Michael Grzesiek, known as Shroud, started playing video games as a child and rose to become a professional player in CS:GO. He won major championships with teams including Manajuma and Cloud9 before retiring from pro gaming in 2018 to focus on streaming. By gaining over 7 million followers on Twitch, Shroud became one of the most popular online gaming personalities. He acted as an ambassador for major gaming brands such as HyperX and, after a short-lived stint on Mixer, returned to Twitch in August 2020 to break more records and inspire aspiring gamers and streamers.
The Rise of Shroud: From Pro Gamer to Top Streamer
Introduction
Michael Grzesiek, known by his gaming alias “Shroud,” is one of the most popular streamers on the internet. From a professional Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) player to a full-time Twitch streamer, Shroud’s journey has been nothing short of exceptional. This article delves into the rise of Shroud, highlighting his journey from a pro gamer to a top streamer.
Early Days
Shroud was born on June 2, 1994, in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. He started playing video games when he was just a kid, and his interest grew over the years. Shroud’s passion for video games led him to join the competitive CS:GO scene in 2014. Shroud’s remarkable aim and incredible gameplay made him one of the most exceptional players in the CS:GO community.
The Pro Gaming Career
In August 2014, Shroud joined the pro gaming team “Manajuma,” and in 2015, he joined the renowned team “Cloud9.” Shroud’s gaming career was filled with many significant achievements, including winning the ESL Pro League Season 4 and Cloud9’s first major championship win in 2018. However, in 2018, Shroud announced his retirement from professional gaming, citing that he wanted to explore other avenues in the gaming industry.
The Start of Streaming
After stepping away from the pro gaming scene, Shroud started streaming on Twitch. Initially, he streamed various games, including PUBG, Fortnite, and Rainbow Six Siege, but it was his CS:GO gameplay that got him the most popularity. Shroud’s incredible skills and entertaining personality made his Twitch channel one of the most-watched channels on the platform.
Incredible Success on Twitch
Shroud’s streaming career on Twitch skyrocketed after he gained a massive following of over 7 million followers. His Twitch channel became the go-to spot for gamers looking to learn from a pro. Shroud also became the face of major gaming brands, acting as an ambassador for companies such as HyperX, J!NX Clothing, and Logitech.
Move to Mixer and Back to Twitch
In late-2019, Shroud, along with another popular streamer, Ninja, signed an exclusive deal with Mixer, a rival streaming platform to Twitch. However, due to Microsoft’s decision to shut down Mixer, Shroud moved back to Twitch in August 2020. Shroud broke records on his return to Twitch, with over 500,000 viewers tuning in to his first stream after a break of over a year.
Conclusion
Shroud’s journey from a professional CS:GO player to a top Twitch streamer is nothing short of a remarkable success story. Shroud’s incredible skills, entertaining personality, and professionalism have made him one of the most beloved streamers on the internet. Shroud’s popularity continues to grow, and he remains an influential figure in the gaming industry, inspiring aspiring gamers and streamers.