Streaming Stars Set Twitch Record at Le Mans GP Explorer Race

In a thrilling display of digital entertainment, a race featuring 24 prominent streamers in Formula 4 cars at Le Mans, France, attracted a record-breaking audience on the Twitch platform. The GP Explorer race, the final event in a series organized by influential French content creator Lucas Hauchard, known as Squeezie, garnered 1.4 million viewers on Twitch and 1.2 million viewers on the French public broadcaster France 2. According to audience measurement firm Mediametrie, this marks a significant achievement for live streaming in France.

The race, held at the iconic Le Mans racetrack, famous for its 24-hour endurance event, attracted an additional 200,000 spectators on-site. Karchez, a Spanish streamer, emerged victorious after completing a grueling 16-lap contest, further elevating the event’s profile. This year’s race set a new French record for live viewership, surpassing the numbers achieved in the 2023 edition.

Romane Auffret-Lebon, a participant who spoke to AFP at the track, expressed her excitement, stating, “It was the very last one, so it was important for me to be here.” The inclusion of Spanish and American teams this year aimed to enhance the event’s appeal and international presence, drawing in a broader audience, particularly those under 30.

The 2025 lineup featured a variety of internet celebrities, many of whom boast millions of followers. Notably, Squeezie himself has over 20 million subscribers on YouTube, showcasing the immense popularity of the event and its participants. Dan Clancy, chief executive of Twitch, attended the race and praised the enthusiasm of the French community on the platform.

In a Saturday interview with the sports publication L’Equipe, Squeezie hinted at the potential return of the GP Explorer in a different format, suggesting plans for “several races a year.” The event’s evolution reflects the growing intersection of traditional motorsports and digital entertainment, appealing to a younger demographic eager for unique experiences.

As the GP Explorer series concludes, it leaves behind a legacy of innovation in the live streaming space, underscoring the power of online engagement in the world of sports and entertainment. The success of the event not only highlights the influence of content creators but also sets a precedent for future collaborations between digital platforms and traditional racing events.