Mizkif
Early life
Mizkif was born on February 16, 1995, and grew up in Montclair, New Jersey. He is of Italian descent. Mizkif graduated from college with a degree in finance and a 2.7 GPA.
Career
2016–2020: Early career
Mizkif began streaming in 2016. He streamed to a relatively small community until 2018, when he gained popularity for serving as a cameraman for fellow streamer Paul "Ice Poseidon" Denino.
On April 30, 2019, Mizkif and fellow Twitch streamer and friend Esfand were banned in response to an incident that occurred at PAX East between them and Jenna "Meowri", a streamer and cosplayer, where Mizkif and Esfand made an insensitive joke towards Meowri during a livestream. They were then unbanned seven days later.
2020–present: One True King and rise to popularity
In March 2020, Mizkif garnered attention after he made over $5,600 during a sleeping stream. In an interview with Wired, he stated, "Most streams can be very draining. This stream was the opposite. It was very easy. It was honestly a nice break from my normal routine of playing games all day."
Mizkif was the third-most-watched Twitch streamer during the 2020 United States presidential election, trailing fellow streamers Trainwreckstv and HasanAbi.
On October 11, 2020, Mizkif, along with fellow Twitch streamers Asmongold, Esfand, Rich Campbell, and Tips Out, announced the launch of their new gaming organization, One True King.
Mizkif hit one million followers on Twitch on January 18, 2021.
In October 2021, Mizkif appeared on the infamous Twitch leaks, which revealed the top Twitch streamers earnings from August 2019 to October 2021. Mizkif was ranked 23rd on the list, with a reported payout of $2,086,548.21 during this time period.
On March 2022, Mizkif won Best Just Chatting Streamer at the 2022 Streamer Awards. He was also nominated for Streamer of the Year at the same ceremony.
On September 19, 2022, Mizkif was accused by fellow Twitch streamer Trainwreckstv of downplaying and covering up an incident where his roommate and fellow streamer CrazySlick allegedly sexually assaulted female streamer AdrianahLee. Later that day, streamer Ice Poseidon, whom Mizkif worked with during his early streaming career, published a set of comments made by Mizkif from 2018 to 2019, characterized as racist and homophobic. The following day, as a result of the aforementioned incidents, Mizkif was placed on leave by One True King. On December 31, 2022, One True King released a statement about the allegation of Mizkif covering up an incident of sexual assault. According to the Texas-based law firm Jackson Walker, the investigation's counsel did not find direct evidence that Mizkif attempted to minimize or cover up sexual assault, as alleged. His status as an OTK member was reinstated. Later on January 2, 2023, Mizkif uploaded a video apologizing for the “insensitive” and “tone-deaf” behavior he displayed in a broadcast from early October.
Mizkif was banned from Twitch on January 13, 2023, after watching banned streamer content named "Grossgore" during a livestream. He was eventually unbanned less than 24 hours later.
On February 7, 2023, Mizkif was banned on Twitch for violating the DMCA after he watched an American reality TV series called MILF Manor on his Twitch channel. He was then unbanned a day later.
On May 28, 2023, Mizkif announced that he had joined Rumble, a video hosting site, and would stream some of his content on the platform.
Other ventures
Unrooted
In 2021, Mizkif announced his intention to develop a platform game titled Unrooted. Citing Jump King as a primary influence, the game was showcased in the platformer category at the 2022 OTK Games Expo. Unrooted was officially released on Steam on August 2, 2024.
Iron Forge Gym
On January 17, 2024, Mizkif announced the opening of Iron Forge Gym, located in Austin, Texas, and co-owned by himself and Norwegian Twitch streamer Knut. The facility offers full-service weight lifting as well as MMA and wrestling classes.
Just Chatting Podcast
On May 6, 2024, Mizkif announced the launch of "Just Chatting Podcast", a weekly podcast hosted by himself where he interviews various guests in a one-on-one setting.
Philanthropy
On December 21, 2019, Mizkif held a charity stream for St. David's Children's Hospital in Austin, Texas. His community raised over $5,000, which Mizkif would later use to purchase toys for the hospital's patients.
In June 2021, Mizkif, along with fellow streamer Ryan "Simply" Reeves, rappelled down 600 Congress, a 32-story building in Austin, Texas, for a Make-A-Wish fundraiser event titled "Over the Edge". They raised over $20,000 during their companion charity stream, funded by donations from viewers.
On February 10, 2023, Mizkif held a 26-hour charity stream with the goal of raising funds for the victims of the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquakes. Mizkif and his community managed to raise $80,799.
Personal life
Mizkif began dating fellow Twitch streamer and wildlife rehabilitator Maya Higa in 2019. On September 14, 2021, Mizkif announced on Twitter that he and Higa were no longer in a relationship.
Mizkif has a heart condition known as viral myocarditis. He has also publicly spoken out about his struggles with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Mizkif currently owns an Audi R8, an exotic sports car. On January 3, 2022, Mizkif announced on Twitter that his Audi R8 has sustained $100,000 in damages after being hit by someone in a parking lot.
Mizkif currently resides in Austin, Texas, living in a house with fellow Twitch streamers Russel, Simply, and Emiru.
Awards and nominations
Year | Ceremony | Category | Work | Result | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2022 | The Streamer Awards | Best Just Chatting Streamer | Himself | Won | |
Streamer of the Year | Nominated | ||||
2024 | Best Streamed Series | Schooled | Nominated |
Filmography
Music videos
Year | Title | Artist(s) | Role | Ref. |
---|---|---|---|---|
2021 | "Perfect Vibe" | Mitch Jones feat. Kala | Himself | |
"Booty Cheek Man" | Simply | Himself | ||
2022 | "Dolls" | Bella Poarch | Extras |
Notes
- ^
Subscribers, broken down by channel:
1,050,000 (Mizkif)
369,000 (MizkifToo)
56,700 (Mizkif Documentaries)
14,200 (Mizkif VODs)
39,100 (Just Chatting Podcast) - ^
Views, broken down by channel:
511.0 million (Mizkif)
264.4 million (Mizkif Too)
10.1 million (Mizkif Documentaries)
1.97 million (Mizkif VODs)
11.6 million (Just Chatting Podcast)
References
- ^ Asarch, Steven (July 3, 2019). "Maya Higa has exploded in popularity on Twitch in just four months, taking the site by storm with her falcon and webcam". Newsweek. Dev Pragad. Retrieved August 16, 2021.
In early June, Higa traveled to Austin, Texas to visit the house where Mizkif and a collection of other popular streamers live. It was the first time she had traveled by herself and met people she had met online, which was nerve wracking.
- ^ "About Mizkif". YouTube.
- ^ Hsu, Tiffany (September 30, 2020). "They Watched the Debate … on Twitch". The New York Times. Archived from the original on May 10, 2022. Retrieved August 14, 2021.
Mizkif, who is also known as Matthew Rinaudo
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- ^ Switzer, Eric (October 11, 2020). "One True King - New Organization Founded By Twitch Streamers Asmongold, Mizkif, And Esfand". TheGamer. Archived from the original on May 9, 2022. Retrieved October 11, 2020.
- ^ Mizkif [@REALMizkif] (February 16, 2021). "It's my birthday 🎂 say thank you" (Tweet). Retrieved August 14, 2022 – via Twitter.
- ^ "Births". The Record. Hackensack, New Jersey. March 8, 1995. Retrieved February 18, 2023.
- ^ Geddes, George (February 17, 2020). "Mizkif serenaded on stream as a birthday gift". Dot Esports. GAMURS Group. Archived from the original on May 9, 2022. Retrieved August 15, 2021.
For Mizkif's birthday, which was originally celebrated on Feb. 14, he planned to stream himself opening birthday presents with his close friends, girlfriend Maya Higa, and the rest of his viewers. But his close friends and girlfriend had one final surprise to ensure that he wouldn't forget his 25th birthday.
- ^ Searl, Nate (January 11, 2021). "The Drive To Be A Top Streamer: an Interview with Matt "Mizkif" Rinaudo". Upcomer. Archived from the original on May 9, 2022. Retrieved August 5, 2021.
- ^ "So My DNA Test Results Came In..." YouTube. Mizkif. March 20, 2022. Event occurs at 4:04. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
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- ^ Tsiaoussidis, Alex (September 21, 2022). "Mizkif breaks silence on AdrianahLee 'cover up' claims, leaked slurs". Dot Esports. Archived from the original on September 21, 2022.
- ^ Arias, Jackie (January 1, 2023). "Mizkif Returns to OTK After Sexual Assault Cover-Up Investigation". GameRant.
- ^ Reeve, Justin (January 1, 2023). "OTK Reinstates Streamer Mizkif Citing No "Direct Evidence" Of Involvement In Sexual Assault".
- ^ Snavely, Adam (December 31, 2022). "OTK reinstates Mizkif after no 'direct evidence' of sexual assault cover-up was found by investigation".
- ^ "Twitch Star Apologizes For 'Insensitive' Comeback Stream". Kotaku. January 3, 2023. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
- ^ Nash, Payton (January 2, 2023). "Mizkif breaks silence over 'tone deaf' Twitch comeback he tried to stage in October". Dot Esports. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
- ^ Richman, Olivia (January 14, 2023). "Twitch bans Mizkif, and many can't help but applaud the platform". Dot Esports. Retrieved May 19, 2024.
- ^ Cooper, Dalton (January 14, 2023). "Twitch Has Banned Mizkif". Game Rant. Retrieved May 19, 2024.
- ^ Miceli, Max (January 17, 2023). "Mizkif blasts Twitch following ban after watching Gross Gore clips". Dot Esports. Retrieved May 19, 2024.
- ^ Shaukat, Rahman (February 7, 2023). "Twitch Has Banned Mizkif". Game Rant. Retrieved May 19, 2024.
- ^ Miceli, Max (February 7, 2023). "Mizkif slapped with Twitch ban, DMCA strike after streaming bizarre reality show". Dot Esports. Retrieved May 19, 2024.
- ^ "Rumble Adds Mizkif to Growing Lineup of Gaming Creators". Rumble. May 28, 2023. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
- ^ Shaukat, Rahman (May 29, 2023). "Rumble Signs Yet Another Big Twitch Streamer". Game Rant. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
- ^ Unrooted (December 9, 2021). "🌱Unrooted🌱A game produced by @REALMizkif. Here is some art of our lead; a sapling on a long journey up. #gamedev". Twitter. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
- ^ Galloway, Ryan (July 29, 2021). "Mizkif shares update on platforming game Unrooted". Dot Esports. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
- ^ Polhamus, Blaine (June 8, 2022). "OTK Games Expo 2022: All games and viewer prize winners". Dot Esports. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
- ^ Unrooted - Official Release Date Trailer | OTK Games Expo 2024 - IGN. June 5, 2024. Retrieved August 3, 2024 – via www.ign.com.
- ^ unrootedgame (August 2, 2024). "Unrooted out now on Steam! 🌱Link in thread below ⬇️". Twitter. Retrieved August 4, 2024.
- ^ "Iron Forge Gym - 24/7 Fitness and Martial Arts Training in Texas". Iron Forge Gym. Retrieved February 18, 2024.
- ^ "Mizkif and Knut buy a gym to get their Twitch viewers fit". Dexerto. January 8, 2024. Retrieved February 18, 2024.
- ^ "Creepy moment woman is asked if she is in 'high school' during gym session | indy100". www.indy100.com. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
- ^ "Mizkif reveals 'Just Chatting' podcast after being "denied" by Joe Rogan, Hasan, more". Dexerto. May 6, 2024. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
- ^ Geddes, George (December 22, 2019). "Mizkif raises $5,000 to buy presents for children in St. David's Children's Hospital". Dot Esports. GAMURS Group. Archived from the original on May 10, 2022. Retrieved December 22, 2019.
- ^ Over The Edge 2021 (live stream). Make-A-Wish Central & South Texas. June 5, 2021. Retrieved November 4, 2021 – via YouTube.
- ^ Shaukat, Rahman (February 11, 2023). "Mizkif Raises Over $80K For Turkey, Syria Earthquake Relief". Game Rant. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
- ^ Hore, Jamie (January 21, 2021). "Who is Mizkif? Net worth, age, and more". The Loadout. Archived from the original on May 10, 2022. Retrieved August 5, 2021.
- ^ Deschamps, Marc (September 15, 2021). "Mizkif Announces Twitch Break". Comic Book. Archived from the original on May 10, 2022. Retrieved May 10, 2022.
In a Twitlonger post, Mizkif and Maya Higa revealed that they have broken up, and will both be taking a break from streaming, in order to "process and to take care of ourselves."
- ^ Jordan, Andrew (February 18, 2020). "Greek Brings A Mariachi Band To Mizkif's House For His Birthday *Update*". TheGamer. Archived from the original on May 10, 2022. Retrieved February 18, 2020.
- ^ Jordan, Andrew (February 29, 2020). "Dr. K Is Exactly The Type Of Streamer Twitch Needs". TheGamer. Archived from the original on May 10, 2022. Retrieved February 29, 2020.
- ^ Irwin, Kate (January 4, 2022). "Mizkif's Audi R8 sportscar nearly totaled after OTK stream". Dot Esports. Retrieved May 1, 2024.
- ^ Mateusz Miter, Alex Tsiaoussidis (September 14, 2022). "Who is Mizkif? History, Twitch earnings, age, setup, more". Dot Esports. Retrieved May 22, 2024.
- ^ Cale Michael, Nicholas Taifalos (February 18, 2024). "Streamer Awards 2024: All results and winners for every category". Dot Esports. Retrieved May 18, 2024.
- ^ "Mitch Jones - Perfect Vibe ft. Kala (Official Music Video)". May 7, 2021. Retrieved March 15, 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ "BOOTY CHEEK MAN". September 21, 2021. Retrieved March 15, 2024 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Grimes Stars in Bella Poarch's Video for New Song "Dolls"". Pitchfork. July 15, 2022. Archived from the original on August 15, 2022. Retrieved September 1, 2022.