Andy Dante Merino Ramírez, also known as Zein, ElZeein or Andynsane, is arguably the most influential figure in the Peruvian digital landscape as of early 2026. His trajectory is not a story of overnight luck but a decade-long evolution from a provocative YouTube critic to a sophisticated media mogul and sports executive.
The origins: Andynsane and the "TV Basura" war
Born in 1992 in Tarma, Peru, Merino began his digital career in 2011 with the YouTube channel Andynsane. While many early creators focused on gaming or generic vlogs, Merino identified a niche in social commentary. He spent his early years dissecting the absurdity of Peruvian national television with "TV Basura" (Trash TV). His sharp, sarcastic and highly edited critiques made him a cult hero to the youth of Peru but a primary target for legacy media conglomerates. These early legal and copyright battles were his "baptism by fire," teaching him the intricacies of fair use, platform policy, and how to command an audience through controversy.
The rebirth: Transitioning to ElZeein
By the mid-2020s, the YouTube algorithm began to favor short-form, high-velocity content, and Merino realized that to remain relevant, he needed to shift his focus. He "retired" the Andynsane persona to emerge as ElZeein, a move that signaled his pivot to live streaming. This transition allowed him to capitalize on his greatest strength: his ability to hold a live audience’s attention for hours through "Just Chatting" segments.
In 2024, Merino made a high-profile move to Kick, citing a need for greater creative autonomy. By 2026, he has firmly established himself as one of the platform’s primary representatives in Latin America. Unlike streamers who rely on high-octane gaming stunts, ElZeein built his brand on the "Reaction" meta, where his personality, wit, and cynical perspective serve as the primary product.
The sports mogul: Persas FC and the Kings League
In 2024, Merino expanded his influence into the sports entertainment industry as the President of Persas FC in the Kings League Américas. This project transformed his image from a lone content creator to a legitimate sports executive.
He manages Persas FC not just as a team, but as a narrative asset. By treating every match, referee error, and league decision as a focal point for content, he effectively guarantees weekly engagement. His "pre-match" streams in early 2026 consistently hit significant viewership, proving that in the modern sports-media hybrid model, the drama off the field is often more lucrative than the goals on it.
The "ElZeein" Philosophy: Why He Dominates 2026
As of February 2026, ElZeein (Andy Merino) stands as one of Kick's most formidable creators, successfully evolving from a YouTube critic into a platform-defining powerhouse. His 2026 performance is characterized by high consistency and an elite reach, as he currently ranks within the top 100 global streamers by total Hours Watched, backed by an audience of over 911,000 followers, making him the #12 most-followed creator on the platform.
This consistency follows a standout 2025 campaign where he finished as the #8 most-watched streamer on Kick. His capacity for massive, event-driven viewership was best demonstrated on August 3, 2025, with his self-produced influencer boxing event, "La Noche Dorada", held at the Coliseo Eduardo Dibós in Lima. The event, which featured high-profile matchups between regional internet stars, peaked at over 1.35 million concurrent viewers. This performance not only shattered his personal records but served as a major catalyst for Kick, playing a critical role in the platform setting a new all-time record for concurrent viewership at the time.
By 2026, he continues to leverage this massive reach, integrating his role as President of Persas FC in the Kings League Américas to maintain a dedicated, high-volume viewership base throughout the year.
