Esports
Jan 21, 2025

Ibai Llanos: From League of Legends Caster to Global Icon

From Twitch to YouTube, Ibai Llanos is making moves.

Introduction

Ibai Llanos Garatea, born on March 26, 1995, in Bilbao, Spain, has emerged as a prominent figure in the digital entertainment industry. Starting as a passionate gamer, Ibai’s rise to fame began as a caster for the "League of Legends" European Championship Series, where his charismatic commentary captured the hearts of fans worldwide.

Ibai became a prominent figure in the entertainment industry.

Expanding Horizons with G2 Esports

In 2020, Ibai took a significant step by joining G2 Esports as a content creator. This role cemented his status in the esports community and gave him a platform to showcase his creativity. However, his entrepreneurial drive soon led to the co-founding of KOI, an esports organization that reflected his vision of community engagement and content innovation.

Ibai took a significant step by joining G2 E-Sports.

Revolutionizing Entertainment with “La Velada del Año”

One of Ibai’s defining achievements has been organizing large-scale events like "La Velada del Año," an annual boxing event featuring internet personalities. By 2023, the event became a cultural phenomenon, drawing over four million live viewers on Twitch, setting new records for the platform. Events like these highlight Ibai’s ability to merge entertainment with competitive sports seamlessly.

An annual boxing event featuring internet personalities.

Twitch Success and the Path to Change

With over 17 million followers on Twitch, Ibai became a dominant force on the platform. However, in late 2024, he announced plans to reduce his streaming hours significantly. The decision was driven by a desire to focus on producing high-quality content for his YouTube channel, which had already amassed over 12 million subscribers. This shift marks a new era in Ibai’s content creation strategy.

Announcing the slow down of his Twitch content in 2024, Ibai shifted focus towards his YouTube channel.

The Inspiration Behind the Transition

Ibai’s move towards YouTube was influenced by personal experiences and his evolving content vision. He cited projects like documenting his journey along the Camino de Santiago as examples of the type of creative, impactful content he aims to produce. By embracing YouTube, Ibai seeks to create more polished and meaningful videos for his audience.

Ibai made the movement to evolve his content vision.

A Personal Transformation in Health and Fitness

In mid-2024, Ibai embarked on a transformative fitness journey, shedding over 60 kilograms. This milestone reflected his commitment to personal well-being and inspired his followers. By sharing his progress and challenges online, Ibai demonstrated the power of authenticity in connecting with his audience.

The Legacy of Ibai Llanos

Ibai Llanos’s journey from a passionate gamer in Bilbao to a global digital icon is a testament to his versatility and vision. His shift towards YouTube represents not just a strategic move but a commitment to growth, creativity, and personal well-being. As Ibai continues to evolve, he stands as a beacon of inspiration for content creators worldwide.