SINGAPORE - Fans of American livestream star IShowSpeed are buzzing with excitement as they eagerly anticipate his arrival in Singapore. With over 30 million YouTube subscribers, the 19-year-old content creator, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr., has captured the hearts of fans worldwide during his Southeast Asian tour that commenced earlier this month.

A dedicated Telegram group has already been formed, boasting over 7,000 members who are committed to sharing real-time updates on IShowSpeed’s whereabouts, ensuring fans are the first to know when he steps foot in the Lion City.

The teenage star announced his Southeast Asia tour on September 7, following a successful visit to Europe. Currently wrapping up his time in Indonesia, where he's streamed from Jakarta, Speed has playfully hinted to fans in Singapore, saying, "When I come to Singapore, y’all better be good, man.”

Speed first garnered fame in 2021 as a gaming streamer, captivating audiences with his outrageous reactions while playing games like NBA 2K and Fortnite. His tour kickstarted in Thailand, where he drew both cheers and gasps after riding an elephant and attempting to navigate a tuk-tuk, which led to an accidental crash that reportedly involved a temple wall. This incident sparked skepticism among some fans, who accused him of staging the accident for entertainment.

In the Philippines, the reception was much warmer as Speed trained with boxing icon Manny Pacquiao and indulged in a local favorite, Jollibee’s Chickenjoy, charming a dedicated crowd that flocked to catch a glimpse of the YouTube star. However, his Malaysia visit generated a raucous atmosphere too as fans, eager for selfies and autographs, caused a frenzy, leading security to temporarily close the entrances of busy restaurants.

Speed is no stranger to controversy, having faced backlash in the past for making inappropriate remarks during a gaming stream. His subsequent apologies highlighted his experiences with online harassment, showcasing the dual-edged nature of internet fame.

Dr. Hamza Shahab from the University of Nottingham Malaysia criticized the lack of accountability for individuals like Speed, noting the need for social media influencers to adhere to standards of behavior— especially regarding cultural sensitivity and respect for local customs and establishments.

Away from controversies, Speed also flaunts his athletic prowess with impressive stunts, including backflips, and his connections with professional sports, notably his attendance at the Ballon d'Or awards and a surprise appearance at Wrestlemania in 2024.

As anticipation builds for IShowSpeed's Singapore debut, many fans hope he will arrive in time for the Gumball 3000 supercar rally, coinciding with the Formula One weekend. Chan, the administrator of the Telegram group, is advocating for a respectful and safe environment for fans who plan to “stream snipe” him, reminding them to maintain personal space and refrain from disruptive behavior.

Amidst the chaos and excitement, fans are hopeful for a memorable encounter with their online idol that emphasizes fun over frenzy.