Rachell “Valkyrae” Hofstetter isn’t just having a busy year in 2025 – she’s absolutely dominating it. From high-stakes game shows and podcast revamps to epic esports victories and her pivotal role as co-owner of 100 Thieves, Valkyrae seems to be everywhere fans look. Seriously, what can’t she do?
Her latest spotlight shines on Gamerhood, State Farm’s competitive reality show featuring top gaming streamers. Valkyrae joined the 2025 season as a special guest, bringing her signature energy to a fresh challenge. I haven’t done many game shows before, so this was a blast,” Rae shared enthusiastically with Esports on SI. “It actually gave me the courage to jump into more events like this. Think Ludwig’s Streamer Games, or my friends’ tournaments – I feel way less shy now!”
Why should you tune into Gamerhood? Beyond the wild competitions, the show adds a hilarious twist to one of streaming’s most famous frenemy dynamics: Valkyrae vs. Ludwig. Usually bitter rivals, they found themselves as allies on set. “Seeing us work together for once? It’s wild!” Rae teased. “People are used to our bickering, but here we felt like family.” Don’t worry, the rivalry isn’t dead – they’re also locked in intense 1v1 battles across 10 different games. “We’re constantly battling it out,” she confirmed.
The Ludwig saga got even juicier when Valkyrae joined Wine About It, the popular podcast hosted by Ludwig’s partner, QTCinderella. Rae laughed, “It’s extra funny! I joined his girlfriend’s podcast as co-host. Technically, I feel like I stole his girl.” While their playful clashes fuel fan love (“It’s a sister-brother rivalry!”), Rae admits, “I’m not sure we’ll ever make peace.”
From Press Esc to Wine About It: Rae’s Podcast Evolution
Before teaming up with QT, Valkyrae co-hosted the indie podcast Press Esc with friend Alythuh. While passionate about branching beyond gaming (“I’ve streamed for 10 years, I needed new creative outlets”), logistics proved tough. Long-distance made scheduling and backlogging episodes really hard,” Rae explained. “We ended it after five months.”
Fortuitously, QTCinderella was also seeking a new co-host around the same time. Valkyrae seamlessly stepped into Wine About It, joining an established, successful show. “Learning from QT has been incredible,” Rae gushed. “She’s a powerhouse – hosting the Streamer Awards, building businesses. We connect weekly, bouncing ideas off each other. As a fellow entrepreneur (hello, 100 Thieves and Hihi Studios!), I find her so inspiring. This partnership just clicks.”
Conquering Chaos: Valkyrae’s Nuzlocke Championship Run
Proving her skills extend far beyond casual play, Valkyrae claimed victory in July’s massive Pokémon Nuzlocke Invitational – one of the largest tournaments of its kind. Partnered with coach Kya, Rae pulled off a legendary “loser’s bracket run” to become champion.
“This was the most mentally stressful competition I’ve ever done,” Rae admitted. Nuzlocke rules meant everything was randomized – Pokémon, items, stats. Valkyrae’s team ended up incredibly strong (“cracked, jacked”), creating massive pressure. “It was lose-lose! Everyone expected me to win. If I lost? Total embarrassment.”
The stress led to early mistakes, especially after a shocking first-round loss to Slimecicle, who used secret scouting tactics. “He shot me straight into the loser’s bracket,” Rae recalled. What followed was an exhausting, eight-hour marathon climb back to the top. “My brain felt fried! Predicting moves, checking notes… it was intense strategy.” She ultimately faced Slimecicle again in the finals, winning a nail-biting rematch. The sweetest revenge? They’re now teammates on Jacksepticeye’s squad for Ludwig’s Streamer Games.
What’s Next for the Power Streamer?
Between Gamerhood appearances (catch her special episode!), building Wine About It with QT, competing in the Streamer Games, and steering 100 Thieves, Valkyrae shows no signs of slowing down. One thing’s clear: whether she’s out-strategizing rivals in Pokémon, forging powerful podcast partnerships, or flipping the script on her Ludwig feud, Rae Hofstetter continues to redefine what a top creator can achieve.
Image Alt Text: Valkyrae strategizing alongside fellow streamers CouRageJD and Ludwig during a high-energy Gamerhood filming session.
Image Alt Text: Valkyrae and former Press Esc co-host Alythuh sharing a laugh during their podcast recording days.
Ready for more Valkyrae? Tune into Gamerhood, stream Wine About It, and follow her journey – this is one streamer’s year you won’t want to miss.
Adrian Kovacs 
Lex Northbyte