Exclusive: Snax Gaming on Chasing Dreams, Virat Kohli, and the Future of Gaming

Hyderabad-born Raj Varma, better known as Snax Gaming, is one of the most sought-after gaming creators in the country today. Recently, he made headlines after meeting someone he had always dreamed of collaborating with — Virat Kohli. A proud and passionate fan of the cricket legend, Snax had exclusively told us, “If I ever got the chance to collaborate with Virat Kohli, I wouldn't need an elaborate shoot. Just one hug from him, captured on camera, would be a dream come true and the content of a lifetime.” In this exclusive conversation, Raj opens up about his content journey, fitness transformation, and so much more.

1. “Chicha” energy is iconic now—where did that catchphrase start, and did you ever expect it to become part of your identity?

Being born and raised in Hyderabad, the Hyderabadi energy has always been a part of who I am. I was that backbencher in school who loved cracking jokes, vibing with everyone, and bringing life to the room. That same spirit naturally carried over into my content. For me, ‘Chicha' is about being the fun, energetic elder brother who always has your back and brings a smile to your face. When fans call me that today, it feels like we're all part of one big family. Whether I'm on stream or off camera, I've always stayed true to that energy.

2. From esports athlete to full-time creator—what was the hardest part of that transition, and what made you take the leap?

Esports taught me discipline, structure, and the adrenaline of competition. But as I grew as a creator, I realised my connection with the audience was deeper than just gameplay. I could make people laugh, inspire them, and be a part of their everyday lives. Transitioning to full-time content creation came with new challenges such as constantly innovating, staying relevant, and pushing creative boundaries. It wasn't easy, but the impact I could have as a creator made the leap worthwhile.

3. You've broken the “lazy gamer” stereotype with your fitness routine, what drives you to stay consistent, and how has it changed your mindset as a creator?

Growing up, I was always the lean guy in school and often got picked on because of it. I used to watch fitness videos and dream of transforming myself. Once I started working out, I saw massive changes, not just physically but mentally too. I became more focused, confident, and motivated. When I entered the gaming world, I noticed hardly anyone talked about fitness, and I wanted to change that. Gamers can be strong, disciplined, and health-conscious. Once you start seeing the benefits, consistency becomes second nature. Fitness has become a huge part of my life and message as a creator.

Photo Credit: Instagram

4. You bought your dream bike through gaming—what does that moment mean to you, and what would you tell your younger self watching Shin-Chan at home?

That moment meant a lot to me on so many levels. I come from a humble middle-class background and grew up watching my parents make sacrifices every single day. That stayed with me. As a kid, I made a promise to myself that I would change things for them. So yes, buying my dream bike was an amazing feeling — but more than that, it represented everything I had worked for. Today, my parents live a comfortable life, and that's my biggest win. It's a feeling that's hard to put into words. If I could talk to my younger self, I'd simply say, 'You did it. You made it happen. And this is just the beginning.'

Photo Credit: Instagram

5. What's one thing people completely misunderstand about gaming creators in India?

A lot of people think we just play games and get paid for it. But that's only the tip of the iceberg. Behind every stream, there are hours of planning, scripting, setting up, travelling for events, editing, and managing communities. It's a full-time job, with zero days off if you're really in it. From brand collaborations to fan engagement to staying consistent across platforms, it takes hustle, creativity, and enormous amounts of discipline. We might make it look fun, but there's a lot that goes into building and sustaining a creator career.

6. Gaming content has blown up—but where do you see it heading next in India, especially for creators like yourself?

We've only scratched the surface. Gaming is becoming more mainstream every year, and I believe we'll see even more crossovers with sports, music, and entertainment. Esports will continue to grow, but storytelling is going to matter more than ever. Audiences want to connect with our real lives such as our struggles, our wins, and the journey behind the screen. Regional creators, especially those from non-metro cities, will play a major role in shaping the next wave. We'll also see increased interest from brands across different industries, and gaming creators will continue rising as the next generation of celebrities.

7. A message for all the aspiring gaming creators?

Always have a backup plan. Gaming is an exciting field, but it's also unpredictable. Don't just chase fame, build your skills, stay grounded, and never stop learning. Stay consistent, be yourself, and give it your all. If you're passionate and ready to put in the work, it can change your life.