From Double European Champion to 800K Twitch Following: A Decade of Competitive Card Gaming
When you think of competitive Hearthstone, one name consistently rises to the top. Thijs Molendijk, better known simply as Thijs, built his reputation not just as a tournament champion but as one of the most dedicated content creators in the card game community. The Dutch streamer has been grinding Hearthstone since 2013, and his journey from aspiring competitor to full-time broadcaster tells the story of esports' evolution over the past decade.
What makes Thijs stand out is his relentless competitive spirit paired with genuine relatability. He earned back-to-back European Championship titles in 2015 and 2016, achievements that would define most players' entire careers. But instead of resting on those laurels, he doubled down on content creation. His Twitch channel has grown to nearly 800,000 followers, built on a foundation of consistent streaming and high-level gameplay. He streams roughly 60 hours per month these days, usually catching viewers during European morning and afternoon hours.
The path to becoming a full-time streamer wasn't exactly smooth sailing. Like many early esports professionals, Thijs faced skepticism from his parents when he first pitched the idea of going pro. He's spoken about calling his mother every evening during his first tournament trip to Sweden, both nervous and excited about this unconventional career path. But he played it smart—continuing his education while competing, eventually earning a degree in Business Economics in 2016 before committing to streaming full-time.
His competitive resume is impressive, with over half a million dollars in tournament earnings and a spot in Hearthstone's premier Grandmasters league. One moment that perfectly captures his dedication: during the 2020 Season 2 Playoffs, Thijs competed from a hospital bed after a medical emergency. Despite the pain and inability to adjust his lineup, he fought his way to the finals. Though he fell short of the World Championship that time, the display of pure competitive drive became legendary in the community.
These days at 31, Thijs represents a maturing generation of esports athletes who've successfully transitioned from pure competition to content creation. His streams blend high-level strategic play with the accessibility that newer players appreciate. He's been with G2 Esports for nearly a decade, one of the longest-running player partnerships in competitive gaming. For anyone interested in Hearthstone—whether you're chasing legend rank or just enjoy watching someone who's mastered the game—Thijs offers a masterclass in both gameplay and how to build a sustainable career in streaming.