Tyler Faraz Niknam (Trainwreckstv)

Childhood

Born on December 20, 1990, in Scottsdale, Arizona, Niknam is of Iranian descent. He attended Chaparral High School and later graduated from Arizona State University in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in analytic philosophy. His academic background contrasts sharply with his later career in entertainment and gambling streaming.

Career

Niknam began streaming in 2015, initially focusing on gaming and IRL content. However, his career took a controversial turn in 2017 when he received a five-day ban from Twitch for derogatory remarks about female streamers. He later apologized but faced another indefinite ban in 2018 for comments about women in competitive gaming.

In 2019, he launched the "Scuffed Podcast," featuring discussions with other internet personalities. His popularity surged in 2020 when he streamed Among Us, winning a $5,000 tournament and being named one of Twitch’s best Among Us players by Digital Trends.

Shift to Gambling

Streaming By 2021, Niknam pivoted to gambling streams, primarily on Stake.com, a cryptocurrency-based gambling site not legally available in the U.S. This led to criticism over promoting gambling to underage audiences. When Twitch banned Stake.com, Niknam moved to Kick.com, a Stake-affiliated platform where he became a partial owner.

In October 2022, he claimed to have earned $360 million from sponsors over 16 months of gambling streams. His high-roller bets and unfiltered personality attracted massive viewership, making him one of the most-watched gambling streamers.

Personal life

Niknam moved to Canada in 2021, possibly due to legal restrictions on gambling streaming in the U.S. He maintains a private personal life, rarely discussing relationships or family publicly.

Revenue

Niknam’s income primarily comes from:

• Sponsorships (e.g., Stake.com)
• Streaming revenue (donations, subscriptions)
• Ownership stake in Kick.com

Tournament winnings

His $360 million sponsorship claim remains unverified but highlights the lucrative nature of gambling streaming.

Interesting facts

• Philosophy graduate turned gambling streamer.
• One of the first significant streamers on Kick.com.
• Banned twice from Twitch.
• Among Us tournament winner.
• Second most-watched
• Twitch streamer during the 2020 U.S. election.
  

Legacy

Niknam’s influence lies in:

Popularizing high-stakes gambling streams

Helping launch Kick.com as a Twitch alternative

Setting records in sponsorship deals

Despite controversy, his impact on online gambling content is undeniable.