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Streamer University
BERJAYA
Date
  • May 22–25, 2025
  • July 15–20, 2026
Location
Organized byKai Cenat
Websitestreameruniversity.com

Streamer University is a multi-day, in-person boot camp for content creators run by American online streamer Kai Cenat. The inaugural three-day event was hosted at the University of Akron in 2025.[1] A second installment was held from July 15 to July 20, 2026, at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas.[2] Following the conclusion of the 2026 event, Cenat announced that the third installment of Streamer University will be hosted in Europe.[3]

Background and concept

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Kai Cenat is an American online streamer, YouTuber, and internet personality and is the most-subscribed and most-followed Twitch streamer in the world.[4]

Streamer University is described as a "live-streamed creator bootcamp" by Complex;[5] run by American streamer and internet personality Kai Cenat[6] where students would learn about content creation.[7] In February 2025,[8] during a live stream, Kai Cenat posed the idea of renting out a university for the weekend to help streamers with their careers.[9] Cenat wanted to act as principal and have other big names teach classes.[9][10][11]

During another live stream in early May 2025, Cenat announced Streamer University, stating he's "going to rent out a university over a course of a weekend" stipulating, "no matter if you’re big, no matter if you’re a small streamer, you can stream the entire weekend."[6][12][13]

The University of Akron was willing to loan their campus to Cenat for this event.[14] Brandon Alexander, the university's director of conference and events services, stated, "[our] team is committed to helping the greater Akron community and beyond take advantage of all University of Akron has to offer by hosting successful events on our campus. As we establish campus as an incredible option for large-scale conferences, it only serves to benefit the region."[14]

Launch and timeline

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Streamer University 2025

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BERJAYA
Organizer Kai Cenat during the inaugural Streamer University event at the University of Akron in May 2025

On May 6, 2025,[15][13] Cenat posted on X an announcement trailer featuring visuals similar to the Harry Potter movies to enroll.[9][14][10] Within minutes of opening the applications, reportedly 1 million applications were submitted.[12][16][11] Within hours of launching the website, Cenat shared that the site had crashed due to receiving over 6 million requests.[9][15][13] On May 18,[17] Cenat handpicked the student streamers and professors, some including his friends, such as 2xRaKai, Rayasianboy, and MC Tota.[6][18][19]

Streamer University was hosted at the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio.[20] The event lasted three days,[21][22] from May 22, 2025, to May 25, 2025.[20][23] Streamer University had 17 professors and 120 students,[24] each gifted a personal T-Mobile phone from sponsorship.[20][25] The event's opening stream, titled "Orientation/Move-In Day," amassed over 10 million views.[24] During the event, on May 25, a female student got an eye injury from an Orbeez gun.[26]

Before ending Streamer University, an award ceremony was hosted, including awards for "Worst Behavior", "MVP," and "Best Roommates."[21] The event was commemorated by Canadian musician Drake.[27][28]

Streamer University 2026

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During Cenat's Mafiathon 3 (2025), he revealed that Streamer University would be coming back in 2026, mentioning that preparation was in progress.[22] Cenat officially opened applications for Streamer University 2026 on June 8,[29] marking the end of his hiatus.[a] The Streamer University trailer for 2026 noted that a "selected alumni will return" for this second installment.[30] The application process for the 2026 event allowed individuals to apply under three distinct roles: students, who attend to develop content creation skills; professors, who teach specific areas of expertise; or club directors, who oversee extracurricular activities.[32] The 2026 application pool attracted interest from numerous established content creators, including food critic Keith Lee,[33] internet personality Mike Holston, shooting coach Lethal Shooter, and music artists Cleotrapa and Sugarhill Ddot.[32]

Following the online rollout, Cenat announced an in-person application tour across three major cities: New York City on June 12, Los Angeles on June 14, and Atlanta on June 16.[34] The first stop on Manhattan's West Side drew massive crowds on 11th Avenue and West 58th Street, requiring intervention from the New York City Police Department to manage the crowds and monitor the area via helicopter.[35] Atlanta auditions for Streamer University were scheduled for June 16, 2026, but were cancelled the day before due to capacity concerns.[36][37][34] According to Newsweek, the situation was further complicated by a reported bomb threat scare, contributing to heightened safety concerns and the eventual cancellation.[34] Crowds nevertheless gathered at the original neighborhood venue, which the Atlanta Police Department described as "large unpermitted gathering."[36] Seven people were arrested over June 15 and 16 on charges including disorderly conduct, obstruction, and battery on law enforcement officers.[36][34] Cenat later announced that the auditions would be rescheduled for June 17 at State Farm Arena.[36]

BERJAYA
State Farm Arena (pictured in 2019), where the rescheduled Atlanta auditions were shut down due to safety and crowd control concerns

According to CBS News, the situation later escalated further when the event at State Farm Arena also drew a large crowd, prompting the police to monitor crowd control and publicly address viral misinformation that circulated online.[38] Due to an overwhelming surge of people, State Farm Arena officials and police were forced to shut down the event entirely on the same day.[39][40] On July 6, 2026, Cenat announced accepted students on a live stream for Streamer University 2026.[41][42][31] He also stated that Streamer University will happen "every goddamn year for as long as I am alive."[43] On July 13, 2026, Cenat posted another Harry Potter-inspired trailer for Streamer University.[44]

The second installment of the event started on July 15, 2026[44] which takes place at Hendrix College in Conway, Arkansas.[45][46] The participants of the event were welcomed by Drake through a video.[47][48][49] Content creators were given a Chatmobile phone through a sponsorship.[50] On July 17, Cenat announced that Streamer University alumni would be arriving at Hendrix College to join the class of 2026.[51] Following the conclusion of the 2026 event on July 20, 2026, Cenat announced that the third installment of Streamer University will be hosted in Europe.[3]

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In June 2026, a federal lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against Kai Cenat LLC and Night Media by attendee Caleb Gottfried, an independent musician also known as SNVRK. The complaint alleges premises liability and violations of New York Civil Rights Law §§ 50–51, seeking over $330,000 in damages. The suit asserts that Gottfried experienced two near-heatstroke incidents during the June 12 NYC Streamer University auditions and that his likeness was used as unpaid background talent without authorization.[52][53]

Reception and impact

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After Streamer University ended in 2025, it had reached a total of 27 million watch hours on Twitch, according to Tubefilter,[21] and 23 million according to People.[54] In 2026, Cenat’s first post-hiatus stream announcing the participants peaked at 1 million viewers.[55] The impact that Streamer University had on streamer participants were significant growth.[14] Media outlets implied that major platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime were interested in buying the streaming rights for Streamer University,[14][56][23] rejecting their offers.[5][57][58] Cenat also stated that he and his team were working on "owning the idea of" Streamer University,[59] stating that it "was so big that [he] had to take legal action into owning the idea, owning the name, and making it [his]."[59]

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On June 9, 2026, after Cenat announced Streamer University 2026, American rapper Soulja Boy wrote on Twitter, "If you don't let me in Streamer University @KaiCenat we beefin. I let u slide the first time."[60][61][62] The next day, Soulja Boy announced a project called Rapper University, a "competition" to Streamer University,[63] on Twitter. The post included an AI-generated image that depicted him standing in front of a university campus.[29] On July 8, Soulja Boy announced that he was postponing Rapper University due to an overwhelming amount of applications he received.[64]

Faculty

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Streamer University Faculty (2025–2026)
Name Platform / Notable For Role(s) & Year(s) Notes Ref(s)
Ludwig "Ludwig" Ahgren YouTube Professor (2026) [65]
Rachell "Valkyrae" Hofstetter YouTube Professor (2026) [66]
T-Pain Twitch / Music Musical Arts Professor (2026) [67]
Lizzo Music Professor (2026) [65]
Din "Agent00" Muktar YouTube / Twitch Professor (2026) [67]
Alexander "Adapt" Hamilton YouTube / Twitch Professor (2026) [67]
Duke Dennis YouTube / Twitch Professor (2026) [67]
Josh "YourRAGE" Twitch Guidance Counselor (2026) [67]
The Sushi Dragon Twitch Professor (2026) [67]
Brittany "Cinna" Lynn Watts Twitch Professor (2026) [66]
Poudii YouTube Professor (2026) [67]
Kaiya Cenat TikTok / YouTube Professor (2026) [65]
Imane "Pokimane" Anys Twitch Professor (Announced, Did Not Attend) (2026) Initially announced as faculty but stepped down due to the passing of her grandfather. [citation needed]
Maya Higa Twitch / Conservation Professor (Announced, Did Not Attend) (2026) Withdrew due to a scheduling conflict with a prior wildlife conservation commitment involving sperm whales. [68]

Students

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Notable Streamer University Students (2025–2026)
Name Year(s) Attended Notes Ref(s)
Skai Jackson 2026 [67]
Queen Naija 2026 [67]
DreamDoll 2026 [67]
Sara Saffari 2026 [67]
Roberto "Fanum" Burgos 2025, 2026 Returned to campus as alumni to mix with the 2026 class. [69]
Maxwell Elliot "Plaqueboymax" Dent 2026 [66]
Kylie "Sketch" Cox 2026 [66]
Rani "StableRonaldo" Netz 2026 [66]
Jason "JasonTheWeen" Nguyen 2026 [67]
Nick "Lacy" Fosco 2026 [66]
Kanel Joseph 2026 [67]
Jordyn Lucas 2026 Presented Kai Cenat with a live rat as a gift during the opening day. [70]
Madi "Madi2hotty" Kante 2026 Unboxed Drake's gifted care package during a live stream. [66]
2xRaKai 2025, 2026 Returned to campus as alumni to mix with the 2026 class. [69]
Rayasianboy 2025, 2026 Returned to campus as alumni to mix with the 2026 class. [69]
MC Tota 2025, 2026 Returned to campus as alumni to mix with the 2026 class. [69]
Suburb Baby 2026 Suburb Baby won the MVP award at Kai Cenat's Streamer University in July 2026 [69]
OjaySuave 2025, 2026 Returned to campus as alumni to mix with the 2026. Created controversy on campus by calling Maxwell Elliot "Plaqueboymax" Dent a "diva' [69]

Awards and nominations

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Awards and nominations for Streamer University
Year Ceremony Category Result Ref.
2025 The Streamer Awards Best Streamed Event Won [71]

Notes

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  1. ↑ Some sources state Cenat's hiatus was eight months long,[30] while others state it was nine.[31]

References

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  1. ↑ Toro-Lagos, Alisson (22 May 2025). "Popular Twitch streamer Kai Cenat hosting 'Streamer University' at University of Akron". Akron Beacon Journal. Retrieved 2026-07-26.
  2. ↑ Farrar, Thomas; Foltz, Autumn (16 July 2026). "Streamer University bring millions of viewers to Hendrix College, spotlighting Conway". KATV. Retrieved 2026-07-26.
  3. 1 2 Price, Joe (July 20, 2026). "Kai Cenat Says Streamer University Will Head to Europe for Its Third Year". Complex. Retrieved July 23, 2026.
  4. ↑ Murray, Conor. "Kai Cenat Breaks All-Time Twitch Subscriber Record". Forbes. Archived from the original on 2026-01-07. Retrieved 2026-02-21.
  5. 1 2 "Kai Cenat Says He Had 'Talks' With Major Streaming Platforms". Complex. 2025-05-26. Retrieved 2026-03-03.
  6. 1 2 3 "Everything to Know About Kai Cenat's 'Streamer University'". Complex. 2025-05-22. Retrieved 2026-03-03.
  7. ↑ Gularte, Alejandra (2025-05-22). "Kai Cenat's Streamer University Is in Session". Vulture. Retrieved 2026-03-03.
  8. ↑ "Kai Cenat plans to launch a 'streaming university' to teach aspiring creators". Fast Company. February 18, 2025. Retrieved March 2, 2026.
  9. 1 2 3 4 Blackwood, Emily (May 7, 2025). "What Is Streamer University? All About Kai Cenat's Content Creation School — and How to Enroll". People. Retrieved March 2, 2025.
  10. 1 2 Gutelle, Sam (2025-05-07). "Kai Cenat's "Streamer University" is really happening. Here's the trailer". Tubefilter. Retrieved 2026-03-03.
  11. 1 2 Art, Pop Culture & (2025-05-07). "Streamer University: How to enrol in Kai Cenat's viral creator academy with over 1 million applications". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 2026-03-03.
  12. 1 2 "Kai Cenat shocks Akron University goers by bringing 'Streamer University' to campus". Hindustan Times. 2025-05-23. Retrieved 2026-03-03.
  13. 1 2 3 Turner-Williams, Jaelani (2025-05-06). "Kai Cenat Launches 'Streamer University,' Invites Fans". Complex. Retrieved 2026-04-12.
  14. 1 2 3 4 5 "Kai Cenat's Streamer University Controversy in 2025: What You Need to Know". Cosmopolitan. 2025-05-29. Retrieved 2026-03-03.
  15. 1 2 Johnson, Sharmaine. "Kai Cenat Is Launching Streamer University For Aspiring Creators — What We Know So Far". Rap-Up. Retrieved 2026-03-03.
  16. ↑ "Kai Cenat launches university for streamers — receiving 1 million applications". The Independent. 2025-05-07. Retrieved 2026-04-12.
  17. ↑ Toro-Lagos, Alisson. "Kai Cenat kicks off 'Streamer University' at University of Akron (and on Twitch)". USA Today. Retrieved 2026-03-03.
  18. ↑ "Complete List of Professors and Students in Kai Cenat's Streamer University". The Times of India. 2025-05-17. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2026-03-03.
  19. ↑ Ingemarsson, Laura (May 24, 2025). "School dropout Kai Cenat launches 'Streamer University' and millions rush to enroll". Euronews. Retrieved April 11, 2026.
  20. 1 2 3 Cho, Regina (2025-05-27). "Top 10 Most-Viewed At Kai Cenat's Streamer University: India Love, DDG, And More". VIBE.com. Retrieved 2026-03-03.
  21. 1 2 3 Hale, James (2025-05-28). "Kai Cenat's Streamer University hit 27 million hours of watch time, with Amazon and Netflix (maybe) salivating". Tubefilter. Retrieved 2026-03-03.
  22. 1 2 ""2026 is crazier": Kai Cenat announces 'Streamer University 2026' during Mafiathon 3". The Times of India. 2025-09-02. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2026-03-03.
  23. 1 2 Morton, Devin (2023-08-07). "Kai Cenat Implies Rejecting Multiple Platforms To Keep Streamer University On Twitch". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 2026-04-12.
  24. 1 2 Art, Pop Culture & (2025-05-23). "Kai Cenat launches Streamer University live from Akron campus, reveals lineup of professors on Twitch". The Express Tribune. Retrieved 2026-03-03.
  25. ↑ Upton-Clark, Eve (May 30, 2025). "'I still think I'm dreaming': Kai Cenat's 'Streamer University' now has its first graduating class". Fast Company. Retrieved April 11, 2026.
  26. ↑ ""Everybody is not being considerate": Kai Cenat Reacts to Eye Injury at Streamer University". The Times of India. 2025-05-27. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2026-03-03.
  27. ↑ "Drake Recalls 'All the Love' He Shared With India Love". Complex. 2025-05-26. Retrieved 2026-03-03.
  28. ↑ Morton, Devin (2025-05-26). "Drake Delivers Heartfelt Closing Speech At Kai Cenat's Streamer University". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 2026-04-12.
  29. 1 2 Roy, Sumit (2026-06-10). "Soulja Boy starts Rapper University following public feud with Kai Cenat over Streamer University spot". The Times of India. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2026-06-12.
  30. 1 2 Gutelle, Sam (2026-06-09). "After eight quiet months, Kai Cenat returns with a magical trailer for Streamer University 2026". Tubefilter. Retrieved 2026-06-12.
  31. 1 2 Li, Joyce (July 6, 2026). "Kai Cenat Ends Nine Month Hiatus With History-Making Dual-Platform Streaming Return". Hypebeast. Retrieved July 8, 2026.
  32. 1 2 Fofana, Oumou. ""Bout to hit [FAFSA] right now": Cleotrapa, The Real Tarzann, Lethal Shooter, and more enter the chat for Kai Cenat's 2026 Streamer University". REVOLT. Retrieved 2026-06-18.
  33. ↑ Ocho, Alex (2026-06-14). "Keith Lee Pitches Food, Family, and Faith Idea for Streamer University 2026". Complex. Retrieved 2026-06-18.
  34. 1 2 3 4 "Fact check: Bomb at Kai Cenat event in Atlanta is bogus claim". Newsweek. 2026-06-17. Retrieved 2026-06-18.
  35. ↑ "Large crowds form in NYC to apply for Kai Cenat's Streamer University - CBS New York". CBS News. Retrieved 2026-06-18.
  36. 1 2 3 4 Khan, Melina. "Kai Cenat's Streamer University auditions lead to arrests in Atlanta". USA TODAY. Retrieved 2026-06-18.
  37. ↑ Letang, Alani (2026-06-17). "Chaos, arrests at Kai Cenat's postponed 'Streamer University' event in Atlanta". Atlanta News First. Retrieved 2026-06-18.
  38. ↑ "State Farm Arena shuts down Kai Cenat's Atlanta Streamer University event over safety concerns - CBS Atlanta". CBS News. 2026-06-17. Retrieved 2026-06-18.
  39. ↑ "Kai Cenat 'Streamer University' event brings massive crowd to State Farm Arena". Atlanta News First. 2026-06-17. Retrieved 2026-06-18.
  40. ↑ Turner-Williams, Jaelani (2026-06-18). "Kai Cenat's Streamer University Atlanta Auditions Shut Down". Complex. Retrieved 2026-06-18.
  41. ↑ "DreamDoll Brii death stuns Kai Cenat during live streamer uni reveal". Newsweek. 2026-07-07. Retrieved 2026-07-07.
  42. ↑ Imarenezor, Christine; Davis, Malik (2026-07-08). "Who Will Be Attending and Teaching at Kai Cenat's Streamer University?". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2026-07-09.
  43. ↑ Cowen, Trace William (2026-07-07). "Kai Cenat Reveals Streamer University 2026 Lineup: What to Know". Complex. Retrieved 2026-07-07.
  44. 1 2 Cowen, Trace William (2026-07-14). "Kai Cenat Shares 'Harry Potter'-Inspired Trailer for Streamer University's Class of 2026". Complex. Retrieved 2026-07-14.
  45. ↑ Strain, Milo (2026-07-15). "Kai Cenat's Streamer University descends on Arkansas". Arkansas Times. Retrieved 2026-07-16.
  46. ↑ Gutelle, Sam (2026-07-15). "At Kai Cenat's Streamer University, the stars have aligned (and enrolled)". Tubefilter. Retrieved 2026-07-16.
  47. ↑ Setaro, Shawn (2026-07-16). "Drake Sends Video Message of Encouragement to Kick Off Streamer University 2026". Complex. Retrieved 2026-07-16.
  48. ↑ Cole, Alexander (2026-06-10). "Drake Blesses Kai Cenat's Streamer University Students With An OVO Care Package". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 2026-07-16.
  49. ↑ "Drake Surprises Streamer University Attendees With Video Message & Gifts: 'Congratulations to Everybody That Got Accepted'". Billboard. Yahoo Entertainment. 2026-07-16. Retrieved 2026-07-17.
  50. ↑ Cowen, Trace William (2026-07-16). "Kai Cenat Surprises Streamer University 2026 Students With Free Phones in Partnership With Ch@mobile". Complex. Retrieved 2026-07-18.
  51. ↑ "Streamer University 2026 ending date explained as Kai Cenat reveals what happens before July 20". The Times of India. 2026-07-18. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2026-07-18.
  52. ↑ "Kai Cenat Sued By Man Claiming He Suffered Near Heatstroke at Streamer University Event". TMZ. July 19, 2026. Retrieved July 19, 2026.
  53. ↑ "Kai Cenat sued over alleged near heatstroke at Streamer University event". The Express Tribune. 2026-07-19. Retrieved 2026-07-19.
  54. ↑ Blackwood, Emily; Pomarico, Nicole (July 7, 2026). "What Is Streamer University? All About Kai Cenat's Content Creation School". People. Retrieved July 7, 2026.
  55. ↑ "Kai Cenat's first stream in nine months tops 1 million viewers with Streamer University 2026 reveal". The Times of India. 2026-07-08. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2026-07-07.
  56. ↑ "Kai Cenat Revealed He Turned Down Major Streamer University Deals With Netflix and Amazon". Hypebeast. 2025-05-27. Retrieved 2026-04-12.
  57. ↑ Brown, Preezy (2025-05-27). "Kai Cenat Seemingly Hints At Amazon, Netflix Bids To Buy Streamer University". VIBE.com. Retrieved 2026-03-03.
  58. ↑ "Kai Cenat declines offers from Amazon Prime, Netflix to bring Streamer University to their platforms: Here's why". Hindustan Times. 2025-05-26. Retrieved 2026-03-03.
  59. 1 2 "Kai Cenat Talks 'Owning the Idea' of Streamer University". Complex. 2025-06-04. Retrieved 2026-03-03.
  60. ↑ Elibert, Mark (2026-06-09). "Soulja Boy Tells Kai Cenat 'We Beefin' if He's Not in Streamer University". Complex. Retrieved 2026-06-12.
  61. ↑ Coleman II, C. Vernon (2026-06-10). "Soulja Boy Launches Rapper University After Not Being Invited to Kai Cenat's Streamer University, DDG Responds". XXL Mag. Retrieved 2026-06-12.
  62. ↑ Alston, Trey (2026-06-10). "Soulja Boy Announces Rapper University In Competition With Kai Cenat". Complex. Retrieved 2026-06-12.
  63. ↑ "Soulja Boy Announces Rapper University In Competition With Kai Cenat". Complex. Yahoo Entertainment. 2026-06-15. Retrieved 2026-06-18.
  64. ↑ II, C. Vernon Coleman IIC Vernon Coleman (2026-07-08). "DDG Applies to Soulja Boy's Rapper University After He Wasn't Accepted Into Kai Cenat's Streamer University". XXL Mag. Retrieved 2026-07-09.
  65. 1 2 3 "Kai Cenat Unveils Star-Studded Streamer University 2026 Lineup". EBONY. July 7, 2026.
  66. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Streamer University 2026: Guide to Students, Staff & How to Watch". Streams Charts. July 17, 2026.
  67. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 "Kai Cenat's Streamer University 2026: Roster, professors, and students". Mashable. July 7, 2026.
  68. ↑ "Why Maya Higa turned down Kai Cenat's Streamer University despite landing a major professor role". The Times of India. July 12, 2026.
  69. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "At Kai Cenat's Streamer University, the stars have aligned". Tubefilter. July 15, 2026.
  70. ↑ "Kai Cenat left stunned after Streamer University student hands him a mystery box". The Times of India. July 16, 2026.
  71. ↑ Connellan, Shannon (2025-12-08). "The Streamer Awards 2025 winners list: IShowSpeed wins Streamer of the Year". Mashable. Retrieved 2026-03-03.
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