GTA VI Looks to Break Valorant’s Incredible Record 6 Years Later

Grand Theft Auto VI is poised to become one of the most-watched video game releases in streaming history. Ahead of the highly anticipated game’s launch, YouTube has announced a major livestreaming event featuring creators from across the globe.

YouTube has announced a 24-hour livestream to celebrate GTA VI’s upcoming launch. The event is scheduled to begin on November 18, 2026, at 11 p.m. ET, bringing together worldwide gaming creators ahead of the game’s launch. This livestream event gives GTA VI an opportunity to challenge a record set by Riot Games‘ Valorant in April 2020.

Riot’s shooter game attracted 1.74 million viewers during its beta launch and accumulated 150.48 million hours of watch time in its first week. Rockstar Games’ upcoming installment could challenge that record, given its global popularity and the massive streaming event expected around its launch. However, whether it surpasses Valorant’s numbers will ultimately depend on its actual viewership.

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YouTube’s announcement features a lineup of gaming creators. These include Katrina Buno, Zhong, Freddie Dredd, Samy Rivera, Kindafunnyvids, Bilal Fadili, GamerCosta, JuanSGuarnizo, Jake Baldino, Jelly, Carole Quintaine, Rima Alosta, Loserfruit, Tee Gee Gee, Caylus, CinnaBrit, and Anwar, among others.

Uniting these creators brings together distinct audiences across multiple gaming communities and regions. Furthermore, the 24-hour marathon format gives fans around the globe an extended window to tune in regardless of their local time zone.

However, Riot Games had taken a different approach when Valorant launched its closed beta in 2020. The company partnered with Twitch to use Drops, giving viewers a chance to receive beta access by watching participating streamers.

With GTA VI already one of the most anticipated releases of the decade, YouTube’s all-day coverage could help Rockstar Games break Riot’s six-year-old viewership record. However, the actual numbers will only become clear on launch day.

Grand Theft Auto VI is scheduled to release on Thursday, November 19, 2026.

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