Net Worth Ranker
What Is Ibai Llanos Garatea’s Net Worth?
Ibai Llanos Garatea, known simply as Ibai, is a prominent Spanish streamer, internet personality, and esports commentator. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated to be around $14 million. This valuation stems from a combination of his successful streaming career, content creation endeavors, esports team ownership, and various collaborations. Ibai’s financial success is intricately linked to his significant online presence and strategic ventures in the digital entertainment and esports sectors.
Ibai’s Career and Income Streams
Ibai’s journey began in 2014 at the age of 19, when he started commentating on “League of Legends” professional competitions. His initial foray into esports was marked by his narration of a “League of Legends” match for the Liga de Videojuegos Profesional (LVP), Honor Division, in August 2014. This marked the beginning of his rise in the esports broadcasting scene.
In 2016, Ibai moved to Barcelona to further his career as an announcer. He worked extensively with the LVP, one of the largest video gaming competition operators in the Spanish-speaking world. His focus was primarily on the Orange Super League. In February 2019, he expanded his portfolio by hosting the late-night show “Hoy no se sale” on the Ubeat network, showcasing his versatility and appeal to a broader audience. These early roles were instrumental in establishing his reputation and building his initial fanbase.
A significant turning point in Ibai’s career occurred in early 2020 when he left the LVP to sign an exclusive content creation contract with G2 Esports. While specific financial details of this contract were not publicly disclosed, such arrangements typically involve a base salary, performance-based bonuses, and revenue sharing from content monetization. During his tenure with G2 Esports, Ibai’s visibility and reach expanded considerably.
In March 2020, Ibai collaborated with Banco Santander and La Liga Santander on charity streams during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in Spain. These streams not only highlighted his commitment to social causes but also amplified his public profile and engagement metrics.
In January 2021, Ibai announced his departure from G2 Esports and subsequently co-founded Finetwork KOI, an esports team, with former professional footballer Gerard Piqué. This venture marked a significant investment and a strategic move towards ownership in the esports industry. KOI has since competed in various esports titles, including “League of Legends,” “Teamfight Tactics,” and “Valorant.” The financial performance of KOI directly impacts Ibai’s net worth, considering his ownership stake. In 2022, Ibai’s esports team, KOI, merged with the esports organization Rogue, with all Rogue teams rebranding to KOI, further expanding his influence in the esports world.
Ibai’s “Charlando tranquilamente” (“Calmly Chatting”) series, launched in February 2021, has played a crucial role in his career. This series features interviews with prominent public figures, including musical artists like Bad Bunny, Ed Sheeran, and Rauw Alejandro, as well as footballers such as Ronaldinho, Sergio Agüero, and Andrés Iniesta. These high-profile interviews attract substantial viewership and generate significant revenue through advertising and sponsorships.
In October 2021, Ibai and Piqué organized the Balloon World Cup, inspired by a viral video of a game involving keeping a balloon from touching the ground. This event showcased Ibai’s creative approach to content creation and his ability to capitalize on viral trends. The Balloon World Cup garnered considerable media attention and likely contributed to his income through sponsorships and broadcasting rights.
Ibai achieved a Twitch record in June 2022 when his “Fortnite” outfit reveal video attracted over 3.3 million viewers. This milestone underscores his immense popularity and influence on the platform. Such record-breaking events translate directly into increased viewership, subscriber growth, and higher advertising revenue.
Ibai’s Digital Presence and Earnings
Ibai boasts an impressive online presence, with 15 million followers on Twitch and 11.1 million subscribers on YouTube. His YouTube videos have collectively amassed over three billion views. These metrics are indicative of his widespread appeal and his ability to generate substantial income through content monetization.
According to Social Blade, an analytics company, Ibai has the third-most-followed Twitch channel. The income generated from Twitch subscriptions, donations, and advertising is a significant component of his overall net worth. The exact breakdown of his Twitch earnings is not publicly available, but industry estimates suggest that top-tier streamers can earn millions of dollars annually through the platform.
Ibai received YouTube Creator Awards for reaching 100,000 subscribers in 2019, one million subscribers in 2020, and ten million subscribers in 2023. These awards are symbolic of his growth and success on the platform, and they correlate with increased revenue from YouTube’s Partner Program. While the specific income from YouTube varies based on viewership, ad rates, and sponsorships, it is a substantial contributor to his net worth.
Awards and Recognition
Ibai has received numerous awards and nominations throughout his career, highlighting his impact and influence in the digital entertainment and esports sectors. He won Trasgo de Oro awards for Best Caster in 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018, recognizing his excellence in esports commentary.
He was named Streamer of the Year at the Esports Awards in 2020, 2021, and 2022, solidifying his position as one of the leading figures in the streaming industry. These accolades enhance his brand value and attract further opportunities for sponsorships and collaborations.
Ibai has earned eight ESLAND Award nominations, winning Fail of the Year (2021), Song of the Year (2021), Event of the Year (2021), and Streamer of the Year (2021 and 2023). These awards further demonstrate his versatility and creative output.
His nominations at the Game Awards for Content Creator of the Year (2021), the Streamer Awards for League of Their Own (2022), and the MTV MIAW Awards for MIAW Icon and Global Creator (2023) underscore his broad appeal and recognition across different platforms.
Ibai’s Personal Life and Investments
In 2021, Ibai separated from G2 and began renting a streaming house in Barcelona. This move facilitated collaboration and content creation with a group of fellow streamers. While the specific address and rental costs are not publicly disclosed, maintaining a dedicated streaming space represents a significant operational expense.
In August 2021, Ibai was invited to Lionel Messi’s farewell dinner in Barcelona, attending with former professional footballer Sergio Agüero and fellow streamer Coscu. This event highlights Ibai’s connections within the sports and entertainment industries and his status as an influential figure.
While specific details of Ibai’s personal investments and real estate holdings are not publicly available, it is reasonable to assume that he has diversified his income into various assets to secure his financial future. These investments may include stocks, bonds, real estate, and other business ventures. Given his high income, strategic investment decisions would play a crucial role in preserving and growing his net worth.
Ibai’s financial journey reflects his dedication to content creation, his strategic ventures in the esports industry, and his ability to cultivate a massive online audience. His net worth of $14 million is a testament to his success and influence in the digital entertainment landscape.
