Where Are They Now? Raider.IO's Featured Streamers (Part 3)
Since its inception in April 2020, Raider.IO’s Featured Streamer program has become a weekly segment that we’ve all come to look forward to every Wednesday. To date, there have been over 70 streamers featured, and each one of them has brought something unique and fresh to our platform. From Race to World First (RWF) raiders, to high Mythic+ pushers, casual transmog farmers, and leveling grinders, we’ve featured a wide spread! Whether you’re a well-known streamer in the World of Warcraft community or just going “live” for the first time, we’re proud to feature you and showcase your content.
For Part 3 of this series, we have met with 6 of our former Featured Steamers: Petko, Thiji, Judekin, Lambbchops, Towelliee, and Cowmasutra. Where are they now? Read on to learn more!
Table of Contents
What is the Featured Streamer Program?
The Featured Streamer program is a weekly program in which our team hand selects a World of Warcraft streamer to feature for 1 week. The featured streamer’s channel is then embedded on various pages across the site, including on the premiere location of our front page — while they are actively playing WoW:
In addition to the stream embeds, we also announce the feature on our social media platforms (Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook) with customized graphics and a highlight reel:
Depending on the streamer, and if they have something unique, honorable, or timely that they provide, a feature might even be accompanied by a Community Spotlight interview.
How are Featured Streamers Chosen?
One question we are often asked is, “How are Featured Streamers chosen?”
To put it simply, there is no set rule or metric used by our team. In general, we try to align streamers based on current events in the game or the overarching community. For example, we may feature someone who specializes in high Mythic+ for a big push week, a RWF streamer at the beginning of a new raid tier, or someone who is cultivating unique and helpful content in the PVE sphere. As you might have seen from our past features, we like to be as inclusive and open-minded as possible! When it all comes down to it, we do our best to find a streamer that we feel fits each particular week, and we're thrilled to shine a light on some of the amazing people of our community!
Where Are They Now?
“Consistency is the key. Follow your heart and enjoy the journey because, if you don't, it won't work out!”
Petko is 25 years old from Bulgaria. Since Season 2 of BFA, Petko has made a name for himself in the Mythic+ community by competing in the MDI and achieving Rank #1 Shaman in the world for 4 seasons, as well as the #1 overall DPS in the world for 2 seasons. In addition to streaming, Petko represents Method and writes guides for Icy Veins.
Q: It's been a while. What have you been up to since your Featured Week? To put things in perspective, your feature was in August 2020. What new or exciting things have happened to you or your stream since then?
Petko: My girlfriend and I have redesigned everything on my channel including alerts, logos, banners, emotes, and anything that you can think of for all my social media. Nowadays, although the stream is full of trolls and memes, it is a lot more "professional" compared to what it looked like in August of 2020.
Q: Did you do anything or plan something new or different for your stream during your feature? If so, what did you do differently and why?
Petko: It was a long time ago (over a year), but I made sure to provide quality and quantity of content during the week I was featured. So other than being myself, nothing in particular was different!
Q: Were there any additional insights you gained during your Feature week?
Petko: I have learned that I do really enjoy streaming. It made me happy and kept me sane during the pandemic lockdown. Being able to have the support of the WoW community and have laughs together was a priceless experience.
Q: What advice can you share to up-and-coming streamers and/or content creators looking to make it into this scene or industry?
Petko: Consistency is the key. Follow your heart and enjoy the journey because, if you don't, it won't work out!
Q: It's been a while. What have you been up to since your Featured Week? To put things in perspective, your feature was in August 2020. What new or exciting things have happened to you or your stream since then?
Petko: My girlfriend and I have redesigned everything on my channel including alerts, logos, banners, emotes, and anything that you can think of for all my social media. Nowadays, although the stream is full of trolls and memes, it is a lot more "professional" compared to what it looked like in August of 2020.
Q: Did you do anything or plan something new or different for your stream during your feature? If so, what did you do differently and why?
Petko: It was a long time ago (over a year), but I made sure to provide quality and quantity of content during the week I was featured. So other than being myself, nothing in particular was different!
Q: Were there any additional insights you gained during your Feature week?
Petko: I have learned that I do really enjoy streaming. It made me happy and kept me sane during the pandemic lockdown. Being able to have the support of the WoW community and have laughs together was a priceless experience.
Q: What advice can you share to up-and-coming streamers and/or content creators looking to make it into this scene or industry?
Petko: Consistency is the key. Follow your heart and enjoy the journey because, if you don't, it won't work out!
“After working arduously for over four years, it was a breath of fresh air to finally be given such adoration, putting my energy to good use.”
Thiji is a gamer, roleplayer, singer, cosplayer, strategist, gentleman, and philanthropist. He is most widely recognized as a unique “Mixed Reality” streamer specializing in RPGs where he uses a PS4 controller and creative movements to truly bring games to life.
Q: It's been a while. What have you been up to since your Featured Week? To put things in perspective, your feature was in January 2021. What new or exciting things have happened to you or your stream since then?
Thiji: Since the Featured Week's passing, I have been actively seeking other worlds to explore and sponsorships to secure. I am happy to announce that I have drawn in at least four, including Huel, Botisimo, and the New World Creator Program. I have even received an offer from Square Enix for an update for Outriders!
Q: Did you do anything or plan something new or different for your stream during your feature? If so, what did you do differently and why?
Thiji: I took a more active role into Mythic+ since it was a means of being competitive in the PvE scene. Plus, with everyone's minds stuck on obeying the meta so much, I had hoped to humble those who thought that adhering to one particular build or class was the only surefire road to success. I'd say I've done well in my mission to prove them otherwise in the time I've played.
Q: Were there any additional insights you gained during your Feature week?
Thiji: Since the week following my feature on the site, I realized just how much of an impact my unique take on streaming was making to everyone who had just learned of whom I was. After working arduously for over four years, it was a breath of fresh air to finally be given such adoration, putting my energy to good use.
Q: What advice can you share to up-and-coming streamers and/or content creators looking to make it into this scene or industry?
Thiji: While everyone will usually fall back to the typical "consistency, consistency, consistency", the advice I would love to give to everyone is that you should always be yourself when you're online. You're not here wholly to make money — you are choosing the path of an entertainer, and in remembering this, you will surely attract a wider audience, more interaction, and retain your viewers. People are taking the time out of their day to watch what you can do, so you may as well ensure that they're spending their time well!
Q: Lastly, link us a clip from your channel, a meme, or gif that describes you, your stream, or your content!
Thiji:
Q: It's been a while. What have you been up to since your Featured Week? To put things in perspective, your feature was in January 2021. What new or exciting things have happened to you or your stream since then?
Thiji: Since the Featured Week's passing, I have been actively seeking other worlds to explore and sponsorships to secure. I am happy to announce that I have drawn in at least four, including Huel, Botisimo, and the New World Creator Program. I have even received an offer from Square Enix for an update for Outriders!
Q: Did you do anything or plan something new or different for your stream during your feature? If so, what did you do differently and why?
Thiji: I took a more active role into Mythic+ since it was a means of being competitive in the PvE scene. Plus, with everyone's minds stuck on obeying the meta so much, I had hoped to humble those who thought that adhering to one particular build or class was the only surefire road to success. I'd say I've done well in my mission to prove them otherwise in the time I've played.
Q: Were there any additional insights you gained during your Feature week?
Thiji: Since the week following my feature on the site, I realized just how much of an impact my unique take on streaming was making to everyone who had just learned of whom I was. After working arduously for over four years, it was a breath of fresh air to finally be given such adoration, putting my energy to good use.
Q: What advice can you share to up-and-coming streamers and/or content creators looking to make it into this scene or industry?
Thiji: While everyone will usually fall back to the typical "consistency, consistency, consistency", the advice I would love to give to everyone is that you should always be yourself when you're online. You're not here wholly to make money — you are choosing the path of an entertainer, and in remembering this, you will surely attract a wider audience, more interaction, and retain your viewers. People are taking the time out of their day to watch what you can do, so you may as well ensure that they're spending their time well!
Q: Lastly, link us a clip from your channel, a meme, or gif that describes you, your stream, or your content!
Thiji:
“Being Featured showed me that, even though my community is small, I have a lot of support from them. It also made me realize that I really do enjoy content creation.”
Judekin mains a Balance Druid and raids in the guild Dsylxeic. While she specializes in PvE content, she has a newfound passion for arena PvP as well. You can catch Judekin on Twitch with guest appearances from her adorable pets.
Q: It's been a while. What have you been up to since your Featured Week? To put things in perspective, your feature was in January 2021. What new or exciting things have happened to you or your stream since then?
Judekin: I’m still raiding with my guild Dsylxeic on Dalaran on my Moonkin. After my Feature, I mostly did a lot of arena and started playing a Warrior in 3's for the first time. Sadly, I missed out on Gladiator, but did reach 2400 rating. I also started playing FFXIV more recently and I thoroughly enjoyed playing through the MSQ. The story really is amazing. I haven't really played it on stream yet but do plan to in the future. Also, I’m patiently waiting to hear more about what will come with Patch 9.2. I’m hoping Moonkin doesn't get the nerf bat too hard *fingers crossed.*
Q: Did you do anything or plan something new or different for your stream during your feature? If so, what did you do differently and why?
Judekin: I didn't change too much but it did motivate me to put some more work into my stream behind the scenes. I made some new channel emotes and point rewards.
Q: Were there any additional insights you gained during your Feature week?
Judekin: I mostly learned that I was better at keeping up with a busy chat and self narrating than I thought I was. Being Featured showed me that, even though my community is small, I have a lot of support from them. It also made me realize that I really do enjoy content creation.
Q: What advice can you share to up-and-coming streamers and/or content creators looking to make it into this scene or industry?
Judekin: Have fun with it!
Q: Lastly, link us a clip from your channel, a meme, or gif that describes you, your stream, or your content!
Judekin:
Q: It's been a while. What have you been up to since your Featured Week? To put things in perspective, your feature was in January 2021. What new or exciting things have happened to you or your stream since then?
Judekin: I’m still raiding with my guild Dsylxeic on Dalaran on my Moonkin. After my Feature, I mostly did a lot of arena and started playing a Warrior in 3's for the first time. Sadly, I missed out on Gladiator, but did reach 2400 rating. I also started playing FFXIV more recently and I thoroughly enjoyed playing through the MSQ. The story really is amazing. I haven't really played it on stream yet but do plan to in the future. Also, I’m patiently waiting to hear more about what will come with Patch 9.2. I’m hoping Moonkin doesn't get the nerf bat too hard *fingers crossed.*
Q: Did you do anything or plan something new or different for your stream during your feature? If so, what did you do differently and why?
Judekin: I didn't change too much but it did motivate me to put some more work into my stream behind the scenes. I made some new channel emotes and point rewards.
Q: Were there any additional insights you gained during your Feature week?
Judekin: I mostly learned that I was better at keeping up with a busy chat and self narrating than I thought I was. Being Featured showed me that, even though my community is small, I have a lot of support from them. It also made me realize that I really do enjoy content creation.
Q: What advice can you share to up-and-coming streamers and/or content creators looking to make it into this scene or industry?
Judekin: Have fun with it!
Q: Lastly, link us a clip from your channel, a meme, or gif that describes you, your stream, or your content!
Judekin:
“Don’t sell yourself short! It’s really hard work, but it’s worth it.”
Lambchopps (Sunni) is a vibrant streamer who has been in love with World of Warcraft addict since 2007. She mains a Horde Demon Hunter and is the GM of the guild eGirls For Hire on Tichondrius.
Q: It's been a while. What have you been up to since your Featured Week? To put things in perspective, your feature was in February 2021. What new or exciting things have happened to you or your stream since then?
Lambbchops: I actually got engaged last month to my moderator, Stangs! I was also going through some personal issues during my Feature. I was the victim of online harassment for nearly a year and the person actually ended up in prison a few months after my Feature. I also went viral on TikTok because of a Twitch clip I randomly posted!
Q: Did you do anything or plan something new or different for your stream during your feature? If so, what did you do differently and why?
Lambbchops: I planned to stream 12+ hours during the Feature because it would get me the most exposure. I found so many cool people to play with and new friends!
Q: Were there any additional insights you gained during your Feature week?
Lambbchops: I learned that I’m stronger than I give myself credit for!
Q: What advice can you share to up-and-coming streamers and/or content creators looking to make it into this scene or industry?
Lambbchops: Don’t sell yourself short! It’s really hard work, but it’s worth it. Think twice before making streaming/content creation a career. Sometimes it takes the joy out of it. I’ve stepped back from full time creation to find my love again for streaming and WoW!
Q: Lastly, link us a clip from your channel, a meme, or gif that describes you, your stream, or your content!
Lambbchops:
Q: It's been a while. What have you been up to since your Featured Week? To put things in perspective, your feature was in February 2021. What new or exciting things have happened to you or your stream since then?
Lambbchops: I actually got engaged last month to my moderator, Stangs! I was also going through some personal issues during my Feature. I was the victim of online harassment for nearly a year and the person actually ended up in prison a few months after my Feature. I also went viral on TikTok because of a Twitch clip I randomly posted!
Q: Did you do anything or plan something new or different for your stream during your feature? If so, what did you do differently and why?
Lambbchops: I planned to stream 12+ hours during the Feature because it would get me the most exposure. I found so many cool people to play with and new friends!
Q: Were there any additional insights you gained during your Feature week?
Lambbchops: I learned that I’m stronger than I give myself credit for!
Q: What advice can you share to up-and-coming streamers and/or content creators looking to make it into this scene or industry?
Lambbchops: Don’t sell yourself short! It’s really hard work, but it’s worth it. Think twice before making streaming/content creation a career. Sometimes it takes the joy out of it. I’ve stepped back from full time creation to find my love again for streaming and WoW!
Q: Lastly, link us a clip from your channel, a meme, or gif that describes you, your stream, or your content!
Lambbchops:
“Never risk your real life responsibilities. Streaming is supposed to be fun. If it can become a job, great!”
Towelliee is one of the true OG streamers of of JustinTV/Twitch, and The Hammer Squad community is among the best the platform has to offer. He has streamed WoW for the past 11 years and his passion has been tanking even since the very first day of Vanilla WoW.
Q: It's been a while. What have you been up to since your Featured Week? To put things in perspective, your feature was in March 2021. What new or exciting things have happened to you or your stream since then?
Towelliee: I bought a house. I’ve been playing tons of new MMO's like Guild Wars 2, SWTOR, New World, and more while waiting for WoW content updates.
Q: Did you do anything or plan something new or different for your stream during your feature? If so, what did you do differently and why?
Towelliee: I just researched better specs and gearing for Mythic+.
Q: Were there any additional insights you gained during your Feature week?
Towelliee: I learned that, even though I might not be the best rated M+ player, lots of people were happy just to see the content. I got a horde of new followers and people who really wanted to see Protection Paladin in Mythic+.
Q: What advice can you share to up-and-coming streamers and/or content creators looking to make it into this scene or industry?
Towelliee: This is a tough question as this is a tough business. I would say stream first with the basic equipment you have and see if this profession interests you. Try to embed yourself in different communities of streamers who are already active to make a name for yourself. Never risk your real life responsibilities. Streaming is supposed to be fun. If it can become a job, great!
Q: It's been a while. What have you been up to since your Featured Week? To put things in perspective, your feature was in March 2021. What new or exciting things have happened to you or your stream since then?
Towelliee: I bought a house. I’ve been playing tons of new MMO's like Guild Wars 2, SWTOR, New World, and more while waiting for WoW content updates.
Q: Did you do anything or plan something new or different for your stream during your feature? If so, what did you do differently and why?
Towelliee: I just researched better specs and gearing for Mythic+.
Q: Were there any additional insights you gained during your Feature week?
Towelliee: I learned that, even though I might not be the best rated M+ player, lots of people were happy just to see the content. I got a horde of new followers and people who really wanted to see Protection Paladin in Mythic+.
Q: What advice can you share to up-and-coming streamers and/or content creators looking to make it into this scene or industry?
Towelliee: This is a tough question as this is a tough business. I would say stream first with the basic equipment you have and see if this profession interests you. Try to embed yourself in different communities of streamers who are already active to make a name for yourself. Never risk your real life responsibilities. Streaming is supposed to be fun. If it can become a job, great!
“If streaming or content creation is your passion, don't let it quickly become your job. You'll gain a following over time and build a community around what you enjoy.”
Cowmasutra is a variety streamer who primarily streams World of Warcraft and other MMOs. He is the leader of The Herd: A welcoming stream team and community that hosts fun and inclusive events.
Q: It's been a while. What have you been up to since your Featured Week? To put things in perspective, your feature was in May 2021. What new or exciting things have happened to you or your stream since then?
Cowmasutra: I can't believe it's been that long! Around early June, I sort of drifted away from WoW and spent some time playing FFXIV and other games. Recently, I've been really enjoying reliving part of my childhood with Halo and Pokemon Shining Pearl. Halo 2 was a blast and Infinite feels great. Aside from Pokemon Go, I haven't played since Gen 2, so it's nice to see it in a new yet familiar way. I'm a bit disappointed with how New World and 2042 went, but am just sort of playing what feels fun to play, games with friends, etc. Outside of streaming, I've been doing some stream coaching and making plans to start my own tech consulting business within the next few years and getting prepared for that.
Q: Did you do anything or plan something new or different for your stream during your feature? If so, what did you do differently and why?
Cowmasutra: Before my Feature, I made sure that all my scenes were updated and polished, and that I had mods present and ready to keep everything running smoothly. I included a HerdCast community night during the Feature as well even though it typically would've landed a week later. Being able to have a lot of streamer friends share the spotlight with me for that part of the Feature was one of the parts I enjoyed the most — that we were all on the front page together and many had visibility that they typically would not have access to.
Q: Were there any additional insights you gained during your Feature week?
Cowmasutra: I think the biggest thing I learned was just how vast the WoW community really was. Prior to being Featured, I had spent over a year streaming and making friends within the WoW community and thought that I had really branched out a lot. Then the Featured week showed me that I was really only in a pocket of a much larger ecosystem of World First raiders, hardcore PvPers, collectors, etc.
Q: What advice can you share to up-and-coming streamers and/or content creators looking to make it into this scene or industry?
Cowmasutra: If streaming or content creation is your passion, don't let it quickly become your job. You'll gain a following over time and build a community around what you enjoy. If you let it become a job or focus on the wrong factors too much, that'll bleed into your content. If you end up trying to go for Twitch Partner, remember that it's a marathon and not a sprint. Also, don't focus too much on one platform or one track — branch out and experiment with what works for you the most. One example is that, if you're looking to grow on Twitch, understand that Twitch discoverability is 2-3 years behind YouTube's machine learning algorithms, and creating some good YouTube content alongside your Twitch streams will further improve your discoverability in a significant way that Twitch alone cannot.
Q: Lastly, link us a clip from your channel, a meme, or gif that describes you, your stream, or your content!
Cowmasutra:
Q: It's been a while. What have you been up to since your Featured Week? To put things in perspective, your feature was in May 2021. What new or exciting things have happened to you or your stream since then?
Cowmasutra: I can't believe it's been that long! Around early June, I sort of drifted away from WoW and spent some time playing FFXIV and other games. Recently, I've been really enjoying reliving part of my childhood with Halo and Pokemon Shining Pearl. Halo 2 was a blast and Infinite feels great. Aside from Pokemon Go, I haven't played since Gen 2, so it's nice to see it in a new yet familiar way. I'm a bit disappointed with how New World and 2042 went, but am just sort of playing what feels fun to play, games with friends, etc. Outside of streaming, I've been doing some stream coaching and making plans to start my own tech consulting business within the next few years and getting prepared for that.
Q: Did you do anything or plan something new or different for your stream during your feature? If so, what did you do differently and why?
Cowmasutra: Before my Feature, I made sure that all my scenes were updated and polished, and that I had mods present and ready to keep everything running smoothly. I included a HerdCast community night during the Feature as well even though it typically would've landed a week later. Being able to have a lot of streamer friends share the spotlight with me for that part of the Feature was one of the parts I enjoyed the most — that we were all on the front page together and many had visibility that they typically would not have access to.
Q: Were there any additional insights you gained during your Feature week?
Cowmasutra: I think the biggest thing I learned was just how vast the WoW community really was. Prior to being Featured, I had spent over a year streaming and making friends within the WoW community and thought that I had really branched out a lot. Then the Featured week showed me that I was really only in a pocket of a much larger ecosystem of World First raiders, hardcore PvPers, collectors, etc.
Q: What advice can you share to up-and-coming streamers and/or content creators looking to make it into this scene or industry?
Cowmasutra: If streaming or content creation is your passion, don't let it quickly become your job. You'll gain a following over time and build a community around what you enjoy. If you let it become a job or focus on the wrong factors too much, that'll bleed into your content. If you end up trying to go for Twitch Partner, remember that it's a marathon and not a sprint. Also, don't focus too much on one platform or one track — branch out and experiment with what works for you the most. One example is that, if you're looking to grow on Twitch, understand that Twitch discoverability is 2-3 years behind YouTube's machine learning algorithms, and creating some good YouTube content alongside your Twitch streams will further improve your discoverability in a significant way that Twitch alone cannot.
Q: Lastly, link us a clip from your channel, a meme, or gif that describes you, your stream, or your content!
Cowmasutra:
Closing Thoughts
Our Featured Streamer program has helped provide WoW streamers from all walks of life an opportunity to showcase their thoughts, beliefs, content, and talent with a wider audience. We’re extremely grateful to Petko, Thiji, Judekin, Lambbchops, Towelliee, and Cowmasutra for everything they’ve done for the WoW community. We’d also like to thank them for letting us catch up with them in Part 3 of this series.
If you’d like to keep up with all of our Featured Streamers, give our Featured Streamers List a follow on Twitter! Next month, we’ll be back with a Year in Review, where you can find a list of our former Featured Streamers of 2020 and 2021. Stay tuned!
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About the Author
Alyssa is the Social Media Manager and Graphic Designer for Raider.IO. She is also a freelance graphic designer, and is most known for her YouTube thumbnails and stream art for WoW content creators. Alyssa is the founder of her cute and cozy community called the Bunny Squad and a Twitch multi-mod extraordinaire. She loves streaming her graphic design on Twitch, and making memes and friends on Twitter.
