Streaming Stars Break Viewer Records at Le Mans Race

A thrilling race featuring 24 prominent streamers in Formula 4 cars captivated audiences, drawing a remarkable 1.4 million viewers on Twitch and nearly as many on television. The GP Explorer event, hosted at the renowned Le Mans circuit in France, marked the third and final installment of a series organized by French influencer Lucas Hauchard, known as Squeezie. According to audience measurement firm Mediametrie, the race attracted 1.2 million viewers on the public broadcaster France 2, while approximately 200,000 fans attended the event in person.

The contest, which comprised 16 laps, concluded with Spanish streamer Karchez claiming victory, setting a new French record for a live event on Twitch, surpassing the previous year’s figures. “It was the very last one, so it was important for me to be here,” said Romane Auffret-Lebon, a 21-year-old participant, in an interview with AFP at the racetrack.

With the aim of enhancing the event’s appeal and international reach, this year’s GP Explorer welcomed teams from Spain and the United States. The event originated from a challenge launched online in 2022 and has quickly gained traction, particularly among an audience of mostly under-30s. The 2025 lineup featured a diverse array of internet celebrities, including the influential Squeezie, who boasts over 20 million subscribers on YouTube.

Twitch chief Dan Clancy, who attended the race, praised the enthusiasm of the French community on the platform. Following the event, Squeezie hinted at the possibility of revamping the GP Explorer for future events, suggesting a format that could include “several races a year,” as he mentioned in an interview with sports newspaper L’Equipe.

The GP Explorer has not only showcased the growing intersection of gaming and motorsport but also highlighted the potential of online platforms to engage younger audiences. As the event continues to evolve, its impact on both the streaming landscape and motorsports will be closely watched. The success of the GP Explorer reinforces the significance of digital content in shaping modern entertainment experiences, illustrating how traditional sports can attract fresh demographics through innovative approaches.

With 2,400 staff members representing 100 different nationalities, AFP remains a leading global news agency, committed to providing fast, comprehensive, and verified coverage of significant events that affect our daily lives.