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The Times of India
The Times of India
World
Barsha Dutta

xQc sparks controversy after saying MrBeast does not deserve a spot on YouTube’s Mount Rushmore

Felix “xQc” Lengyel has never been shy about sharing his opinions, and this time he set his sights on one of YouTube’s biggest names. During a February 5 livestream on Kick, the popular streamer reacted to a clip featuring FaZe Rug and JasonTheWeen debating which creators deserve a spot on the so called Mount Rushmore of YouTubers. When MrBeast’s name came up, xQc quickly pushed back.

The debate centers on legacy. Who truly shaped the platform? Who built the foundation others now stand on? For xQc, that distinction matters more than subscriber counts or viral reach. His reaction sparked fresh conversation across streaming communities about what it really means to be a pioneer.

xQc challenges modern creator rankings

As soon as JasonTheWeen mentioned MrBeast, xQc interrupted with a blunt take. He said, "Yo, yo, MrBeast cannot be on Rushmore. Guys, there's nothing, there's nothing, there's nothing [for] Jimmy to stand on. With all the early-day YouTube shit, there's no funding, there's no ads, there's no, there's nothing, there's no virality. You can make the most viral shit out there, and it'll get fucking, it'll get 10 million views like that, like you'd have to make the walk on it."

His argument focused on timing and circumstance. According to xQc, early YouTube creators worked without brand deals, strong algorithms, or reliable monetization. They built audiences from scratch, often with limited tools and uncertain returns. In his view, that struggle defines what a Mount Rushmore figure should represent.

The conversation did not stop there. When IShowSpeed’s name entered the discussion and FaZe Rug suggested, "I low-key think, he's on Michael Jackson's level or getting there, which is crazy to say, I know that's a hot take but..." xQc questioned the broader understanding of the metaphor.

He responded, "Guys, guys, people need to stop talking about the Mount Rushmore. I think they don't get it. I don't think they understand what a Mount Rushmore is. Guys, it's like the founding fathers. It's the people who made America."

For xQc, the title belongs to trailblazers, not just trendsetters. His remarks have reignited debate about influence, originality, and the evolving history of online content creation.

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