Imane Anys

Imane Anys turned a $250 secondhand PC into a global platform for gaming, community, and change.

Imane Anys: The Rise of a Streaming Pioneer

Imane Anys was born on May 14, 1996, in Morocco before moving with her family to Quebec, Canada, at the age of four. Growing up between cultures, she discovered video games as both an escape and a language that connected her to others. In 2013, while studying chemical engineering at McMaster University, she bought a used PC for $250 and began streaming under the name Pokimane, blending gameplay with genuine conversation.

By 2017, Imane Anys had become one of Twitch’s most-followed creators, earning a Shorty Award for Best Twitch Streamer. Her content evolved from League of Legends montages to lifestyle streams, mukbangs, and collaborative projects that felt like hanging out with friends. This authenticity helped her surpass 9 million followers on Twitch and build a multi-platform presence that redefined what a female streamer could achieve.

Imane Anys Key Achievements and Milestone Moments

In 2020, Imane Anys joined forces with U.S. Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar for a viral Among Us stream that encouraged voter registration, reaching over 435,000 concurrent viewers. That same year, she signed a multi-year exclusivity deal with Twitch, securing her place among the platform’s elite creators while continuing to expand her influence beyond gaming.

Her accolades include being named to Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list in Games in 2021 and receiving The Streamer Awards Legacy Award in 2022. Imane Anys also co-founded OfflineTV, a creator collective that produced hit series like “Among Us” collaborations and “React” content. These ventures showcased her ability to build community-driven entertainment that resonated with millions worldwide.

From Streamer to Entrepreneur and Advocate

Beyond streaming, Imane Anys launched RTS in 2021, a talent management and brand consulting firm where she serves as Chief Creative Officer. She later co-founded Myna Snacks in 2023, a health-focused snack brand inspired by her own wellness journey after the pandemic. These moves reflected her vision of creating sustainable, creator-led businesses that prioritize well-being and long-term growth.

In 2024, she ended her Twitch exclusivity to embrace multi-platform content across YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. She also launched the podcast “Sweet n Sour” with fellow creator LilyPichu, exploring life, creativity, and the realities of fame. Through every pivot, Imane Anys has remained committed to using her voice for advocacy, especially around online safety, mental health, and equitable opportunities for women in gaming.

A Lasting Legacy of Empowerment and Innovation

Today, Imane Anys stands as one of the most influential figures in digital entertainment, having paved the way for countless creators who value authenticity over algorithms. Her journey from a university student with a budget PC to a Forbes-listed entrepreneur illustrates the power of consistency, strategic thinking, and community-first values.

More than follower counts or revenue, her legacy lies in the culture she helped shape—where creators are encouraged to build safely, speak openly, and own their narratives. For anyone dreaming of turning passion into purpose, Imane Anys offers a blueprint: stay true to your roots, invest in your people, and never underestimate the impact of showing up as yourself.