Rae” after ditching “Legend of Rae.”
What games does she play?
Among Us, Valorant, Fortnite, and horror hits like Little Nightmares
What’s her fanbase called?
Raebies – a playful nod to her community’s loyalty
Is Valkyrae married?
She keeps her relationship status private, focusing on career and fans
How can I support Valkyrae?
Subscribe to her YouTube, follow her socials, or shop RaeWear!
Conclusion: Why Valkyrae’s Story Matters
Valkyrae isn’t just a streamer she’s a cultural icon who turned gaming into a platform for empowerment. From her Lamborghini Urus to her skincare empire, she proves that passion paired with hustle unlocks limitless possibilities.