IShowSpeed's reaction to Twitch reinstatement after 2-year ban goes viral, Internet dubs YouTuber 'corrupted'
CINCINNATI, Renowned live-streamer Darren Watkins Jr, recognized under his online alias IShowSpeed, has reemerged on Twitch in a triumphant comeback after enduring a nearly two-year suspension.
His indefinite ban, which commenced in December 2021, led him to transition to YouTube, where he achieved substantial success.
Now that Twitch, a platform owned by Amazon, has decided to revoke his suspension, the streaming community is abuzz with excitement about what his future endeavors on the platform may entail.
Twitch, renowned for its policy of occasionally granting redemption opportunities after prolonged indefinite suspensions, has extended such a chance to IShowSpeed. His initial ban resulted from contentious remarks made during Adin Ross' live stream.
In the aftermath of his suspension, the 18-year-old streamer's path has been nothing less than extraordinary.
He clinched the Breakout Streamer Award at the previous year's Streamy Awards and, more recently, was honored with the prestigious Variety Streamer of the Year Award this year.
Twitch unbans IShowSpeed after almost two years
On October 10, 2023, IShowSpeed's loyal fanbase was swift to spot the revival of his Twitch channel. The account, linked to Speed's Twitter/X profile, currently has a relatively modest follower count.
The excitement surrounding this unbanning is well-founded. In August, prominent Twitch personality Kai Cenat revealed that Twitch's CEO, Dan Clancy, had signaled his support for IShowSpeed's reinstatement.
Just a month later, in September, Clancy himself alluded to the platform's readiness to offer "second chances" to certain permanently banned streamers.
These developments had already ignited hope among fans, envisioning the potential for IShowSpeed to make a remarkable comeback.
As IShowSpeed triumphantly reenters the scene, the streaming community eagerly anticipates the next chapter in his Twitch journey.
In a moment of sheer delight, IShowSpeed responded with a simple yet exuberant statement, "Guys, we're back on Twitch, what the heck! How long has it been? We're back!"
Watch speed reaction on twitch Unbanning him 😭 pic.twitter.com/KoP9vNrvie
— IShowSpeedLive⚡️ (@IShowSpeed_Live) October 10, 2023
Certain users have suggested that the video may be dated or an older recording.
IShowSpeed has maintained a discreet silence regarding his prospects on the platform, keeping his followers in eager anticipation of whether he will resume live streaming on Twitch or not.
Fans delighted as IShowSpeed makes a comeback
The announcement of IShowSpeed's highly anticipated comeback to the Twitch platform sent ripples of excitement throughout his rapidly growing community, with fan accounts swiftly sharing the news across various social media platforms.
One user wrote, "It’s been 2 years," while another user wrote, "I don’t trust his motives for becoming so main stream. He seems corrupted."
I don’t trust his motives for becoming so main stream. He seems corrupted
— Carlos Thomas (@CarlosT79880223) October 10, 2023
Another user wrote, "Goat let’s go."
A fourth user said, "I hope he stays on YouTube tho."