Peller Loses the Crown, Keeps the Swagger: "We Are Only Getting Started".

Peller Loses the Crown, Keeps the Swagger: "We Are Only Getting Started".

LAGOS: He didn't win the trophy, but Nigerian streamer Peller is making sure his fans know he is far from finished. After losing the Best International Streamer award at the 2026 Streamer Awards to Indian creator Ashswag, he took to social media to thank the supporters who carried him to the global stage.

The night the crown went to India

Peller lost the award to Ashswag, who also beat fellow Nigerian streamer Carter Efe, Staryuuki and Young Multi. The ceremony's organizer, QTCinderella, had revealed the full list of nominees on October 16, across 37 categories. The ceremony took place on Thursday, November 12. (We Move – Peller Breaks Silence After Losing Best International Streamer Award To Indian +2)

Ashswag is a 22-year-old Indian YouTuber and Twitch streamer. He expressed excitement during his acceptance speech.

For Nigerian fans, the loss stung. The nominations had put two of the country's best-known online personalities in the same global category, and many followers had hoped to see one of them lift the trophy. The outcome means Peller and Carter Efe will have to wait for another chance at international recognition.

Peller's response: gratitude over grievance

Peller chose appreciation over bitterness. He told his followers that their love and loyalty meant more to him than any trophy, and he called the nomination itself a blessing. He ended his message on a defiant, forward-looking note, promising fans that "we are only getting started."

The tone fits a creator whose rise has depended heavily on his online community. In an industry where audience loyalty is everything, publicly crediting supporters for his success reinforces that bond, whatever the final results say.

A hint of frustration

Peller's post was not entirely about thanks. He also used it to voice frustration with how the ceremony was conducted. The post did not spell out every complaint, and the organizers had not publicly answered at the time of writing.

Phyna joins the conversation

Peller was not the only voice reacting. Former Big Brother Naija winner Phyna accused the organizers of using Carter Efe and Peller to run ads, saying they never intended to give a Nigerian the prize. She made the remarks during a livestream that circulated on X on November 12, 2026. These are her claims, and the organizers have not been reported to have responded to them.

Why it still matters

Even without the win, the nominations say something about the growing reach of Nigerian creators. Streaming and online entertainment have given young Nigerians a direct route to global audiences, and being shortlisted alongside creators from across the world is a milestone in itself.

The global field was competitive, too. The ceremony's top honor went to IShowSpeed for the third year in a row. Against that backdrop, a nomination for Peller, a creator who built his following from Nigeria, represents real recognition.

What next?

Peller's message suggests he sees this as a pause, not an ending. With his fanbase still behind him and another award season certain to come, supporters will be watching to see whether his promise of "only getting started" turns into a stronger run next time.

For now, the trophy belongs to Ashswag. The goodwill, at least by Peller's account, still belongs to the fans who showed up for him.