Jimmy Donaldson, the man the world knows as MrBeast, is finally settling down. While he's famous for giving away private islands and burying himself alive for 50 hours, his latest move was surprisingly quiet. MrBeast has announced his engagement to fellow YouTuber and neuropsychology expert Thea Booysen, a development that caught some fans off guard given how private the couple usually keeps things.
The internet's biggest creator didn't rent out a stadium or buy a Super Bowl ad to pop the question. Instead, he did it at home. On Christmas Day 2024, surrounded by family, the 26-year-old YouTuber asked Thea to marry him in a moment that was more about heart than high-octane production.
Why This Wasn't a Typical MrBeast Stunt
If you've followed Jimmy for any length of time, you'd expect a proposal involving at least 10,000 roses or a "Last to Leave the Engagement Ring Wins It" challenge. Honestly, even his closest friends were betting on a massive public spectacle. But Jimmy took a sharp left turn.
He admitted to People that he intentionally chose the opposite of a "Beast-style" event. He wanted it to be "private and intimate." There were no cameras filming for a main channel video. No sponsors. Just two families in matching Christmas sweaters.
The "Fake Out" Box
Even in a quiet moment, Jimmy couldn't resist a little bit of a prank. To keep Thea from guessing what was happening during the gift exchange, he used a classic distraction. While she had her eyes closed for her "last gift," he intentionally dropped a large, heavy box on the floor to make a loud thud.
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Thea thought she was getting something bulky or practical. When she opened her eyes, she didn't find a giant appliance or a heavy gadget. She found Jimmy on one knee with a diamond ring.
Who is Thea Booysen?
A lot of people just see her as "MrBeast's girlfriend," but she’s actually got a wild resume of her own. Thea isn't just a content creator; she’s a legitimate academic with a serious brain. She recently finished her master’s degree in human cognitive neuropsychology at the University of Edinburgh.
Before that, she was racking up degrees in law and psychology back in South Africa.
- The Gaming Side: She runs the TheaBeasty YouTube channel and streams on Twitch.
- The Author Side: She wrote a sci-fi novel called The Marked Children.
- The Business Side: She owns an esports organization called Nixuh.
Jimmy has often mentioned on podcasts like Lex Fridman and Flagrant that he needed a partner who was as obsessed with learning as he is with YouTube. Apparently, Thea fits that bill perfectly. He says she's one of the few people who can actually help him "shut his brain off" after a long day of managing his massive business empire.
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The Meet-Cute in South Africa
Their story actually started because of a canceled trip. Back in 2022, Jimmy was supposed to head to Antarctica with Logan Paul and Casey Neistat. Then, COVID-19 hit the crew, and they ended up stuck in South Africa for longer than planned.
A mutual friend invited Thea to a dinner where Jimmy was eating. She almost didn't go. She thought YouTubers were just loud personas, but she was surprised to find him "down to earth" and strangely focused on asking her a list of specific questions.
Jimmy later confessed he was basically "vetting" her. He had a mental checklist of what he wanted in a partner—intelligence, drive, and character—and he was checking boxes in real-time. It sounds a bit clinical, but hey, it worked. They spent the next few months talking for hours on the phone before they officially started dating.
Wedding Planning: No, You Probably Won't See It
If you're waiting for a "I Built a $10,000,000 Wedding Chapel" video, don't hold your breath. Jimmy has been pretty vocal lately about keeping his personal life off the main channel. He told Entertainment Tonight in early 2026 that because he is always in front of a camera for work, he wants his relationship to stay behind it.
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The couple is currently eyeing a wedding on a remote island. The goal? To be as far away from the public eye as possible.
Thea has mentioned that they basically already act married. They talk about kids, they've lived together for a while, and they’ve discussed what their life looks like when they’re 70. For them, the wedding is just a formality to celebrate with the people they actually care about, rather than a "content opportunity."
What Netizens Are Saying
Of course, the internet had jokes. The second the Instagram post titled "Ya boy did a thing" went live, the comments were flooded.
- "Did she win a challenge to get the ring?"
- "She survived 100 days in a circle for that diamond."
- "Is there a $1 vs $1,000,000 wedding video coming?"
Even Jimmy leaned into the humor. When a fan asked if Thea had to "win a game" to get engaged, he replied that the real challenge is now she has to "spend 80 years" with him.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're looking for the most up-to-date info on the nuptials, keep an eye on Thea's social media rather than the main MrBeast channel. She tends to share the more "human" side of their lives.
- Follow Thea's Twitch/YouTube: She often drops small life updates during her gaming streams that don't make it into Jimmy's massive productions.
- Don't expect a livestream: Both have confirmed the wedding will be private. Any "MrBeast Wedding Livestream" links you see on X or YouTube are almost certainly scams.
- Check the "Beast Games" press tours: Jimmy usually does more personal interviews when promoting his Prime Video show, which is where he’s been most candid about his future with Thea.
The engagement marks a major shift for the MrBeast brand. It’s the first time we’ve seen the world’s biggest creator prioritize a private milestone over a viral one. It looks like even the king of YouTube knows that some moments are worth more than views.