Indian content creator Ashswag has won the Best International Streamer award at the 2026 Streamer Awards, defeating Nigerian creators Peller and Carter Efe in Los Angeles, United States.
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The sixth edition of the awards was held on Thursday, November 12, and was hosted by QTCinderella and Caroline Kwan. Ashswag emerged ahead of Peller, Carter Efe, Polish streamer Young Multi and Cuban creator Staryuuki.
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Reacting after the announcement, Ashswag said: “Thank you so much, I feel absolutely incredible. It is nice to meet you guys. Thank you so much.”
Nigerian creators in the spotlight
Peller, whose real name is Habeeb Hamzat, and Carter Efe, born Oderhowo Carter, were nominated after the organisers released the shortlist in October.
Their nominations were significant for Nigeria’s rapidly growing livestreaming community. They placed two Nigerian creators in a global category alongside creators from India, Poland and Cuba.
The award was decided through a combination of public voting and an industry panel. Public votes accounted for 70 per cent of the result, while the panel contributed the remaining 30 per cent.
The loss prompted criticism from some Nigerian fans and celebrities. Former Big Brother Naija winner Phyna accused the organisers of using Nigerian nominees to promote the event without intending to give the award to a Nigerian creator.
“Nothing you want to tell me, they know they are not going to give it to a Nigerian streamer,” she said during a livestream. “They use us run ads.
Peller also criticised the organisers over the handling of the category. He said the Best International Streamer winner was announced on the red carpet before the main ceremony, arguing that the nominees deserved the same recognition given to contestants in other categories.
However, Peller later struck a more reflective tone. He said his fans’ support meant more to him than a trophy and described the nomination itself as a blessing.
“Being nominated for Best International Streamer is already a blessing, and I will never take your support for granted,” he said.
The result may disappoint Nigerian fans, but it also confirms that Peller and Carter Efe have become visible enough to compete in an international livestreaming category.
Nigeria’s creator economy has grown beyond short comedy clips and social-media skits. Livestreaming has become a major avenue for audience engagement, brand partnerships and cross-border visibility, and the nominations show that Nigerian creators are increasingly part of that global conversation.
The next question is whether international award platforms will give African creators not only nominations, but also the same stage presence, timing and recognition enjoyed by winners from other regions.
Quote box
“Being nominated for Best International Streamer is already a blessing, and I will never take your support for granted.”
— Peller, after losing the 2026 Streamer Awards category.
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