New York has long been a hub for creativity and competition, and its gaming scene is no exception. From the streets of the Bronx to the suburbs of Long Island, talented players have risen to global prominence, blending skill, personality, and digital influence.
The city has produced legends, pioneers, and rising stars across genres, including competitive shooters, fighting games, and variety content. This list of the top 10 famous gamers from New York highlights those who have shaped the industry and inspired countless fans worldwide.
1. Kai Cenat: From Bronx Beginnings to Twitch Records
Kai Carlo Cenat III was born in Brooklyn and raised in The Bronx in a family with a Trinidadian mother and Haitian father. He showed early talent for entertaining those around him and pursued content creation after leaving SUNY Morrisville.
Beginning with Instagram and YouTube sketches, he joined the AMP collective before moving to Twitch in 2021. His energetic streams, subathons, and celebrity collaborations have earned him global recognition, making him one of the most-followed streamers and a major figure in modern online entertainment.
Kai Cenat2. LaurenzSide: Comedy and Gaming Combined
Lauren Weber, known online as LaurenzSide, transformed her early YouTube vlogs into a gaming channel in 2013. She became known for combining humor with storytelling while playing games like Minecraft, The Sims, and indie or horror titles.
Her creative output includes a graphic novel and partnerships with brands such as Disney and Epic Games. LaurenzSide’s style shows that entertainment value can be just as important as technical skill. Her consistency and originality have established her as a leading female figure in online gaming.
LaurenzSide3. Doug Censor Martin: Discipline and Competitive Success
Doug Martin, known as Censor, grew up in Long Island and became a professional Call of Duty player. His career spans multiple championships and a significant presence on social media, where he shares fitness routines, vlogs, and gaming content.
Censor demonstrates that dedication and self-discipline can extend beyond competitive play into content creation and personal branding. His ability to balance esports, health, and entertainment has built a strong following and made him a respected figure in New York’s gaming community and the wider esports world.
Doug Censor Martin4. Anshu Bisht: From New York to a Global Audience
Anshu Bisht, also called @gamerfleetog, is a content creator based in New York who focuses on gaming and vlogs. While information about his early life is limited, his participation in high-profile events like the F1 movie red carpet in Times Square shows his influence in the city.
His content attracts a worldwide audience, reflecting the ability of digital creators to expand beyond local borders. Bisht’s consistent output and engaging personality highlight the ways creators from New York can achieve significant international recognition.
Anshu Bisht5. Justin Wong: A Legend in Fighting Games
Justin Wong developed his skills in fighting games at New York City’s Chinatown Fair arcade. Over more than twenty years, he has won multiple national and world championships in games including Marvel vs. Capcom 2, Street Fighter, and Super Smash Bros.
Wong’s match against Daigo Umehara at EVO 2004 became one of esports’ most iconic moments. His long career demonstrates how talent, focus, and competitive spirit create enduring respect. Wong is not only a champion but also a symbol of New York’s rich history in the fighting game community.
Justin Wong6. Thor Aackerlund: Early Pioneer of Competitive Gaming
Thor Aackerlund became a notable figure in gaming during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Winning the 1990 Nintendo World Championships in his age division, he gained early recognition for his skill on the Nintendo Entertainment System.
Later, he worked with the gaming accessory company Camerica as a spokesperson. Aackerlund’s achievements came before modern esports existed, and his success helped show that gaming could be pursued seriously. His career provides an early example of professionalism in gaming and laid the groundwork for future competitive players.
Thor Aackerlund7. Joseph Alminawi: Long-Term Engagement in Call of Duty
Joseph Alminawi, known online as Swiftor, has developed a strong online presence through Call of Duty content. He shares gameplay, commentary, and interactive content with his community, maintaining a long-term connection with fans.
Swiftor’s career demonstrates that consistency and personality are important for online success, especially in an environment that changes quickly. His ability to sustain relevance over time shows that engaging audiences with a combination of skill and authenticity is a key factor for digital creators in New York and beyond.
Joseph Alminawi8. Griffin Spikoski: Fortnite Success at a Young Age
Griffin Spikoski, also called Sceptic, is from Smithtown, Long Island, and rose to prominence as a professional Fortnite player. A video showing him defeating a top player went viral, opening doors to high-level competitions, including the Fortnite World Cup.
Spikoski has combined competitive success with social media content creation, building a substantial following. His story illustrates how young talent can quickly grow into professional careers through skill, visibility, and consistent effort. He represents the new generation of gamers emerging from New York with global reach.
Griffin Spikoski9. Andrew Mav Miloslavsky: Excellence in Tactical Shooters
Andrew Miloslavsky, known as Mav, is recognized for his achievements in competitive CrossFire. Competing with New York-based teams, he won multiple World Cyber Games National Finals, including the 2012 event at New York Comic Con.
Mav’s career demonstrates the strategic and teamwork-oriented side of esports, highlighting how precision and coordination create successful outcomes. His success shows that New York produces talent across a range of gaming genres. By excelling in tactical shooters, he has contributed to the diversity and competitiveness of the esports scene.
Andrew Mav Miloslavsky10. Pete Dorr: Variety and Community Building
Pete Dorr is a New York-based streamer who focuses on a wide variety of games, from retro titles to modern AAA releases. His content includes reviews, playthroughs, and discussions, attracting audiences with diverse interests. Dorr’s approach emphasizes interaction, personality, and accessibility, making his streams appealing to both casual and dedicated viewers.
His ability to adapt to different games and formats demonstrates how versatility supports long-term engagement. By combining knowledge, entertainment, and relatability, he has cultivated a strong community and maintained relevance in a crowded digital world.
Pete DorrThe gamers featured here showcase the diversity and impact of New York’s digital entertainment scene. From record-breaking streamers to pioneering esports champions, each individual demonstrates dedication, innovation, and connection with their audiences. Their stories reflect the city’s unique ability to cultivate talent across generations and gaming styles. Whether through strategy, humor, or skill, these players have left an indelible mark on the gaming world. They represent the vibrant energy and global influence of New York’s gaming community.
