In the competitive world of Valorant, reaching the Immortal rank is a monumental achievement, placing a player within the elite top 0.4% globally. Popular Twitch streamer Pokimane recently joined these legendary ranks, a testament to her dedication since the game's beta launch in April of last year. However, her accomplishment was met with the all-too-familiar and frustrating skepticism simply because she is a woman in the gaming industry. Despite consistently showcasing her skills on stream, doubts persist about whether she earned the rank on her own merit, highlighting a persistent double standard.

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This incident is far from an isolated one. Throughout her career, Pokimane's abilities have repeatedly been questioned. The latest spark came from a Twitch viewer who attempted to stir controversy on Twitter by accusing her and fellow streamer CourageJD's fanbases of hypocrisy. The user claimed people criticized Courage for being "carried" to the Predator rank in Apex Legends while praising Pokimane for a similar alleged feat in Valorant. Spotting this comment while live on stream, Pokimane was visibly frustrated. She vented to her audience, noting that such remarks are a constant, unwelcome presence in her online life. "I can't open up Twitter without seeing at least one," she expressed, describing the exhausting reality of navigating the platform as a female content creator. In a moment of justified anger, she nearly bit the bullet and replied with a fiery retort but ultimately chose the high road and held back—a move that saved her from a pointless, energy-draining online spat.

The irony of the situation is thick. Pokimane has streamed Valorant extensively, amassing a vast library of video evidence that clearly demonstrates her skill progression. There's even footage of her playing with and assisting other top streamers like xQc. If anyone doubts her capabilities, the proof is literally on tape. As she rightfully knows, she earned her spot among the Immortals and owes no one further justification. The ball is in the court of her detractors; if they're so confident, they should put their money where their mouth is and try to match her rank with their own in-game skills.

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Navigating online toxicity is part and parcel of an internet-based career, but engaging with trolls is a fool's errand. Getting into slap fights with people who just want to argue is a surefire way to lose brain cells for no good reason. Pokimane's restraint, despite going on a bit of a rant on stream, was the smart play. It's crucial for creators to protect their mental peace and enjoy their hard-earned successes. Here's hoping Pokimane can fully savor her Immortal status without letting the noise get to her. After all, actions speak louder than words, and her gameplay does all the talking needed.

The Bigger Picture: Skill, Scrutiny, and Streaming in 2026

The landscape for streamers, especially women, remains challenging. While communities have grown more supportive, underlying biases persist. Achievements are often filtered through a lens of doubt that male peers rarely face. This isn't just about one rank in one game; it's about the constant need for women to prove themselves in a space where their presence is still sometimes seen as novel.

A Quick Look at Valorant's Competitive Tiers (as of 2026):

Rank Tier Approximate Global Percentage
Iron ~8%
Bronze ~20%
Silver ~25%
Gold ~20%
Platinum ~15%
Diamond ~8%
Ascendant ~3%
Immortal ~0.4%
Radiant ~0.03%

Reaching Immortal is no small feat—it requires serious game sense, mechanical skill, and consistent performance. For context, the rank above it, Radiant, is reserved for the absolute best of the best, often the professional players. Pokimane's placement firmly puts her in the upper echelon of dedicated players worldwide.

Common Criticisms vs. The Reality for Female Gamers:

  • 🎮 Criticism: "She's just getting boosted by her team."

  • Reality: Solo queue performance and clutch plays on stream provide ample counter-evidence.

  • 🎮 Criticism: "Her audience is carrying her through votes/favoritism."

  • Reality: Valorant's ranked system is based on individual and team performance metrics (combat score, wins/losses), not popularity.

  • 🎮 Criticism: "She plays easy agents."

  • Reality: Mastering any agent's utility and contributing to team strategy at a high level requires deep game knowledge.

In the end, the takeaway is clear: credibility in gaming should be earned through demonstrated skill, not assumed based on gender. Pokimane's Immortal rank stands as a solid achievement in the Valorant community. As the game continues to evolve, with a mobile version in development, the focus should remain on celebrating skill and sportsmanship, regardless of who is behind the screen. For now, Pokimane can rightfully enjoy her status and continue to prove the haters wrong, one match at a time.