One of the most popular VTubers globally, Gawr Gura, has revealed that she will graduate from her agency, Hololive, on May 1. The announcement livestream from April 16 attracted over 229,000 peak concurrent viewers, setting a record among English-speaking Virtual YouTubers and becoming one of the most popular broadcasts ever in the genre.
Her exit also continues the recent trend of high-profile names departing the company, raising concerns among fans about the sustainability of this business model and the management of Virtual YouTubers. Gawr Gura's exit will mark the seventh time a major talent has left the agency over the last nine months.
The ramifications of this news have already been felt by the industry, with the stocks of Cover Corporation, the firm behind Hololive Production, plummeting by approximately 10% on April 16, the day of Gawr Gura's announcement. Considering the Japanese star's value in the market as a top VTuber, alongside other top talents, this fall in shares represents how significant these popular internet personalities are to the company's business model and investor confidence.
Gura's April 16 livestream announcing her departure from Hololive attracted 229,249 Peak Viewers (PV), making her the most popular English-speaking VTuber ever. It also put her in the tenth position for all-time VTubers by peak concurrent viewers, showing just how much her decision affected the community.
Her reasons for leaving were pretty similar to those of Minato Aqua, as disagreements with her employers and a lack of consensus on the direction forward led to her choosing to quit. A tearful Gura added during her broadcast that this decision was a long time coming and that she was looking forward to her next move.
"This has been a very long time coming, but today, I am here to announce that I will be graduating from Hololive on May 1, 2025, JST. My reasons being disagreements with management and company direction. I am feeling really optimistic about the future, and I hope you are too. Thank you, everyone, for letting me be your little shark."
- Gawr Gura during her graduation announcement livestream
Gawr Gura is one of the most followed VTubers globally today, and Japan's number one, boasting a massive 4.58 million subscribers on YouTube. With her shark-themed character, casual gaming style, and charismatic personality, the online star has attracted a substantial international following.
One of the original members of Hololive English's first generation (nicknamed HoloMyth), Gawr Gura has been one of the key names in driving Hololive's global expansion strategy. It would not be a stretch to say that she played a key role in introducing the Japanese VTuber phenomenon to mainstream Western audiences.
Hololive also shared a post on social media announcing her impending exit next month. As expected, fans were not happy to hear the news, which had been doing the rounds after Gura posted a cryptic message online, saying "I have to talk to you about something tonight". Her message immediately sparked speculation amongst her followers.
Her fellow VTubers also came out to show their support, with German VTubing sensation Shylily opining that Gura "inspired millions of people all over the world and will forever live on in their hearts & smiles!"
Twitch and Puerto Rican megastar ironmouse also praised her colleague, thanking "the queen" for the entertainment and showing excitement at what she gets up to next.
Gawr Gura did mention in her April 16 livestream that she had one final project that she was excited to share with her fans and community. Whenever that broadcast does happen, it is bound to attract thousands and perhaps even challenge Minato Aqua's status as the most popular VTuber ever. Streams Charts will be on hand to report on any milestones that could be reached during her final livestream.
