It’s tough watching others live the dream you’re chasing. If you’re a creative—or aspiring to be one—you probably know a little too well how challenging it can be to make a living in the world of entertainment. Arguably the de-facto struggle most face: turning passion into profit in an industry where success often feels like it requires a stroke of luck. And while you’re anxiously wondering how that lonely box of pasta in your dusty cupboard is going to last you another two weeks, others around God’s green earth are being handed sponsorship opportunities you can’t help but envy. Enter, IShowSpeed.
This week, a viral clip of the American live-streamer conversing with Turki bin Abdul Mohsen Al-Sheikh of Saudi Arabia took the internet by storm, fueling rumors of a potential endorsement deal that could change the game for both the rising star and the Gulf Kingdom’s global branding. In the short skit, the current adviser at the Royal Court and Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority—who played a large part in organizing events like the Esports World Cup, Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk, and more—casually reaches out to the 19-year-old, asking him to send over a pitch or proposal that he might consider funding, or at least support.
IShowSpeed was given an opportunity by Saudi official Sheikh Turki Al-Sheikh to make a project bigger than MrBeast’s 👀
pic.twitter.com/03SF27Qq01— FearBuck (@FearedBuck) December 22, 2024
“We need to do something crazy next Riyadh Season (…) More than Mr. Beast,” we overhear Sheikh Turki tell one of the internet’s fastest-growing stars. “Discuss with him (points at colleague), and show me the proposal,” he adds.
By the sounds of it, Speed might be stepping into a whole new dimension if Saudi money gets behind his viral success, unlocking new possibilities and opportunities that could even shake up the rest of the entertainment landscape. As digital spaces continue to take on, and take over, traditional ways of consuming media, especially TV, state-backed partnerships like this one could mark a new beginning in how global audiences engage with content. In the meantime, the rest of us will have to head back to the drawing board to either up their game or find a way to remain relevant in an increasingly competitive industry.
