Steven Bonnell II, known online as Destiny, was born on December 12, 1988, in Omaha, Nebraska. He grew up in a middle-class family and is of Cuban descent through his mother. Despite facing some financial challenges growing up, Bonnell was always a bright and inquisitive child.
After completing high school, Bonnell enrolled at the University of Nebraska Omaha where he studied music. During this time, he worked the night shift as a restaurant manager at a local casino to support himself financially.
Before becoming a prominent figure in the world of online gaming and streaming, Bonnell worked as a carpet cleaner. However, in 2011, he made the decision to pursue streaming video games full-time. He quickly gained a following with his sharp wit and biting commentary, especially while playing games like StarCraft II.
One of the pioneers of full-time online streaming, Bonnell gained over 500,000 followers on Twitch with his persona Destiny. He was known for his candid and unfiltered opinions on various topics, which set him apart from other streamers.
In 2016, Bonnell expanded his content to include live-streaming political debates. This marked a significant shift in his online persona, as he began sharing his views on political and social issues with his audience. Over the years, he has transitioned from being a libertarian to a social Democrat who still holds capitalist beliefs.
Bonnell's content has attracted a diverse audience, with many fans appreciating his thoughtful analysis and willingness to engage in challenging discussions.
Despite his public persona, Bonnell is known to keep his personal life relatively private. He has a son from a previous relationship and is currently in an open marriage with Swedish streamer Melina Göransson, whom he married in December 2021.
Known for his no-nonsense approach, Bonnell has gained a reputation for taking on trolls and right-wing personalities with equal parts fervor and composure. His ability to navigate contentious topics with grace and intelligence has earned him respect in both the gaming and political spheres.
Throughout his career, Bonnell has collaborated with various content creators and fellow streamers. One notable collaboration was with video game streamer Trihex on The DT Podcast from November 2018 to October 2019.
With over 750,000 subscribers on YouTube and 90,000 followers on Instagram, Bonnell continues to be a prominent figure in the online gaming and streaming community. While his ban from Twitch in 2021 may have been a setback, it has not deterred him from pursuing his passion for gaming and sharing his thoughts with his dedicated fanbase.
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