The Money Talk
MrBeast isn’t just YouTube’s biggest star – he’s a walking empire. With an estimated net worth of $2.6 billion, Jimmy Donaldson has turned viral videos into a business juggernaut worth more than most Fortune 500 companies. His company, Beast Industries, raked in $473 million in 2024 alone and expects to DOUBLE that in 2025.
MrBeast’s influence extends far beyond YouTube. His philanthropic work through Beast Philanthropy has provided millions of meals to those in need. His business ventures include MrBeast Burger (a virtual restaurant chain), Feastables chocolate bars, and massive brand partnerships. Despite his enormous wealth, Jimmy continues to live modestly, often stating that money is just a tool to create bigger and better content for his fans. His latest venture, Beast Games on Amazon Prime, represents his biggest production yet with a $100 million budget.
But here’s the twist: despite being worth billions, MrBeast claims he has less than $1 million in his actual bank account. Why? He reinvests every penny back into bigger, crazier videos. The average MrBeast video now costs $3.5 million to produce.
The Love Life Drama
After dating Maddy Spidell from 2019 to 2022, MrBeast found love again with South African content creator Thea Booysen. The couple met during a trip to South Africa in 2022 when a mutual friend invited her to dinner.
On Christmas Day 2024, Jimmy proposed – and Thea said yes. The 28-year-old isn’t just arm candy though – she’s a published author, has THREE academic degrees (including a master’s in neuropsychology), and runs her own gaming channel.
From Broke Kid to Billionaire
Born in Wichita, Kansas, and raised in Greenville, North Carolina, Jimmy had a rough childhood. His parents divorced when he was young, and his mom raised him and his older brother CJ as a single parent. He was a shy, quiet kid with almost no friends.
At 13, he started uploading videos as “MrBeast6000” – mostly Minecraft gameplay and commentary. His mom KICKED HIM OUT of the house when he dropped out of college to pursue YouTube full-time.
His breakthrough? A 40-hour video of him counting to 100,000 in 2017. Yeah, you read that right.
The Controversies That Won’t Go Away
Beast Games Lawsuit (2024-2025)
Five contestants sued MrBeast, Amazon, and his production companies for alleged sexual harassment, unsafe working conditions, lack of food and medical care during his $100 million reality show “Beast Games.” Claims include contestants not getting paid, injuries on set, and “emotional distress.”
MrBeast’s defense? “Blown out of proportion.” He says he’s personally talked to 700-800 contestants who “all had a great time.”
The Ava Kris Tyson Scandal (2024)
His childhood friend and co-worker Ava Kris Tyson was accused of inappropriately messaging a 13-year-old. Tyson left the crew, and MrBeast hired investigators. The investigation found no evidence of sexual misconduct with minors.
Racist & Homophobic Comments
Old clips resurfaced showing MrBeast making racist and homophobic jokes. His team said he “repeatedly apologized” and learned from his mistakes.
Mexico Filming Controversy (2025)
MrBeast sparked outrage for filming at restricted ancient Mexican archaeological sites including Chichén Itzá. Mexico’s president demanded an investigation into how he got permits.
The Empire
Beyond YouTube (465+ million subscribers), MrBeast owns:
- Feastables (chocolate bar brand)
- Lunchly (competing with Lunchables)
- MrBeast Burger (ghost kitchen, currently in legal battle)
- Beast Games (Amazon Prime reality show)
- Team Trees, Team Seas, Team Water (raised $100M+ for charity)
Quick Facts
- Age: 26 years old (Born May 7, 1998)
- Real Name: James Stephen Donaldson
- Net Worth: $2.6 Billion (2025)
- Relationship Status: Engaged to Thea Booysen
- Height: 6’5″
- Started YouTube: Age 13 (February 2012)
- Health: Lives with Crohn’s disease
- Monthly Earnings: $50 million
- Hometown: Greenville, North Carolina
Last Updated: February 2026
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