Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg Biography: PewDiePie’s Epic Journey
-
- June 25, 2025
Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg, born on October 24, 1989, in Gothenburg, Sweden, is globally known as PewDiePie, a YouTube icon with over 110 million subscribers. His journey from a college dropout to the most-subscribed YouTuber showcases resilience and creativity. This Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg biography dives into his early life, career growth, struggles, comeback, and current influence, highlighting his impact on digital content creation.
Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg’s Early Life
Growing Up in Gothenburg
Born to Lotta Kristine Johanna and Ulf Christian Kjellberg, Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg grew up in a middle-class family in Gothenburg. His mother, a former CIO, and his father, a corporate executive, supported his early interests. Felix loved art, often sketching video game characters like Mario, and played games on his Super Nintendo, fueling his passion for gaming Web:0.
Academic Path and Dropout
Felix excelled at Göteborgs Högre Samskola and enrolled at Chalmers University of Technology to study Industrial Economics in 2008. However, he found the program unfulfilling and dropped out in 2011 to focus on YouTube. His parents initially opposed this decision, leaving him to fund his early videos by working at a hotdog stand Web:6.
Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg’s Career Growth
Launching PewDiePie
In 2010, Felix created his YouTube channel, PewDiePie, after forgetting the password for his first channel, PewDie. His “Let’s Play” videos, featuring horror games like Amnesia, gained traction for their humor and energy. By 2012, his channel hit 1 million subscribers, becoming one of YouTube’s fastest-growing Web:8.
Becoming YouTube’s Top Star
In 2013, Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg surpassed Smosh to become the most-subscribed YouTuber, a title he held until 2019. His content evolved from gaming to vlogs, meme reviews, and series like LWIAY. Partnerships with Maker Studios and games like PewDiePie: Legend of the Brofist boosted his brand Web:0.
Struggles and Down Phases
Controversies and Backlash
Felix faced significant challenges, notably in 2017, when a video featuring offensive language led to his split with Maker Studios and YouTube’s Red platform. Critics accused him of promoting harmful content, sparking widespread debate. These incidents, including a 2017 Fiverr controversy, damaged his reputation Web:8.
Losing the Top Spot
In 2019, T-Series overtook PewDiePie as the most-subscribed channel after a public subscriber battle. Algorithm changes and YouTube’s shadowban issues in 2020 further reduced his visibility, leading to a dip in viewership and personal burnout Web:11.
Comeback and Rise to Fame
Despite setbacks, Felix regained momentum by diversifying his content. His 2019 Minecraft series reignited fan interest, and his subscriber count crossed 100 million, a first for an individual creator. His 2020 return after a hiatus focused on quality content, earning praise for authenticity Web:15.
Current Status and Influence
Life in Japan
As of June 2025, Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg lives in Japan with his wife, Marzia Kjellberg, whom he married in 2019. They welcomed their son, Björn, in 2023. Felix now uploads less frequently, prioritizing personal projects and family life Web:11.
Continued Impact
With a net worth of around $40 million, Felix remains a YouTube titan, influencing gaming and internet culture. His charity work, raising over $1 million for causes like Save the Children, showcases his positive impact. His book, This Book Loves You, and podcasting ventures keep him relevant Web:2.
Personal Life
Felix and Marzia, a former YouTuber, live in Brighton, UK, and Japan with their pugs, Maya and Edgar. His love for gaming and art persists, and he enjoys tennis and golf. Fans admire his openness about mental health and career challenges Web:1.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Hotdog Stand Job: Felix funded early videos by working at a hotdog stand.
- Artistic Roots: He sold artwork through his grandmother’s gallery to buy his first computer.
- Charity Leader: Raised over $1 million for charities like WWF and St. Jude’s.
- T-Series Battle: His 2019 subscriber race with T-Series went viral globally.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg |
| Born | October 24, 1989, Gothenburg, Sweden |
| Profession | YouTuber, Comedian, Gamer |
| Notable Work | PewDiePie Channel, This Book Loves You, Legend of the Brofist |
| Spouse | Marzia Kjellberg (married 2019) |
| Net Worth | ~$40 million (2022) Web:7 |
| Awards | Time 100 Most Influential (2016), Teen Choice Awards (2014) |
Conclusion
This Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg biography captures the journey of PewDiePie, a trailblazer in digital content. From dropping out of college to becoming YouTube’s top star, Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg overcame controversies and burnout to maintain global influence. His shift to family life and selective content creation inspires creators to balance passion and well-being.
