MatPat Reveals His Mount Rushmore of YouTubers: [5 Key Insights]

Introduction

In a viral moment shared by Dexerto on October 9, 2025, beloved YouTuber MatPat (Matthew Patrick of Game Theory) unveiled his personal “Mount Rushmore of YouTubers.” Much like the iconic American monument symbolizing great leaders, MatPat’s list represents the most influential creators who defined YouTube’s past, present, and future.

The clip — likely from an interview with Ludwig Ahgren — quickly spread across social media, earning thousands of likes and sparking an industry-wide debate among fans and creators alike.

MatPat reveals who makes it onto his Mount Rushmore of YouTubers pic.twitter.com/LkwOb6jE86

— Dexerto (@Dexerto) October 9, 2025

MatPat’s 4 Legendary Picks Explained

MatPat approached his “YouTuber Mount Rushmore” like a historian — organizing it by eras of influence that shaped the platform’s identity.

1. Jenna Marbles – The OG YouTube Era

Representing YouTube’s earliest, most authentic days, MatPat honors Jenna Marbles as the face of the “OG Era.” He praises her for pioneering comedy and relatability before YouTube became a career platform.

“She’s the best example of what early YouTube was about — fun, creativity, and personality,” MatPat said.

While he briefly considered creators like Smosh or MKBHD, Jenna stood out for her cultural impact and trailblazing presence as a female creator.

2. PewDiePie – The Global Icon

No YouTube hall of fame feels complete without PewDiePie (Felix Kjellberg). MatPat hails him as the first global superstar of YouTube, bridging gaming and mainstream pop culture. Felix’s rise symbolized when YouTubers transitioned from online entertainers to world-famous celebrities, proving the platform’s global reach.

3. MrBeast – The Modern Powerhouse

For today’s YouTube generation, MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) was an obvious inclusion. MatPat credits him for redefining YouTube as a business empire rather than just a content platform. From massive philanthropy challenges to a billion-dollar brand ecosystem, MrBeast represents the platform’s professional, data-driven transformation.

“He turned content creation into a scalable company model,” MatPat noted — highlighting how Jimmy’s innovation shaped the modern creator economy.

4. MatPat – The Strategist Behind the Scenes

In his final pick — and a self-aware “shameless plug” — MatPat adds himself. He justifies this not out of ego, but for his channel’s academic influence on YouTube culture. Through Game Theory, MatPat was one of the first to dissect algorithms, thumbnails, and viewer psychology — changing how creators approach their craft. His planned retirement in 2024 and careful succession planning further illustrate his forward-thinking approach to longevity in the creator space.

Community Reactions and Debates

The Dexerto clip captioned simply, “MatPat reveals who makes it onto his Mount Rushmore of YouTubers,” ignited passionate responses.

• @monkgarbo praised the lineup as “accurate and balanced.”
• @LulasGrelhadas called it “the best Rushmore list yet.”
• Others, like @Cr4ftGolden, proposed Smosh, Markiplier, or Jacksepticeye as alternatives.

While some debated whether MrBeast’s content style aligns more with TikTok’s fast-paced entertainment, most agreed the list reflects YouTube’s evolution across generations.

Why MatPat’s List Matters

Beyond nostalgia, MatPat’s Mount Rushmore functions as a timeline of YouTube’s metamorphosis:

This thoughtful structure underscores how YouTube transformed from a casual video-sharing site into a multibillion-dollar entertainment ecosystem.

FAQs

Q1: Why did MatPat choose Jenna Marbles over Smosh?

MatPat emphasized Jenna’s role in shaping early creator culture and representing women in a male-dominated industry.

Q2: Did MatPat really include himself?

Yes — but for valid reasons. His Game Theory channel revolutionized how creators think about storytelling, retention, and audience engagement.

Q3: Where can fans watch the full interview?

The full discussion is available on Dexerto’s official channels.

Q4: Who else could fit on a YouTube Mount Rushmore?

Popular fan suggestions include Markiplier, Smosh, Jacksepticeye, and Casey Neistat, each representing distinct creative milestones.

Conclusion

MatPat’s “Mount Rushmore of YouTubers” serves not just as a fun ranking — but as a historical lens through which we can understand YouTube’s transformation over two decades. From Jenna Marbles’ comedic authenticity to MrBeast’s empire-scale innovation, these names carved the foundation for millions of creators today.

Opinion

In an age dominated by short-form trends and algorithmic noise, MatPat’s reflection reminds us that influence is not measured by views alone, but by how creators reshape culture, technology, and storytelling.

Each of his picks embodies a distinct era — and collectively, they illustrate YouTube’s evolution from chaotic creativity to corporate artistry. Yet, as AI-driven platforms redefine “content,” one can’t help but wonder:

Who will stand on the next Mount Rushmore — the creators, or the algorithms?