“Most Overrated Streamer of the Decade” — FaZe Lacy Fires Shot at xQc’s Esports Awards Win

xQc

The 2025 Esports Awards officially crowned Félix “xQc” Lengyel as Streamer of the Decade, celebrating his remarkable run as one of livestreaming’s most influential figures. The recognition, announced during the Esports Awards’ 10th anniversary event in Riyadh, instantly became one of the most talked-about moments of the night — not just because of the award itself, but because of the debates that erupted around it.

A Decade of Streaming Supremacy

Few could deny xQc’s impact on gaming culture. From his days as a professional Overwatch player to his shift into full-time streaming, he has consistently been at the forefront of internet entertainment. Known for his high-energy personality, unpredictable rants, and variety content, xQc managed to break Twitch records and later secured a massive Kick contract reportedly valued between $70 million and $100 million.

The Esports Awards explained that the “Streamer of the Decade” honor was based on a mix of community voting (25%) and panel decisions (75%), meaning it wasn’t just fan hype that secured him the title but also acknowledgment from industry professionals.

Wave of Congratulations

The announcement triggered a flood of congratulatory messages. TrainwrecksTV praised the award, writing, “Finally an award that makes sense. He risks his life and health every day streaming and doing what he loves.” Asmongold, another giant in the streaming scene, remarked, "Well deserved", while YouTube megastar MrBeast chimed in with a simple “agree with this decision.”

Fans on X echoed similar sentiments. One user wrote, “W AWARD!! Well deserved X! Keep crushing the game and doing what you do best!! All organically as well. ZERO BOTTING!!”. Another added, “My juicer. Deserved idc what anyone says, he’s been solid for a literal decade”.

xQc himself responded with a heartfelt message, thanking viewers and chatters for their support: “THANK YOU EVERYONE WHO EVER TUNED INTO ANY OF THE STREAMS. VIEWERS/CHATTERS ARE THE TRUE GOATS.”

FaZe Lacy Sparks Controversy

But not everyone was on board. Twitch streamer Nick “FaZe Lacy” fired shots by posting: “Congratulations to xQc for winning most overrated streamer of the decade.” His sarcastic remark quickly went viral, pulling in thousands of reactions and replies.

Some agreed with Lacy, claiming xQc’s content has always been repetitive, chaotic, and overly reliant on his personality rather than innovative formats. Others dismissed the critique, accusing Lacy of jealousy or clout-chasing. One reply read, “Lil bro upset he got exposed as the biggest botter in the game,” referencing previous allegations of view-botting within the streaming industry. Another user shot back, “XQC is not overrated. Lacy is most definitely mid-rated.”

Heated Community Debates

The drama spilled into Reddit forums like r/LivestreamFail and r/xqcow, where fans and critics clashed. Some argued that other nominees — including Ninja, Pokimane, Ibai, or Shroud — had stronger cases. One Reddit user posted, “Even if you’re the biggest xQc fan, Ibai’s events are literally uncomparable. Soda is the biggest influence on streaming from the list.” Others countered that Ibai might dominate events, but xQc’s raw consistency and staying power over ten years made him the rightful winner.

There was also renewed focus on xQc’s turbulent past. Detractors pointed to his repeated Twitch bans for stream sniping, explicit content, and on-air controversies. Some asked whether a figure with such a history should represent “streamer of the decade.” At the same time, supporters argued that his resilience in bouncing back from bans and still leading viewership charts only proved his influence.

Quality vs. Numbers

Ultimately, the conversation boiled down to a larger debate: should success in streaming be judged by influence and numbers or by content “quality”? Lacy and his supporters argue the latter, claiming xQc’s streams are often messy and lack creativity. Meanwhile, his fans highlight the billions of hours watched, his adaptability, and his ability to shape online culture for nearly a decade — accomplishments few can match.

Regardless of which side people fall on, one fact is clear: xQc continues to be the face of streaming’s modern era, sparking discussions wherever his name comes up. And if the reaction to this award is any indication, he’s not leaving the spotlight anytime soon.