In a remarkable display of digital philanthropy, YouTube megastar MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) and Kick streamer Adin Ross have shattered records by raising $12 million in just 17 hours during a live stream on August 14, 2025.
This feat, which earned them a spot in the Guinness World Records, marks the largest amount ever raised through a single live streaming event, with all proceeds destined for TeamWater, MrBeast’s initiative to provide clean drinking water to those in need.
A Marathon of Generosity
The livestream, hosted on Kick, began with an ambitious goal of $5 million but quickly escalated as donations poured in. By the time the stream concluded on August 15, the target had been doubled, and the duo surpassed it with flying colors.
The event’s success was a testament to the power of online communities, with viewers from around the world contributing to the cause. One of the most notable donations came from OnlyFans star Sophie Rain, who pledged $1 million, leaving MrBeast momentarily speechless and underscoring the diverse sources of support for the initiative.
TeamWater: A Lifeline for Millions
TeamWater, launched by MrBeast earlier in 2025, aims to raise $40 million to provide clean water to two million people for decades. The project operates on a simple principle: $1 equals one year of clean water for one person.
The funds raised during the livestream will directly support this mission, ensuring that communities in water-scarce regions gain access to safe, reliable drinking water. This effort aligns with MrBeast’s broader philanthropic vision, which has seen him undertake ambitious projects like planting 20 million trees and building hundreds of wells worldwide.
The New Face of Philanthropy
The record-breaking stream highlights a seismic shift in the landscape of philanthropy. Once dominated by traditional mlecenats, business moguls, and billionaires, the field is now increasingly influenced by digital influencers.
YouTubers, streamers, and even content creators from platforms like OnlyFans are redefining how charitable causes are funded. MrBeast, with his massive following of over 300 million subscribers across platforms, has become a beacon of this new era, leveraging his reach to mobilize resources on an unprecedented scale.
Adin Ross, known for his controversial yet engaging streams, brought his own audience to the table, amplifying the event’s impact. The collaboration between these two figures — each with a distinct online persona — demonstrates the evolving nature of influence and its potential for good. Sophie Rain’s $1 million donation further illustrates this trend, as creators from niche platforms step into the spotlight of global philanthropy.
A Record-Breaking Achievement
The $12 million raised surpasses previous live stream fundraising records, including the $11.9 million collected during the 2021 Z Event, a French-speaking charity stream organized by Twitch streamers ZeratoR and Dach.
While it may take time for Guinness World Records to officially confirm the new mark, the achievement is already being celebrated as a milestone in digital giving.
The stream’s success was bolstered by high-profile contributions, such as a $500,000 donation from Airbnb co-founder Brian Chesky, who joined the livestream to announce his support. Other notable donors included Citadel CEO Ken Griffin ($2.25 million), Kick.com ($2 million), and Shopify CEO Tobias Lütke ($1.5 million), alongside matching funds from YouTube and Google totaling $2 million. These contributions, combined with smaller donations from thousands of viewers, underscore the event’s broad appeal and impact.
The Power of Community
MrBeast’s ability to rally his audience is well-documented, but the Adin Ross collaboration added a new dimension. Ross’s community, known as AR Loyals, raised over $50,000 in just an hour, showcasing the potential of niche online communities to drive significant change.
This synergy between different influencer ecosystems highlights the collaborative nature of modern philanthropy, where traditional boundaries are blurred, and impact is measured in real-time engagement.
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A New Chapter in Charitable Giving
The MrBeast and Adin Ross livestream is more than just a record; it’s a snapshot of how philanthropy is evolving in the digital age. As platforms like Kick, YouTube, and even OnlyFans become venues for charitable action, the lines between entertainment and activism continue to blur. This event proves that the next generation of philanthropists may not wear suits and ties but rather headsets and streaming setups.
For TeamWater, the $12 million will translate into tangible benefits for millions of people, ensuring access to clean water and improving lives across the globe. For MrBeast and Adin Ross, it’s a victory that reinforces their influence and sets a new standard for what’s possible in the world of online fundraising. And for Sophie Rain, it’s a reminder that philanthropy knows no bounds, whether you’re a traditional donor or a digital trailblazer.
In the end, the message is clear: the future of giving is here, and it’s streaming live.
