Darren Jason Watkins Jr., better known as IShowSpeed, has taken the internet by storm with his high-energy streaming, comedic reactions, and unfiltered personality. The 20-year-old YouTube sensation has amassed millions of followers worldwide, making him one of the most influential digital creators today. His South American tour, which included stops in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Peru, demonstrated the global power of online content creators, as massive crowds gathered in every country he visited.

However, his visit to Lima, Peru, proved to be one of the most memorable stops. In an unexpected turn of events, Speed was briefly named the honorary mayor of Lima, cementing his visit as one of the most unique and surreal moments of his career.

The Arrival: Lima Welcomes IShowSpeed

IShowSpeed arrived in Lima, Peru, on January 28, 2025, following his electrifying visits to Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. Each stop on his tour had already drawn enormous crowds, but his arrival in Peru was met with next-level enthusiasm.

From the moment he landed, it was clear that Speed had a massive following in the country. Hundreds of fans flooded the airport, chanting his name, waving signs, and even wearing Speed-inspired outfits. His presence sparked a city-wide frenzy, with fans eager to see their favorite streamer in person.

Exploring Lima: Gamarra, Street Food, and Peruvian Culture

As part of his Lima tour, Speed visited Gamarra, one of the largest commercial districts in Peru. Known for its bustling markets, fashion stores, and street vendors, Gamarra provided Speed with an authentic taste of daily life in Lima.

During his walk through the market, Speed interacted with local vendors, street performers, and enthusiastic fans, creating unforgettable moments that quickly went viral.

Sampling Peruvian Delicacies

One of the highlights of Speed’s visit was his introduction to Peruvian cuisine. As a well-known lover of food reactions, he enthusiastically tried several local delicacies, including:

•Ceviche – Peru’s national dish, consisting of fresh raw fish marinated in lime juice, chili peppers, onions, and cilantro. Speed’s reaction to the dish was a mix of surprise and delight, noting its bold and tangy flavors.

•Fried Cuy (Guinea Pig) – A traditional Andean dish, cuy is considered a delicacy in Peru. Speed’s reaction to eating guinea pig was priceless, sparking hilarious moments that instantly trended online.

•Salchipapa – A popular street food consisting of sliced sausages and crispy fries, topped with Peruvian sauces. Speed enjoyed this comfort food favorite, comparing it to some of his go-to fast foods back home.

•Inca Kola – Peru’s iconic yellow soda, known for its sweet and fruity flavor. Speed immediately took to Inca Kola, declaring it one of the best sodas he’s ever tried.

•King Kong Dessert – A famous Peruvian layered pastry filled with dulce de leche (manjar blanco) and fruit jams. Speed praised its rich, creamy, and crunchy textures, making it one of his favorite treats of the day.

His genuine and humorous reactions to the food made for great entertainment, further endearing him to Peruvian fans.

The Honorary Mayor Moment

The most surprising and historic moment of Speed’s trip came when he was invited to Lima’s Municipal Palace. In a formal ceremony, Lima’s mayor, Rafael López Aliaga, named IShowSpeed the honorary mayor of the city for two hours.

This once-in-a-lifetime event was both humorous and symbolic, highlighting the crossover between internet culture and real-world influence.

A Grand Ceremony at the Municipal Palace

During the ceremony, Speed was presented with an official Peruvian national football team jersey, customized with his name on the back. The mayor spoke about the impact of digital personalities like Speed, acknowledging the way social media and streaming have changed global communication.

As part of his mayoral duties, Speed addressed the crowds from the balcony of the palace, mimicking the way political figures traditionally address their people. His speech was lighthearted, funny, and full of excitement, leaving the audience cheering and laughing.

The fact that a YouTube streamer could be named mayor for two hours speaks volumes about the growing influence of digital creators in today’s society.

A City-Wide Celebration

After his honorary mayor title, Speed continued his exploration of Lima, participating in local traditions, engaging with fans, and learning more about Peruvian culture.

Dancing in the Streets

At one point, Speed joined a traditional Peruvian dance group, attempting to learn classic folk dance moves. His enthusiastic but clumsy dancing skills made for an entertaining and heartwarming moment, as locals cheered him on and helped him master the steps.

Meeting Local Businesses and Artisans

Speed also took time to visit local businesses and artisans, shining a spotlight on Lima’s vibrant economy and craftsmanship. He explored handmade goods, traditional clothing, and Peruvian souvenirs, showing genuine appreciation for the country’s culture.

The Power of Internet Culture in the Real World

IShowSpeed’s tour of Peru—and his brief stint as honorary mayor—serves as a powerful reminder of the influence digital creators now wield.

•A YouTube streamer being honored at a governmental level speaks to the massive global shift in media consumption.

•Millions of people now connect with influencers like Speed more than traditional celebrities.

•His visit boosted tourism, business, and awareness of Peruvian culture, all thanks to his ability to engage and entertain.

For many Peruvians, this was more than just a fun viral moment—it was a cultural exchange, allowing one of the internet’s biggest personalities to experience and celebrate their traditions.

Final Thoughts: The Legacy of Speed’s Peruvian Adventure

IShowSpeed’s visit to Lima, Peru, was an unforgettable moment in digital and cultural history. His ability to draw massive crowds, connect with people from different backgrounds, and entertain on a global scale proves that we are in a new era of influence—one where online creators have real-world impression.

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