Ninja (Tyler Blevins) began playing video games professionally in 2009.  He began streaming two years later.  He has since capitalized on the continued growth and popularity of Fortnite.  Prior to the release of Fortnite Ninja had 500,000 followers on his Twitter account.  He now has 3.5 million and nearly 19 million subscribers on his YouTube channel.  He holds the record for concurrent viewers on Twitch at 667,000.  He earns over $500,000 a month from streaming alone.  In September he officially released merchandise with his likeness.  He also has an endorsement deal with Red Bull among others.

Ninja was able to identify a niche in the market.  As a professional gamer he saw an opportunity to grow his own brand with the rise of Fortnite.  His name has become synonymous with the game and also Twitch.  He also declined to participate in tournament play as he sees streaming as a more viable and lucrative revenue source.  The launch of his own website along with the release of his merchandise is certainly unique in the industry and not many have the ability to do.  Ninja has made a career and a boatload of money in an industry in which less than five years ago people would have ridiculed.  However he bet on himself which has certainly panned out for him.