Streaming Stars Break Viewer Records at Le Mans Race

A thrilling race involving 24 top streamers in Formula 4 cars attracted a staggering 1.4 million viewers on the Twitch platform, setting a new record for live events in France. The GP Explorer race, held in Le Mans, France, was the culmination of a series organized by French influencer Lucas Hauchard, better known as Squeezie. In addition to the Twitch audience, approximately 1.2 million people tuned in on public broadcaster France 2, according to audience measurement firm Mediametrie.

The event, which took place on March 15, 2024, drew around 200,000 spectators to the renowned racetrack, famous for hosting the Le Mans 24-hour endurance race. Spanish streamer Karchez emerged victorious after completing 16 laps, adding to the excitement of the day. This year’s GP Explorer surpassed the previous edition’s record set in 2023, marking a significant milestone for the streaming community.

The GP Explorer began as an online challenge in 2022 and has since evolved into a large-scale event, attracting a predominantly young audience. The inclusion of Spanish and American teams this year aimed to broaden the event’s appeal and international reach. The lineup featured numerous internet personalities, including Squeezie, who boasts over 20 million subscribers on YouTube.

Twitch’s Chief Executive Officer Dan Clancy, who attended the race, praised the enthusiasm of the French community on the platform. He noted the growing interest in streaming events, highlighting the unique connection between content creators and their audiences.

In a recent interview with L’Equipe, Squeezie hinted at the possibility of revamping the GP Explorer in future iterations, suggesting the idea of hosting “several races a year.” The excitement surrounding this race underscores the potential for innovative formats in the streaming landscape, which continues to captivate a global audience.

The success of the GP Explorer race illustrates the increasing intersection of traditional sports and digital entertainment. As streaming platforms gain popularity, events like this foster a new kind of sporting culture that resonates with younger generations, promising an exciting future for both participants and viewers.