If you’ve spent more than five minutes on YouTube over the last decade, you know the name. FaZe Rug. The guy is basically the face of the platform for a whole generation of kids who grew up watching pranks, vlogs, and insane mansion tours. But because he’s been around for what feels like forever, people get confused about the timeline. They see him in videos with creators who are barely twenty, and then they remember him from the early Call of Duty days and wonder, "Wait, how old is FaZe Rug exactly?"
He’s older than a "new" influencer but younger than the old guard like Ryan Higa or Shane Dawson. It’s a weird middle ground.
Brian Awadis, known to the world as FaZe Rug, was born on November 19, 1996. Do the math, and as of early 2026, he is 29 years old. He’s staring down the barrel of 30, which is a massive milestone for someone whose entire life has been documented since his late teens. Most people expect him to be older because his career has been so prolific. He’s not a flash-in-the-pan TikToker. He’s a marathon runner in a world of sprinters.
The Timeline: From San Diego Kid to Gaming Royalty
Brian didn't just wake up with 20 million subscribers. It started in a bedroom in San Diego. He was a college dropout—one of those classic "sorry mom and dad" stories that actually worked out. He started his channel in 2012. Think about that for a second. In 2012, the iPhone 5 was the newest thing on the market and Gangnam Style was the biggest song in the world.
He was only 15 or 16 when he started uploading "pranks" that were, let’s be honest, pretty cringey by today's standards. But that’s the charm. We’ve watched him physically age. We saw the "Rug" persona evolve from a hyperactive kid screaming about Call of Duty trickshots into a savvy businessman who owns a massive stake in one of the most valuable gaming organizations in history.
His age matters because it defines his relatability. When he was 19, he was doing the "Cocaine Prank" (which was fake, obviously) that racked up tens of millions of views. At 23, he was buying his first massive mansion. Now, at 29, he’s navigating what it means to be a "veteran" creator.
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Why People Constantly Guess His Age Wrong
It’s the "Peter Pan" effect.
Because Brian has maintained a high-energy, prank-heavy style for so long, viewers often freeze him in time. You see a thumbnail of him jumping into a pool of Orbeez and your brain thinks "teenager." But then you see him sitting in a board meeting for FaZe Clan or discussing his 1-of-1 Lamborghini, and you realize he’s a grown man.
Another reason for the confusion is his circle. He’s often seen with his brother, Brandon (FaZe Dirty), or his parents, Ron and Sana (affectionately known as Papa Rug and Mama Rug). Because his parents are such a staple of his channel, Brian often occupies the role of the "son" in the viewer's mind. Even at nearly 30, he’s still the kid prankster to a huge portion of his audience.
Then there’s the FaZe Clan of it all. The organization has gone through so many iterations—public offerings, private buybacks, leadership changes—that Rug feels like a historical figure. He joined FaZe in 2012. Most "pro gamers" retire by 24. Brian just kept pivoting. He outlasted the very games that made him famous.
The Business of Being 29 in the Creator Economy
Being 29 on YouTube is a pivot point. You aren't the young "clout chaser" anymore. You’re the mentor.
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Look at his recent ventures. We aren't just talking about AdSense revenue from people wondering how old is FaZe Rug. We’re talking about his brand "1UP Candy." We’re talking about his movie, Crimson. These aren't the moves of a kid playing with a camera; they are the moves of an entrepreneur.
He’s also managed his health and image remarkably well. Unlike many creators who burnt out or got "canceled" during the messy 2016-2018 era of YouTube, Brian stayed relatively clean. He’s the "safe" choice for brands, which is why you see him everywhere. He has the energy of a 20-year-old with the bank account and experience of a 40-year-old.
It’s also worth noting his impact on the Middle Eastern community in media. As an Iraqi-American, he’s been a massive source of representation. That kind of cultural staying power doesn't happen overnight. It takes a decade of consistent posting.
Comparing the Generations: Where Rug Fits In
To understand his place in the world, you have to look at his peers.
- MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson): Born in 1998. He’s actually younger than Rug, despite feeling like the "boss" of YouTube.
- Logan Paul: Born in 1995. Just a year older than Rug.
- KSI: Born in 1993. A few years older.
Rug is right in that sweet spot. He’s old enough to remember the "Golden Age" of YouTube but young enough to understand why short-form content like Reels and TikTok is dominating. He didn't fight the change; he adapted to it.
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Honestly, the fact that he's still pulling millions of views per video at 29 is a statistical anomaly. Most YouTubers have a shelf life of about 3 to 5 years. Rug is entering his 14th year of dominance. That’s not luck. That’s a deep understanding of his own brand and a refusal to go away.
What’s Next for the 29-Year-Old Star?
As he approaches 30, the content is naturally shifting. You see more lifestyle, more high-end cars, and more "real" moments. The pranks are still there, but they’re more produced, more like TV segments than home movies.
If you’re looking for the short answer: Brian "FaZe Rug" Awadis was born on November 19, 1996. He is currently 29.
But the real answer is that he’s an era-defining creator who has managed to stay relevant across three different "versions" of the internet. Whether he’s 29 or 39, his ability to connect with an audience remains his biggest asset.
Next Steps for Fans and Analysts:
- Check the Birthday: If you're reading this after November 19, 2026, he has officially hit the big 3-0.
- Watch the Evolution: Compare a video from 2015 to his latest upload. Notice the pacing, the editing, and the way he talks to the camera. It’s a masterclass in aging with your audience.
- Follow the Business: Keep an eye on his ownership stakes. As FaZe Clan continues to evolve in the mid-2020s, Rug’s role as a "founder-level" personality is his most valuable asset beyond just his view count.