iShowSpeed in Hong Kong - Let's Get Real!

"Darren Jason Watkins Jr., (aka iShowSpeed) is one of the most polarising figures on YouTube."

Until last week, I'd never heard of iShowSpeed. To clarify, that's not the name of a company or software. iShowSpeed is the online moniker for Darren Jason Watkins Jr., a 20-year-old American YouTuber and online streamer with 38 million subscribers. His channels have recorded nearly four billion hits. 

This young man's online presence is not just influential; it's monumental. Some even argue that he can make or break a business. His arrival in Hong Kong this week was not just a visit but a seismic event that drew the attention of traditional media and officials who saw an opportunity to promote the city. 

He was mobbed wherever he went, primarily by adolescent boys who hung on his every utterance like the second coming of Christ. Although, if you're over 18 years old, he's probably not on your radar. 

Yet lawmaker Dominic Lee Tsz-king is upset. He posted on social media that the young Darrens's tour of Hong Kong didn't include the "best side of Hong Kong," such as Victoria Harbour, West Kowloon Cultural District, and Kai Tak Sports Park. Mr Lee sought to blame officials for this. 

It's clear that some, like Mr Lee, have unrealistic expectations of Darren's visit. They seem to believe that officials should dictate his agenda, but let's be real. Darren is not the type to be told what to do. When the Tourist Board reached out to him, he didn't respond. And perhaps that's for the best. After all, he's not catering to the usual crowd.  

The nature of Darren's output is spontaneous, free-rolling and not without debatable content. He is one of the most polarising figures on YouTube. His explosive personality, outrageous stunts, and unfiltered reactions have sparked an intense backlash.  

He initially gained attention for his high-energy gaming streams, especially his obsessive love for Cristiano Ronaldo and FIFA. His exaggerated reactions, shouting fits, and unpredictable behaviour soon made him stand out in the crowded streaming world.  

Yet, his shock-value antics sometimes pushed boundaries, leading to controversies and viral moments. As a result, he faced multiple bans from platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and even events.  In the 2022 World Cup, he stormed the field during Portugal vs Uruguay, wearing a Ronaldo jersey.

He's also known for off-colour antics, such as allegedly exposing himself online and using racial slurs in his quest to shock audiences, generate clicks, and promote his merchandise. That's how he earns his income: t-shirt sales and other items. While some view him as a hilarious, unfiltered personality, others see him as a poor influence who crosses too many lines.  

In a town where the government has spasms of pearl-clutching when a teenager gets filmed smoking, young Darren is hardly a role model they'd likely encourage or promote.

After viewing Darren's videos of Hong Kong, we got off lightly. Move on; there's nothing to see here.