Rachell Hofstetter

Rachell Marie Hofstetter, known online as Valkyrae, is an American online streamer, YouTuber, podcaster, and media executive. Raised in Moses Lake, Washington, she is of Filipino and German descent and has three brothers and a younger sister. Encouraged by her mother to play video games as a hobby, Hofstetter earned an associate degree in arts and science from a community college. Before pursuing a full-time internet career, she worked numerous jobs, including positions as a bank teller, waitress, car wash employee, arcade attendant, babysitter, and a clerk at GameStop.

While working at GameStop, Hofstetter began sharing her gaming passion on Instagram. Following encouragement from her audience, she launched her Twitch streaming channel in 2015 and later began uploading content to YouTube. She achieved her breakthrough in 2018 playing Fortnite, which led to her becoming the first female content creator signed by the gaming organization 100 Thieves in October 2018. In 2021, she expanded her role with the company by becoming a co-owner alongside fellow creator CouRageJD and other prominent investors.

In January 2020, Hofstetter signed an exclusive streaming deal with YouTube. Her viewership grew dramatically later that year while playing Among Us alongside major content creators and public figures such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Lil Nas X, and Jimmy Fallon. That year, she became the fastest-growing and most-viewed female streamer. After five years and three exclusive contracts on YouTube, Hofstetter returned to streaming on Twitch in January 2025.

Hofstetter has expanded into several business and media ventures. In September 2024, she founded Hihi Studios, a media company focused on developing anime-inspired IP, TV, film, and graphic novel projects, including the webtoon Bad Influence. She co-hosted the podcast Press Esc from 2024 to 2025 before joining Wine About It as a co-host in July 2025. Her public projects also include acting and voice work in animated series such as Sonic Prime, films including Goldbeak and A Minecraft Movie, and music videos. In October 2021, she co-founded the screen-light skincare brand RFLCT, which ceased operations shortly after launch following public controversy over its product claims. In 2026, she taught a creator course for Kai Cenat's Streamer University and hosted the red carpet premiere for Spider-Man: Brand New Day.

Throughout her career, Hofstetter has earned widespread recognition, winning Content Creator of the Year at The Game Awards 2020, the Livestreamer award at the 11th Streamy Awards, Gaming Creator of the Year from Adweek in 2021, and The Sapphire Award at the 2024 Streamer Awards. She was featured on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list in 2022, Vogue Philippines in 2023, the Gold House A100 list in 2024, and the Time100 Creators list in 2026. She has also participated in numerous major fundraising initiatives, supporting charities such as Feeding America, New Story, The Trevor Project, World Central Kitchen, Alveus Sanctuary, and HEAL Palestine.

Based in Los Angeles, Hofstetter actively speaks out on social and political issues, supporting women's rights in gaming, LGBTQ+ rights, pro-choice causes, and relief efforts for Palestine.