What Is Tyler ‘Ninja’ Blevins’ Net Worth?
Tyler “Ninja” Blevins, a prominent figure in the gaming and internet personality sphere, boasts a net worth estimated at $50 million. This substantial wealth is primarily derived from his successful career as a professional gamer, streamer, and content creator.
Ninja’s Rise to Fame and Earnings from Streaming
Blevins gained widespread recognition for his prowess in “Fortnite,” a popular battle royale game. His YouTube channel showcases over 24 million subscribers and has amassed over 2.5 billion views. Furthermore, his Twitch account boasts a following of 18.5 million, making him one of the platform’s most-followed streamers. His Twitch subscribers contribute $5 per month, leading to estimated monthly earnings between $500,000 and $1 million solely from subscriptions. This revenue stream doesn’t include income from advertisements, sponsorships, or donations.
In March 2018, Ninja achieved a peak concurrent viewership of 635,000 during a “Fortnite” stream with Drake, Travis Scott, and Juju Smith-Schuster. This record-breaking event significantly boosted his visibility and appeal to brands. Building on this momentum, he broke his own record in April 2018 with 667,000 concurrent viewers during Ninja Vegas 2018. These milestones solidified his position as a leading figure in the streaming community.
Adding to his earnings, Epic Games, the developer of “Fortnite,” recognized Ninja’s contribution to the game’s success by introducing a Ninja cosmetic skin in 2020. Though the specific financial details of this collaboration were not disclosed, it suggests a mutually beneficial partnership that likely involved a substantial payment or royalty agreement for Blevins.
Brand Partnerships and Sponsorships
Ninja’s career trajectory includes collaborations with notable brands. In June 2018, he entered into a partnership with Red Bull Esports. In September of the same year, he became the first esports player to appear on the cover of “ESPN The Magazine.” These high-profile collaborations reflect his influence in the gaming world and contributed significantly to his financial success.
Reuters reported that Electronic Arts (EA) compensated Blevins $1 million to promote “Apex Legends” in 2019. This deal underscores the value placed on his endorsement and highlights his ability to drive engagement and awareness for new game titles.
The Microsoft Mixer Deal and Subsequent Payout
In August 2019, Ninja made a significant move by leaving Twitch and joining Mixer, Microsoft’s streaming platform. While the exact details of the contract remain confidential, reports suggested a lucrative deal valued at an estimated $20-30 million. Shroud, another prominent streamer, followed suit, further validating Microsoft’s investment in securing top streaming talent. However, in June 2020, Microsoft announced the closure of Mixer, prompting them to offer both Ninja and Shroud double their existing contracts to move to Facebook Gaming. The streamers declined this offer, which resulted in Microsoft triggering a buyout clause, reportedly paying Ninja $30 million and Shroud $10 million to terminate their contracts. In total, the Microsoft Mixer deal resulted in Ninja earning approximately $40 million between his salary and the buyout.
Post-Mixer Career and Multi-Platform Streaming
Following Mixer’s closure, Ninja returned to Twitch in August 2020. In September 2022, he expanded his reach by simultaneously streaming on multiple platforms, including Twitch, YouTube, TikTok, and Facebook. This strategic decision allowed him to diversify his audience engagement and maximize potential revenue streams. In April 2023, Ninja took on the role of Chief Innovation Officer at GameSquare, a company merging with Engine Gaming and Media. While the specific compensation package for this role is unknown, it suggests involvement in strategic decision-making and potential equity in the combined company.
Ventures Beyond Streaming
Beyond streaming, Ninja has explored diverse ventures that contribute to his overall net worth. In 2018, he released “Ninjawerks: Vol. 1,” a compilation album of electronic music, showcasing his interest in music and expanding his brand beyond gaming. In 2019, he appeared in the NFL’s “The 100-Year Game” commercial during the Super Bowl, reaching a massive audience and enhancing his mainstream appeal. Also in 2019, he authored “Get Good: My Ultimate Guide to Gaming,” further establishing himself as an authority in the gaming world.
Ninja’s appearance on Fox’s “The Masked Singer” in 2019, where he performed as an ice cream cone, demonstrates his willingness to explore entertainment opportunities outside of gaming. While his time on the show was brief, it broadened his exposure and reach to new audiences. In 2015, Tyler and his family appeared on “Family Feud,” and they competed on “Celebrity Family Feud” in 2019.
Philanthropic Endeavors
Ninja actively participates in charitable activities, demonstrating a commitment to giving back to the community. During a 2018 charity stream, he raised over $110,000 for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. During a “Fortnite Battle Royale” Esports event in April 2018, he donated $2,500 to the Alzheimer’s Association for each game he won. In the same month, he also helped raise $340,000 at the #Clips4Kids event. In 2018, he donated $1 million to charity after winning the “Fortnite” Pro-Am event. During the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic, Tyler and his wife, Jess, donated $150,000 to Feeding America.
Awards and Recognition
Ninja has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, recognizing his contributions to the gaming and streaming industries. In 2018, he won the Gaming and Live Streamer awards at the Streamy Awards. He was named Esports Personality of the Year at the Esports Awards and Content Creator of the Year at The Game Awards 2018. In 2019, he won the Live Streamer award again at the Streamy Awards and was crowned Twitch Streamer of the Year at the Shorty Awards. “Time” magazine included Ninja on their list of the world’s 100 most influential people in 2018.
Real Estate Investments
In 2018, Ninja and his wife, Jess, invested in a 6,700-square-foot mansion in the Chicago suburbs. This 5-bedroom residence features a game room and a theater, showcasing their success and commitment to a comfortable lifestyle. While the exact purchase price was not disclosed, properties of this size and location typically command a significant value, representing a substantial asset in their portfolio.
Personal Life and Management
Tyler married Jessica Goch (now Jess Blevins) in August 2017. Jess played a crucial role in Ninja’s career as his manager, overseeing various aspects of his business and brand. She also had her own streaming presence, with over 224,000 YouTube subscribers and 500,000 Twitch followers. In October 2022, Jessica stepped down as Ninja’s manager to explore new professional opportunities. This transition suggests a shift in the management structure and possibly a new strategic direction for Ninja’s career.