Who is Ibai Llanos ?
Born on March 26, 1995, in Bilbao, Spain, Ibai had a childhood filled with financial challenges, which led him to seek solace in video games. By 2014, he began commentating on League of Legends, which earned him recognition in the esports community.
Esports career and commentary
Ibai’s career began in 2015 when he joined Spain’s regional esports league LVP (Liga de Video juegos Profesionales) as a commentator. He became a prominent figure in the League of Legends field, eventually moving to Barcelona to do full-time esports broadcasting in 2016.
Shift to G2 eSports and content creation
In 2020, Ibai left LVP to join G2 eSports, becoming an exclusive content creator. This role expanded his influence, allowing him to connect with fans beyond esports commentary. His collaborations included Ander Cortes, Raven, and Ernesto “Barbecue” Folch.
Founding KOI and eSports Ventures
In January 2021, Ibai left G2 to start his own brand, soon co-founding esports organization KOI with footballer Gerard Piqué. Based in Barcelona, KOI fields teams in League of Legends, Valorant and Teamfight Tactics, showing Ibai’s commitment to supporting Spanish eSports.
Interview Series and Celebrity Guests
Ibai launched Charlando Tranquil amante (“Talking with Calm“) in February 2021, an interview series that became popular for celebrity guests such as Andrés Iniesta, Ed Sheeran and Ronaldinho. The series highlighted his versatility and broadened his appeal.
Balloon World Cup
Inspired by a viral video, Ibai and Piqué co-organized the Balloon World Cup in 2023, a unique event that further illustrated Ibai’s innovative approach to entertainment. The light-hearted nature of the tournament attracted global attention, showing his aptitude for diverse content.
Streaming Milestones and Records
On June 25, 2022, Ibai set a Twitch record with over 3.3 million viewers during La Velada del Año 2, surpassing the previous record. He continues to achieve significant milestones with events such as La Velada del Año III and IV, showcasing his massive fan base and streaming influence.
Influence and Legacy in Digital Media
With over 17 million Twitch followers and 3.7 billion YouTube views, Ibai is a leading figure in the Spanish-speaking digital sphere. Recognized by Forbes Spain as the country’s most influential social media figure in 2021, his impact on the digital landscape is profound. Today, he lives in a streaming house in Barcelona, sharing it with other creators and friends, which fuels his collaborative content creation style.