Nov 19, 1996
Scorpio
San Diego, CA
28 years old
N/A
N/A
YouTube Star
FaZe Rug: The Multifaceted Journey of a YouTube Sensation
Early Life and Background
Brian Rafat Awadis, widely recognized by his online alias FaZe Rug, was born on November 19, 1996, in San Diego, California. He hails from a Chaldean Assyrian family, with his parents, Ron and Sana Awadis, immigrating from Tel Keppe, Iraq. Brian has an older brother, Brandon Awadis, who is also a prominent YouTuber known as Brawadis. Growing up in a culturally rich household, Brian developed an early interest in video games and content creation.
Education and Early Career
Brian attended Mira Mesa Senior High School and later enrolled at San Diego Miramar College. However, during his freshman year, he decided to drop out to pursue a full-time career on YouTube. His journey into content creation began in 2008 with a shared channel with his brother called "fathersonchaldean." In 2012, he launched his own YouTube channel, initially focusing on "Call of Duty" gameplay videos. His engaging content quickly gained traction, leading to an invitation to join the esports organization FaZe Clan in January 2013, where he now serves as a co-owner.
Rise to YouTube Stardom
FaZe Rug's YouTube channel has evolved to feature a diverse range of content, including vlogs, pranks, challenges, and lifestyle videos. One of his most popular videos, the "Cocaine Prank," has garnered over 22 million views. As of April 2025, his channel boasts over 27.5 million subscribers and more than 9.6 billion total views. His charismatic personality and creative content have solidified his status as one of YouTube's leading figures.
Diversification and Ventures
Beyond YouTube, FaZe Rug has expanded his presence into various ventures. In 2019, he released a song titled "Goin' Live," accompanied by a music video in 2020. He made his acting debut in the 2020 horror film "Crimson," portraying himself. Additionally, he hosted the YouTube Originals series "#1 Chicken" in 2021. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found 1UP Candy, a creator-driven experiential candy brand aimed at Gen Z consumers.
Personal Life and Interests
FaZe Rug is known for his close-knit family relationships, often featuring his parents, affectionately known as Mama Rug and Papa Rug, and his brother in his videos. He has been open about his personal life, sharing experiences and challenges with his audience. Fluent in English and conversational in Suret, a dialect of Neo-Aramaic, he embraces his cultural heritage. His interests span beyond gaming, including music, acting, and entrepreneurship.
Recognition and Impact
FaZe Rug's influence extends beyond digital platforms. In 2024, he was honored in Forbes' "30 Under 30" list in the Games category, recognizing his significant impact in the gaming and content creation industries. His ability to connect with a broad audience through authentic and engaging content has made him a role model for aspiring creators worldwide.
Conclusion
From his early days in San Diego to becoming a global YouTube sensation, FaZe Rug's journey is a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and resilience. His multifaceted career encompasses content creation, music, acting, and entrepreneurship, reflecting his dynamic personality and commitment to growth. As he continues to evolve and inspire, FaZe Rug remains a prominent figure in the digital landscape.