Nigerian content creator and livestreamer Habeeb Hamzat, popularly known as Peller, has criticised the organisers of the 2026 Streamer Awards over their handling of the Best International Streamer category.
The streamer expressed dissatisfaction after losing the award to Indian content creator Ashswag, questioning why the winner was announced on the red carpet instead of during the main ceremony.
Peller addressed the controversy in a video circulating online, while a separate statement reported by Daily Post on Friday, November 13, detailed his complaints about the award presentation.
Peller questions award organisers
The content creator argued that nominees in the Best International Streamer category deserved the same recognition given to competitors in other categories.
According to him, announcing the international category’s winner before the main event denied nominees an opportunity to receive recognition during the ceremony.
Peller described the arrangement as unfair, arguing that international content creators should not be treated differently from their counterparts competing in other categories.
“We deserved the same recognition and respect,” he stated.
However, the Nigerian streamer clarified that his dissatisfaction was directed at the organisers’ decision rather than Ashswag, who emerged victorious.
“This is not about disrespecting the winner,” he added, maintaining that his concern was equal treatment for all award categories.
Ashswag beats Peller, Carter Efe
The 2026 Streamer Awards took place in Los Angeles, United States, on Thursday, November 12.
Ashswag defeated Peller and fellow Nigerian streamer Carter Efe to claim the Best International Streamer award.
Other nominees included Polish content creator Young Multi and Cuban streamer Staryuuki.
The nominations had generated considerable interest among Nigerian social media users, who supported both local creators ahead of the ceremony.
The competition’s voting arrangement combined public participation with assessments from industry panellists.
According to the announced voting format, public votes accounted for 70 per cent of the result, while industry panellists contributed the remaining 30 per cent.
Peller appreciates supporters
Despite missing out on the award, Peller expressed gratitude to fans who voted and campaigned for him.
In a statement shared after the ceremony, he described his nomination as an important achievement and maintained that the support he received meant more than winning a trophy.
He thanked his followers for their loyalty and encouragement throughout the competition.
The streamer also assured supporters that the setback would not discourage him from pursuing further achievements.
He maintained that the experience had strengthened his determination to continue growing his career.
Nigerian streamers attract international attention
Peller and Carter Efe’s nominations represented another milestone for Nigeria’s growing livestreaming industry.
Both entertainers have built significant audiences through interactive broadcasts, online collaborations and entertainment content.
Their appearance on the international shortlist attracted attention to Nigerian creators competing on global streaming platforms.
Meanwhile, American content creator iShowSpeed won the ceremony’s biggest award, Streamer of the Year, for the third consecutive year.
The latest controversy has renewed discussions about the recognition of international content creators at global entertainment award ceremonies.
As of the available reports, the Streamer Awards organisers had not publicly responded to Peller’s complaints about the presentation of the international category.
