Streamer University starts July 15, and one of its newest members is Marlon, also known as Mar3LG across platforms including YouTube and Twitch. Born in Malmö, Sweden, Marlon has become one of streaming’s fastest-rising stars.
Streamer University founder Kai Cenat (possibly foolishly) challenged Marlon to an ab-off when his name was announced as part of the second class of the live-streamed creator boot camp. While Cenat’s abs were impressive, Marlon’s looked like they were carved by the gods themselves.
Marlon started creating content at 13, took a break at 18 to pursue basketball, and has been committed to streaming ever since. And it’s paid off. “The past two years now, it went from straight up, very, very, very fast. Everything came kind of charging at me,” he told EBONY. “But it was what I prayed for, so it’s a blessing, and I gotta handle it as best as I can.”
If getting one Marlon fix isn’t enough over the upcoming five continuous days of streaming at the University, take a week’s breather and then jump back in for Mar3LG, round two. He’s one of the contestants in State Farm’s Gamerhood, which launches its fifth season on July 31.
The competition is a match of wits and physical skill, which seems tailor-made for someone who spent years on the basketball court. But Marlon quickly learned athleticism would only get him so far. “It’s helped me, but not that much because the competition is more about IQ things, which I didn’t know about,” he said with a chuckle.
Owning up to his limitations actually helped Marlon prepare even more because he’s not taking an L. “I wouldn’t come here if I didn’t expect to win. So, yeah, I’m competing for sure.”
Like any competition, there was plenty of bad mouthing. “I had a rough few days here with a lot of trash talk from all the people and stuff. It’s competitive, but I like it.”
One of his biggest competitors is IShowSpeed, who’s also competing this season. “He also has a lot of athletic-like background,” Marlon pointed out, which puts the two on similar footing when it comes to the physical challenges.
Competition isn’t the only arena where Marlon shines. He started modeling before streaming took off, but these days he’s doing it on an entirely different level, having walked Paris Fashion Week and London Fashion Week. His growing profile has also landed him opportunities outside gaming, including an appearance in Mariah Carey’s “Type Dangerous” music video. “I started modeling before I even started streaming,” he shared.
Despite spending plenty of time in designer looks, Marlon says his off-duty uniform is much simpler. “If I’m off camera or something like that, I’m in sweats. You know, I don’t really do too much,” he admitted. “But I do think it’s important how you look, how people perceive you.”
That’s why he’s always got these three things in his suitcase: “Number one is floss, always. If I don’t get floss, I’m done for. Toothbrush, and I’m gonna go with deodorant.”
As Marlon’s platform continues to grow, he says one thing hasn’t changed: his desire to inspire young Black boys who see themselves in him.
“My father is Nigerian and Swedish, and my mother is Spanish and Swedish. With my background, I feel like I can always be on everybody’s side in a way. But I think it’s very, very important to speak to Black people and children. I think a lot of the time you can be seen in a certain way, and people can be discouraged if they don’t see Black creators doing well. Seeing my story—where I come from—I think it means a lot. So, I just gotta make sure I keep that up and keep inspiring.”
As for what’s next after these two high-profile projects, Marlon is continuing to build his brand. “I have a female fashion brand coming out, and I’ll continue to just focus on my streaming first and then just see where that takes me.”
But he wouldn’t mind adding another title to his résumé. “I would love to go into acting,” he exclaimed.
Considering how much he resembles our EBONY Young Hollywood recipient Tyriq Withers, someone may eventually have to answer the question: Could mar3LG be cast as the actor’s brother?
“Oh, I’ve heard that before,” Marlon replied with a laugh. “Yeah, cool.”