Darren Watkins Jr., better known as iShowSpeed, is a 20-year-old American streamer who has shot to fame through his electrifying gaming videos, IRL streaming energy, and rap music
With over 42 million YouTube subscribers and a bold online persona, it’s no surprise that fans are curious about his personal beliefs—especially his religion.
Over the years, Speed has made ambiguous remarks, sometimes referencing Christianity, other times expressing admiration for Islam, yet he’s never clearly declared a formal conversion.
In 2025, he’s shared even more spiritual reflections during interviews and in-person encounters. This post delves into what iShowSpeed has publicly shared about faith, exploring his latest statements and fan discussions, backed by credible sources.
Table of Contents
Who Is iShowSpeed?
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Full Name: Darren Jason Watkins Jr. (born January 21, 2005 in Cincinnati)
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Influence: An American YouTuber and streamer known for fast-paced gaming, IRL content, and music collaborations. As of July 2025, he boasts 42.5M YouTube subscribers and over 5 billion total views.1
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Milestones:
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Became a millionaire at just 16 and bought a home for his mother
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Won “Streamer of the Year” at the 2024 Streamer Awards
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Stepped into the world of rap; signed with Warner in 20222
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iShowSpeed’s Public Comments About Religion
1. Admits to Christian Upbringing, But Ambiguous
He’s acknowledged being raised Christian, saying he “chose [Christianity]” despite exposure to Islam—about 2.6 years ago.
TikTok clips show him discussing “Christian confession” when confronted by strangers.
2. Respect and Curiosity Toward Islam
Speed has expressed admiration for Islam—reporting a “deep respect,” invoking admiration he shares with idols like Cristiano Ronaldo.
User uploads show him defending Muslim fans in YouTube Shorts. However, no official conversion has been confirmed.
3. Recent Spiritual Reflections (2025)
Recent TikTok posts—and a viral 2‑month‑old clip—feature him responding to questions like “are you Christian?” and “what about Christianity?”.
He replies with calm words about faith and “god,” indicating a more introspective tone in 2025 compared to past dismissals.
IShowSpeed’s Connection to Islam
IShowSpeed has shown deep admiration and respect for Islam, similar to his idol Cristiano Ronaldo. This has led many to speculate if he has converted to Islam. However, the truth is quite different.
Despite several YouTube videos suggesting that he had turned to Islam, IShowSpeed is a practicing Christian like the majority of people in the USA.
Chunkz, another famous YouTuber, allegedly advised IShowSpeed to try fasting during Ramadan.
While there is no evidence to confirm if he actually did, it shows his willingness to experience and learn about different cultures and religions. It also highlights his respect for Islam.
Latest Highlights in 2025
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In early 2025, Speed posted TikTok content in which he appears calmer and introspective when asked about religion.
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A recent clip (≈2 months ago) shows Speed thoughtfully reacting to a question about Christianity.
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30-Day Fasting Challenge: IShowSpeed Takes on Ramadan Fast
IShowSpeed, a popular social media personality, has recently taken on the challenge of observing the 30-day fast during Ramadan.
This decision came about after fellow Muslim YouTuber Chunkz advised him on the details of fasting during the holy month.3
Chunkz provided IShowSpeed with comprehensive guidance on how to observe the fast and what to avoid during the day. IShowSpeed was inspired by the teachings and was eager to take on the challenge of fasting all 30 days of Ramadan.
However, IShowSpeed’s commitment to the fast was met with skepticism from his fans. Many accused him of not following through on his promise and claimed that he was not actually observing the fast. These accusations were further fueled by a tweet claiming that IShowSpeed had been spotted at a diner before sunset, which is not permitted during Ramadan.
Despite the controversy, IShowSpeed has maintained his dedication to the fast and has continued to observe it throughout the month. He has expressed his gratitude for the support of his fans who have encouraged him to stay committed to his faith and the practice of Ramadan.
ITS THAT TIME EUROPE❗️🇪🇺
LIVE ON YOUTUBE 7/7 pic.twitter.com/T25smy5A0b
— Speed⭐️ (@ishowspeedsui) July 5, 2025
The Importance of Ramadan Fasting in Islam
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and it is a holy month that is observed by Muslims worldwide.
During this month, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs during daylight hours as a form of worship to Allah. This is known as fasting and is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam.4
Fasting during Ramadan is an essential aspect of Islamic culture and is a time for spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and increased devotion to God. It is also a time for community and togetherness, as families and friends gather to break their fasts and share meals.
While fasting can be a challenging practice, it is believed to have numerous benefits for the body and mind. It helps to detoxify the body, increase mental clarity, and develop a sense of self-control and discipline.
The controversy surrounding IShowSpeed’s commitment to the fast is a reminder that the practice of Ramadan is deeply personal and should not be judged by others.
The Shocking Rise of IShowSpeed
- Darren Watkins Jr. is a rising star in the world of online entertainment. Born on January 21, 2005, this young American has gained widespread recognition under the pseudonym IShowSpeed or simply Speed.
- He is a versatile individual who wears multiple hats including YouTuber, streamer, rapper, and internet personality. However, his rise to fame is not without controversy.
- Livestreaming on platforms such as YouTube and Twitch has become an increasingly popular way for people to make a name for themselves in the online world.
- Watkins has taken full advantage of this, showcasing his talents and personality to a growing audience. He is particularly known for his variety livestreams where he plays popular video games such as Roblox, Fortnite, and FIFA.
- Watkins has an undeniable talent for entertaining his viewers. He is a skilled gamer, often displaying impressive feats of skill while playing. However, it is his behavior on these livestreams that has really caught people’s attention.
- Watkins is known for being shocking and unpredictable, often pushing the boundaries of what is considered acceptable behavior online. While this has helped him to gain a strong following, it has also placed him at the center of numerous controversies.
- One of the most notable controversies surrounding Watkins is his use of racial slurs on livestreams. While he has since apologized for these incidents, they have left a lasting impact on his reputation.
- Additionally, his behavior has been criticized for being insensitive to those who suffer from mental health issues, as well as for promoting a toxic culture among his viewers.
- Despite these controversies, Watkins’ popularity continues to grow. He has over 3 million subscribers on YouTube and a large following on Twitch.
- In addition to his livestreams, he has also released music under the name IShowSpeed. While he is still a relatively new figure in the world of online entertainment, it is clear that he has already made a significant impact.
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How Darren Turned His YouTube Channel into a Thriving Career
When Darren launched his YouTube channel in 2016, he had no intention of turning it into a career. But fast forward a few years, and he’s now one of the most successful live-streamers in the gaming industry.
Before Darren started live-streaming, he was focused on his studies and considering a career in football. He even considered trade school as an option.
However, he decided to start a YouTube channel in his spare time as a way to share his love for gaming with others.
In 2018, Darren uploaded a clip on NBA 2K18, but it didn’t get the response he was hoping for. He was disheartened and wondered if live-streaming was really the right career path for him. But instead of giving up, he decided to learn from his mistakes and improve his content.
Exploring Different Options
Before taking live-streaming seriously, Darren worked with a nursing home where he delivered food to elderly people.
While he enjoyed the work, he knew it wasn’t his passion. He continued to live-stream in his spare time, refining his skills and growing his audience.
Through hard work and dedication, Darren’s channel eventually started to gain traction. His audience grew, and he began to earn money through sponsorships and donations.
He realized that live-streaming could be a viable career option for him and decided to take the plunge.
IShowSpeed’s Family Background
Speed grew up in an African-American Christian household, raised by his parents, Darren Watkins, Sr. and Mrs. Watkins, alongside his siblings, a brother, and a sister.
Being brought up in a Christian home has played a significant role in shaping his values and beliefs. His family was instrumental in shaping his character and work ethic, which has helped him achieve success in his career.
Romantic Relationships
As of now, Speed is single, but he has had some publicized romantic relationships in the past. He dated a popular streamer, Ermony Renee, but they have since gone their separate ways.
The relationship may have been brief, but it still had an impact on Speed. He has been candid about the breakup, and it is clear that it was not easy for him.
In addition, there were rumors that he had a baby girl with his ex-girlfriend, but these reports were never fact-checked. Nonetheless, the potential of being a father at a young age could have had a significant impact on Speed’s personal life and career trajectory.
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FAQ
Q1: Is iShowSpeed Muslim now?
A: No verified evidence confirms that he officially converted to Islam. He’s expressed respect and curiosity, but no formal announcement has been made.
Q2: Was he raised Christian?
A: Yes. He has confirmed his Christian upbringing and says he chose that path.
Q3: Has he ever taken formal religious steps?
A: No records indicate formal conversion or baptism. He’s spoken about faith in interviews/streams but without ceremony.
Q4: What’s the latest on his faith reflections?
A: Recently, he’s responded thoughtfully to questions about Christianity and “God,” signaling deeper spiritual reflection.
Q5: Does he promote any one faith?
A: Speed shows respect for both Christianity and Islam, avoiding public preaching. His fans debate his beliefs, but he doesn’t push any specific religion.
Conclusion
iShowSpeed remains spiritual but non-aligned with any single organized religion. Publicly, he shares a Christian foundation, coupled with open interest in Islam, and is recently showing more nuanced reflections.
He hasn’t declared formal membership in any faith group. As such, his religious identity remains personal and evolving—leaving room for fans to connect with his journey.
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