Pokimane

Pokimane (Imane Anys): The Journey of a Moroccan-Canadian Twitch Icon

🧍‍♀️ Personal Background

• Full Name: Imane Anys

• Online Alias: Pokimane

• Date of Birth: May 14, 1996

• Age: 28 (as of April 2025)

• Place of Birth: Guercif, Morocco

• Nationalities: Moroccan and Canadian

• Languages Spoken: English and French

Imane Anys, known globally by her online moniker Pokimane, is a prominent figure in the world of online streaming and content creation. Born in Guercif, Morocco, she relocated with her family to Quebec, Canada, at the age of four. Growing up in St. Catharines, Ontario, she developed a passion for video games, engaging with titles like MapleStory and Endless Online during her school years. Her academic journey led her to McMaster University, where she pursued chemical engineering. However, her burgeoning interest in streaming prompted her to take a hiatus from her studies to focus on her online career full-time. 

🎮 Rise to Streaming Stardom

Pokimane embarked on her Twitch streaming career in 2013, initially showcasing her skills in League of Legends. Her engaging commentary and relatable personality quickly garnered attention, leading to a significant increase in her follower base. By 2017, she had amassed 450,000 followers, earning her the title of "Twitch Streamer of the Year" at the Shorty Awards. 

Expanding her repertoire, Pokimane ventured into streaming other popular games such as Fortnite, Valorant, Minecraft, and Among Us. Her versatility and ability to connect with a diverse audience solidified her status as a leading content creator on Twitch. As of March 2025, she boasts over 9.4 million followers on the platform. ​

📺 YouTube and Collaborative Ventures

Beyond Twitch, Pokimane has established a strong presence on YouTube with multiple channels:

• Pokimane: Features edited gaming clips and highlights from her streams.

• Pokimane Too: Hosts a variety of content, including vlogs and lifestyle videos.

• Poki ASMR: Dedicated to ASMR content, though uploads have ceased since 2021.

• imane: Focuses on personal topics and behind-the-scenes glimpses into her life. ​

In addition to her solo endeavors, Pokimane co-founded OfflineTV, a collaborative group of content creators producing a range of entertainment content. The collective has been instrumental in fostering a supportive community and creating engaging collaborative projects. 

🌟 Business Initiatives and Media Appearances

Demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit, Pokimane co-launched RTS, a talent management and brand consulting firm, in October 2021, where she serves as Chief Creative Officer. ​

In November 2023, she introduced Myna, a company offering "healthy snack alternative" cookies. The product launch sparked discussions regarding pricing, to which Pokimane responded during a livestream, addressing the feedback from her audience. ​

Her media presence extends to appearances in the film Free Guy (2021) and music videos such as Bella Poarch's "Inferno" (2021) and d4vd's "What Are You Waiting For" (2025). 

🏆 Recognition and Impact

Pokimane's contributions to the streaming community have been acknowledged through various accolades:​

• Shorty Awards (2018): Twitch Streamer of the Year

• Forbes 30 Under 30 (2021): Recognized in the Games category

• The Streamer Awards (2022): Nominated for Best Valorant Streamer ​

Her influence extends beyond entertainment, as she actively participates in initiatives promoting voter engagement and supports fellow creators, particularly women in the gaming industry. ​

🧘 Personal Life and Advocacy

Residing in Los Angeles, Pokimane continues to prioritize her well-being alongside her professional commitments. In May 2024, she publicly shared her diagnosis with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), using her platform to raise awareness and encourage others to seek medical advice. ​

Her openness about personal challenges and dedication to authenticity have endeared her to a global audience, solidifying her role as a trailblazer in the digital content creation landscape.