FaZe Banks: Net Worth, Career Rise, and the $MLG Controversy Explained
2025-07-29
Known as one of the original faces of FaZe Clan, FaZe Banks has spent over a decade building his name in the gaming and creator community.
From racking up millions of YouTube views to leading one of the biggest esports organisations in the world, Banks, real name Richard Bengtson, has carved out a unique place in digital culture.
But recent events, including the fallout from a meme coin launch, have thrown his name back into the spotlight for the wrong reasons.
Here’s a detailed look at his net worth, how he built his career, and the controversy that’s causing him to step away from the internet, at least for now.
A $13 Million Net Worth Built on YouTube and FaZe Clan
As of 2025, FaZe Banks holds an estimated net worth of $13 million. That figure reflects over a decade of influence and brand building in the gaming and creator economy.
Banks began his YouTube career in 2011 under the name “BanksHasBank,” later dropping that handle in favour of the more recognisable FaZe Banks. His first major content centred around gameplay clips, primarily from the “Call of Duty” franchise.
By 2016, he had reached 1 million subscribers, and within just over a year, he crossed the 4 million mark. Today, his channel has over five million subscribers and 411 million total views.
His rise wasn’t just based on gameplay. Banks expanded into reaction videos, challenge content, and more lifestyle-focused uploads. One of his most viewed videos, a reaction to his former partner’s Vines, has earned over 16 million views.
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Much of his wealth also stems from FaZe Clan, the gaming collective he co-founded and helped scale into a global brand. As COO until 2022, Banks helped bring the group into mainstream culture, partnering with celebrities like Post Malone, Offset, and Lil Yachty.
FaZe Clan branched into esports titles beyond Call of Duty, including Fortnite and Overwatch, and earned a reputation as one of the most recognisable brands in competitive gaming.
Though he stepped back from his executive duties in 2022, Banks remained involved behind the scenes, until now.
From Viral Videos to Crypto Fallout: His Career and Public Image
Born Richard Bengtson on 18 October 1991 in Lawrence, Massachusetts, Banks moved to Florida at a young age. His father gifted him a Nintendo 64, sparking a lifelong love for gaming. He later graduated from Lowell High School in 2010.
In his early career, Banks became a prominent voice in the sniping and trickshotting communities online. Before co-founding FaZe Clan, he was the leader of SoaR, another gaming group. He quickly transitioned from player to content creator and eventually to entrepreneur.
Beyond YouTube and gaming, Banks dabbled in music, releasing his first single in 2017 titled “The FaZe Banks Song.” He has also worked as a producer and songwriter, adding to his creative portfolio.
But despite his success, Banks has been involved in several feuds and controversies. From a high-profile falling-out with Jake Paul to public bar incidents, he’s never been far from headlines.
His reputation for impulsive outbursts and a self-described “internet gangster” persona often clashed with the demands of leading a multimillion-dollar company. His latest controversy, however, may be the most serious yet.
In July 2025, Banks announced that he was stepping down from FaZe Clan after being tied to a failed cryptocurrency token known as $MLG. The token was promoted earlier in the year and experienced a sharp price spike followed by a crash.
Accusations of a “rug pull” began circulating online, with critics alleging that fans were misled into buying in before the collapse.
Banks denied any wrongdoing, calling the narrative “unfair” and “manipulated.” In a series of emotional posts, he said the backlash was ruining his life.
“I’ve never scammed anyone a day in my life,” he wrote on X. “The only reason I’m involved in this story is because of the FaZe name being farmed.”
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He further clarified that he had not sold any of his tokens, claiming he had actually invested a significant amount of his own money to build the project.
In leaked messages, Banks pinned the token’s failure on Adin Ross, another high-profile creator who was allegedly involved in the launch. Banks accused Ross of using his influence to push a narrative that shifted blame away from himself.
Despite the defence, Banks announced he would step away from not just FaZe Clan but also the internet entirely, citing damage to his mental health.
Relationships, Mental Health, and Life Behind the Scenes
Behind the fame, Banks has always been transparent about his personal struggles. He’s spoken openly about mental health and the pressures of maintaining a public identity.
In past interviews and social media posts, he’s encouraged fans to prioritise well-being and not to believe everything seen online.
In 2017, Banks began dating Alissa Violet, an Instagram influencer known for her past relationship with Jake Paul. Their relationship was heavily publicised and often made headlines.
One incident in Cleveland, where the two were allegedly involved in a nightclub altercation, became viral after Banks posted his version of the story online.
Read also: What is Rug Pulls in Crypto? Key Questions Answered
He’s also known for quirky traits, like the number “68” tattooed on his arm, which he says comes from a shared moment with his girlfriend at the time.
Over the years, Banks has built a reputation for being both volatile and loyal. While he’s quick to react online, he’s also shown remorse and has made efforts to explain his actions to his community.
As of now, he’s taken a step back from content, leaving behind a fanbase that still follows him closely, and a controversy that continues to develop.
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Conclusion
FaZe Banks is no stranger to controversy, but the recent collapse of the $MLG coin has pushed him to a breaking point.
Despite having built a $13 million empire through YouTube and FaZe Clan, his reputation has taken a hit. With accusations flying and relationships under strain, Banks has chosen to step away from the spotlight.
Whether or not he returns, his impact on the gaming and social media landscape remains significant. For those watching the crypto space and influencer economy, this saga serves as a cautionary tale.
For anyone trading crypto or looking for a secure platform, Bitrue offers an easier and safer way to manage your digital assets. As always, do your own research, and avoid getting caught in the hype.
FAQ
What is FaZe Banks’ net worth?
FaZe Banks has an estimated net worth of $13 million, earned through YouTube, FaZe Clan, and various digital ventures.
Why did FaZe Banks step down from FaZe Clan?
He stepped down after facing backlash over the failed $MLG coin project, which he claims was misrepresented and largely driven by others.
Was FaZe Banks involved in scamming fans?
Banks denies any involvement in scamming. He claims he never sold his tokens and blames others for spreading false narratives.
What is FaZe Banks’ real name?
His real name is Richard Bengtson. He was born in Massachusetts and raised in Florida.
Who is FaZe Banks dating?
Banks was previously in a public relationship with influencer Alissa Violet, though their current status is unknown.
Investor Caution
While the crypto hype has been exciting, remember that the crypto space can be volatile. Always conduct your research, assess your risk tolerance, and consider the long-term potential of any investment.
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