DrDisrespect signs new Twitch exclusivity deal for ‘life-changing’ money

Streaming personality DrDisrespect has signed a multi-year exclusivity deal to remain on Twitch.

The deal, which is said to be worth millions of dollars a year, comes amid fierce competition from Microsoft’s Mixer, which last year invested millions to poach streaming stars Ninja and Shroud from the Amazon-owned platform.

DrDisrespect, whose real name is Guy Beahm, announced the two-year deal on Thursday with an elaborate promo video.

While Beahm wouldn’t reveal precise figures behind the deal, the streamer told The Verge the sum involved was “life-changing.”

He said: “Let’s just say, when I first started streaming, was something like this fathomable? If it was, you’re dreaming really, really big. To me, it’s pretty shocking, and it’s very obviously life-changing, rewarding.”

Last year Beahm, who has over three million followers on Twitch, was suspended after the internet personality and former Sledgehammer Games developer streamed from inside a public restroom at E3. Beahm’s account was reinstated two weeks later.

Last week Imane “Pokimane” Anys, one of Twitch’s most popular variety streamers, also re-signed with the platform for a reported $4.5 million.

Explaining the deal, Anys also said she had received “life-changing” amounts of money to remain exclusive to Twitch.

Amazon-owned Twitch has faced strong competition in recent years, not just from Mixer, the streaming service Microsoft acquired in 2016, but also Facebook and YouTube.