It was a night full of excitement and friendly competition when the vibrant streaming sensation, IShowSpeed, joined football legend Jamie Carragher live in the London studio for an unforgettable encounter.

The night quickly escalated from a lively chat to a spontaneous footrace, capturing global attention from fans and viewers alike.

Speed Enters the Building: The Buzz Begins

The highly anticipated guest, known worldwide simply as “Speed,” entered the building amid cheers and applause.

Known for his electrifying streaming sessions and infectious charisma, Speed arrived fashionably donning stylish glasses, playfully teasing that they were better than host Micah Richards’ famed eyewear.

IShowSpeed joins Kate Scott, Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher, and Micah  Richards on UCL Today! | - YouTube

As the studio audience erupted in excitement, the hosts, including former Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, warmly welcomed Speed onto the set.

Immediately, the charismatic personality began livestreaming to his vast online audience, effortlessly merging his own digital universe with the live TV audience, creating an exciting hybrid atmosphere.

Who Exactly Is Speed?

Micah Richards kicked off the conversation by asking the question on many viewers’ minds: “How have you become famous? What’s your skill?”

Speed, whose real name was revealed humorously during the show as “Darren Watkins,” explained his journey began at the tender age of 15 when he entered the rapidly growing streaming scene.

His consistency, passion, and timing contributed significantly to his skyrocketing popularity around 2021, catching the attention of millions globally.

“I started streaming at 15,” Speed shared, highlighting his relentless work ethic and consistent engagement with fans as key factors in his rise to internet fame. His following has ballooned, particularly among young fans inspired by his energy and vibrant personality.

THE BEST OF ISHOWSPEED | From a Fiery Footrace to Wild Backflips | UCL  Today | CBS Sports Golazo

Ronaldo vs. Messi: The Ultimate Debate

The show inevitably delved into the iconic debate: Cristiano Ronaldo versus Lionel Messi. Known for his unwavering admiration for Ronaldo, Speed passionately argued in favor of the Portuguese superstar.

“Ronaldo is my inspiration,” he passionately declared, emphasizing Ronaldo’s versatility across multiple leagues—including the Premier League, La Liga, and Serie A—as proof of superiority over Messi, who predominantly excelled in La Liga.

When confronted by hosts about Messi’s superior Ballon d’Or count and recent World Cup triumph, Speed humorously deflected, emphasizing goals scored and Ronaldo’s broader league experience as superior indicators of greatness.

The Iconic Bark and “Speed” Origin

Another quirky trademark Speed explained was his spontaneous barking, which originated in his childhood growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio. “I was just barking like a dog from a young age,” he amusingly confessed.

As for his nickname “Speed,” he explained it was coined during childhood due to his exceptional pace, a claim he was eager to prove live.

The Race: Jamie Carragher vs. Speed

The highlight of the evening was a spontaneous footrace arranged live in the studio between Speed and former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher.

Live on CBS ft. Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher, Micah Richards & others.. ⚽️

Despite humorous back-and-forth banter about their abilities, both men confidently accepted the challenge, even though Jamie jokingly expressed concern about his hamstrings.

With excitement reaching fever pitch, the hosts and audience eagerly awaited the spectacle. Wearing Crocs for added comedic effect, the duo prepared for their face-off.

The short sprint track set within the studio became the stage for this playful showdown, with Thierry Henry playing the impartial but amused observer.

The race itself was comical yet competitive. Carragher jokingly attempted to sabotage Speed’s start, but despite his best efforts—and some accusations of cheating—Carragher still came up short.

Speed triumphantly crossed the finish line first, cementing his athletic credentials, at least humorously, on the live broadcast.

Arm Wrestling Bonus Round

Not content with just a sprint, Jamie Carragher and Speed squared off again in an arm-wrestling match. Amid laughter and friendly accusations of cheating, Carragher emerged victorious this time, though not without controversy.

Speed humorously protested, arguing that Carragher had unfairly lifted his elbow from the table, eliciting laughs from the crew and audience alike.

IShowSpeed joins Kate Scott, Thierry Henry, Jamie Carragher, and Micah  Richards on UCL Today! |

Captain Speed and the Sidemen Charity Match

As the show wound down, Speed was surprised with a special announcement: He had been named captain for the upcoming Sidemen Charity Match, a huge honor in the online influencer community.

Clearly moved by this responsibility, Speed expressed genuine excitement and vowed to lead with determination and enthusiasm, signaling his seriousness about football despite his playful persona.

Speed’s Lasting Impact

Throughout the evening, Speed exemplified the captivating mix of authenticity, humor, and relentless optimism that has won him millions of fans globally.

His interaction with legendary footballer Thierry Henry and banter with Jamie Carragher highlighted his unique appeal—connecting with fans through authenticity and entertainment rather than traditional sporting accolades alone.

Ultimately, Speed’s appearance wasn’t just entertaining television—it showcased the powerful influence digital creators have, especially with younger generations.

With charisma, ambition, and boundless energy, Speed continues to blur the lines between traditional media and online entertainment, proving himself a dynamic figure in popular culture today.