The Rise Of VanossGaming: Celebrating 15 Years Of YouTube And Gaming Culture

YouTube turns 15 years old in 2020. It's hard to remember a time without it! Over the last few years, religiously watching YouTube videos from vloggers has become as popular as watching television or streaming Netflix content. Whatever you like, you can find a YouTube channel devoted to it. There are beauty vlogs, lifestyle vlogs, makeup tutorials, conspiracy theorists, and, of course, gamers. Channels devoted to gamers and gaming have become increasingly popular over the past decade and have absolutely exploded since Twitch debuted in 2011. Among these channels, VanossGaming stands tall as one of the biggest, ranking as the 4th most subscribed channel of the past decade.

VanossGaming is the brainchild of a 27-year-old Canadian, Evan Fong. Like many of the other highest-paid YouTube stars, he posts comedic videos of himself playing video games. As of January 2020, Fong's channel boasts over 12 billion video views and nearly 25 million subscribers. He ranks as the 10th highest-paid YouTube Star of the year with an impressive $11.5 million in earnings.

Evan Fong was born in March 1992 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. He is of Asian descent, with a Korean mother and a Chinese father. A gamer from a young age, Evan was introduced to video games by his father, an avid gamer himself. Starting with children's adventure and puzzle games, Evan's passion for gaming grew. He enrolled in college as an economics major after graduating from Richmond Hill High School but dropped out during his second year to focus full time on his YouTube channel, a decision that initially worried his parents but eventually proved successful.

Table of Contents

• Biography of Evan Fong
• The Creation of VanossGaming
• Success and Impact of VanossGaming
• Evan Fong's Personal Life
• Final Thoughts

Biography of Evan Fong

Evan Fong, known online as VanossGaming, has made a significant name for himself in the world of YouTube. He was born in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and grew up in a family that embraced gaming. His multicultural background and passion for video games laid the foundation for his future success. Fong graduated from Richmond Hill High School, where his love for gaming flourished.

The Creation of VanossGaming

Fong created the VanossGaming YouTube channel on September 15, 2011. The name "Vanoss" is derived from Vanos, which is a variable valve timing system made by BMW. His father's PlayStation 3 username was vanoss62, which Evan later adopted for his channel. Initially, Fong started posting videos just for fun, but as he gained popularity, he realized he could turn his passion into a career.

Success and Impact of VanossGaming

By early 2015, Fong began receiving mainstream media attention as VanossGaming approached 11 million subscribers, breaking into the top 25 most subscribed channels on YouTube. He became a prominent figure in the growing video game commentary subculture, showcasing his comedic style and engaging content. In March 2015, he participated in the first gaming panel at the "YouTube Gaming Evolution" during Boston's PAX East event, which further solidified his status in the gaming community.

Evan Fong's Personal Life

When he isn’t busy creating content for his popular YouTube channel, Evan enjoys playing ice hockey and the guitar. His hobbies reflect his diverse interests, showcasing that he is more than just a gamer. Fong's ability to balance his personal life with his career as a content creator has played a critical role in his ongoing success.

Final Thoughts

VanossGaming exemplifies the incredible potential of YouTube as a platform for creativity and entertainment. Evan Fong's journey from a young gamer to a YouTube sensation illustrates the power of passion and determination. As YouTube continues to evolve, channels like VanossGaming will undoubtedly remain at the forefront, inspiring future generations of content creators.