FaZe Banks Bio: Age, Height, Real Name, FaZe Clan CEO, Career, Net Worth, CORE, Crypto Controversy & Facts

FaZe Banks is one of the most influential figures in gaming and internet culture, a towering YouTuber and entrepreneur who helped transform a Call of Duty trick-shot clan into a global lifestyle brand—only to watch it collapse amid crypto controversies and creator revolts in 2025. Born Richard Bengston in Massachusetts and raised in Florida, he parlayed a love for Nintendo 64 and Call of Duty into a multi-million-dollar empire, becoming the face of FaZe Clan through its highest highs and lowest lows. At 34 years old in 2026, he is navigating a post-FaZe reality, hosting a cryptocurrency podcast and taking public accountability for the organization’s implosion while a new generation of his former creators builds something fresh without him.

Quick Facts

Early Life & Education

Richard Bengston was born on October 18, 1991, in Lawrence, Massachusetts . When he was seven years old, his family relocated to Lowell, Florida, a small city in the northern part of the state where he would spend his formative years . His father introduced him to gaming on the very first day the Nintendo 64 launched, teaching him to play Super Mario 64—a moment Banks credits with sparking his lifelong passion for video games .

Banks attended Lowell High School, graduating in 2010 . He did not pursue college, instead channeling his energy into gaming and content creation. Before his YouTube career took off, he served as the leader of a Call of Duty team called SoaR, honing the competitive gaming instincts that would later define his business approach .

Career Journey

YouTube Origins and FaZe Clan Entry (2011–2013)

In September 2011, Banks launched his YouTube channel under the name “BanksHasBank” before rebranding to “FaZe Banks” . His early content focused on Call of Duty gameplay, trick shots, and engaging commentary that quickly attracted a dedicated audience . In 2013, he joined FaZe Clan, then a rising esports and content organization specializing in first-person shooters, particularly Call of Duty . His arrival marked a turning point for both his personal brand and the organization.

The Clout House and CloutGang Era (2014–2019)

In 2014, Banks and FaZe Clan co-founder Thomas “Temperrr” Oliveira established the first FaZe shared content house in Plainview, New York, pioneering the “creator house” model that would dominate YouTube culture for the next decade . In 2017, Banks helped form CloutGang, a rival collective to Jake Paul’s Team 10, positioning himself as a central figure in the influencer wars that defined mid-2010s YouTube .

During this period, Banks became known as an “internet gangster”—a persona blending gaming credibility with hip-hop culture and entrepreneurial ambition . He also explored music production, composing, and songwriting, though these pursuits remained secondary to his gaming empire .

Leadership of FaZe Clan (2020–2025)

As FaZe Clan evolved from a YouTube clan into a publicly traded entertainment conglomerate, Banks ascended to the roles of Chief Operating Officer and later Chief Executive Officer . Under his leadership, FaZe expanded into multiple gaming titles, merchandise, and mainstream entertainment partnerships. However, the organization’s attempt to go public via SPAC merger in 2022 backfired when investor support failed to materialize, leading to a sale to esports company GameSquare .

In May 2024, GameSquare announced the formation of FaZe Media, a creator-led internet media company led by Banks as CEO, spun off from the esports division (FaZe Esports) . Banks acquired a 25.5% stake in FaZe Media and recruited a new generation of streamers including Adapt, Lacy, JasonTheWeen, Silky, and Stable Ronaldo . The reboot initially showed promise, with FaZe winning Best Content Organization at the 2024 Streamer Awards .

The Collapse (2025)

The FaZe Media experiment unraveled rapidly in 2025. On March 31, 2025, GameSquare divested its remaining 25.5% stake in FaZe Media . On July 28, 2025, Banks stepped down as CEO following accusations that he had scammed fans through a meme cryptocurrency coin called $MLG .

The final blow came on December 25, 2025, when the majority of FaZe’s creator roster—including Adapt, JasonTheWeen, Lacy, Silky, Stable Ronaldo, Apex, Swagg, Rug, and others—announced their departure from the organization . By December 27, FaZe Media officially shut down, leaving only FaZe Esports as the surviving entity .

Post-FaZe and “Market Bubble” Podcast (2026)

In 2026, Banks pivoted to cryptocurrency-focused content, launching a weekly podcast called “Market Bubble” centered on crypto markets . When his former creators announced the formation of CORE—a new creator group with a $20 million content house—on April 30, 2026, Banks was notably absent . Instead, he uploaded a cryptic Stranger Things-inspired trailer showing teens exploring an abandoned FaZe house .

During a live stream, Banks took full accountability for FaZe’s collapse: “I have to fully take accountability and accept that that’s where I went wrong in this. That’s where I f**ked up… I sold the boys a dream on FaZe being the biggest thing ever” . He acknowledged that his lifelong habit of ignoring contracts and “boring” business details ultimately doomed the venture .

Career Stats

Personal Life

Relationship with Alissa Violet

Banks began dating social media influencer and model Alissa Violet in 2017, shortly after her explosive breakup from Jake Paul . The couple became one of YouTube’s most visible power pairs, frequently collaborating on content and sharing their relationship with millions of followers. They lived together and were widely expected to marry before their highly publicized breakup in July 2019 .

Violet accused Banks of cheating on her with multiple women, and the split was described by Banks himself as “awful” and “brutal” . On Logan Paul’s IMPAULSIVE podcast in 2022, Banks stated: “I do not miss our relationship. No. No. You couldn’t f**king pay me enough money in the world to do it again” . Despite the acrimonious end, the two eventually rekindled a friendship. In February 2025, Banks denied viral rumors of a reunion, tweeting: “Absolutely not. Love her to death though, that’s my family forever” .

As of April 2026, Alissa Violet is in a relationship with Ryan Pownall, a YouTuber who was arrested following an alleged altercation with Violet .

Current Status

Banks is unmarried and has no children. He maintains a relatively private personal life compared to his earlier years, focusing his public energy on business commentary and cryptocurrency content.

Controversies

Alissa Violet Cheating Allegations (2019)

The breakup with Alissa Violet damaged Banks’ public image when Violet publicly accused him of infidelity. Banks admitted the relationship ended poorly but has maintained respect for Violet in subsequent years .

Jake Paul Feuds

Banks was embroiled in multiple feuds with Jake Paul, particularly during the Team 10 vs. CloutGang era. These conflicts generated millions of views but also cemented his reputation as a drama-prone figure in the influencer space.

$MLG Crypto Coin Scandal (2025)

In July 2025, Banks stepped down as FaZe Clan CEO amid accusations that he had scammed fans through the $MLG meme coin, a cryptocurrency project tied to the FaZe brand . The allegations suggested that promotional tactics misled retail investors, contributing to the erosion of trust that preceded the December 2025 creator exodus.

FaZe Clan Collapse and Creator Exodus

The December 2025 mass departure of FaZe’s content creators—described by Bloomberg as stemming from contract disputes and an ultimatum from investor Matt Kalish—represented one of the most dramatic implosions in creator economy history . Banks’ admission that he “f**ked up” by neglecting business operations and contracts validated criticism that FaZe’s leadership prioritized hype over sustainability .

Awards & Achievements

• FaZe Clan Co-Founder — Instrumental in building one of gaming’s most recognizable brands
• CloutGang Co-Founder (2017) — Influential creator collective
• Best Content Organization — 2024 Streamer Awards (FaZe Clan)
• YouTube Milestone — 4.88 million+ subscribers; 400+ million views

Physical Statistics

Quotes

“I have to fully take accountability and accept that that’s where I went wrong in this. That’s where I f**ked up. I wish I could plead ignorance… my entire career, I’ve ignored contracts and deals, I’ve signed bad deals… I haven’t paid attention to this ‘boring’ stuff, ’cause ‘that’s not me.’ But I assume this role of CEO, I sold the boys a dream on FaZe being the biggest thing ever.”
— On FaZe Clan’s collapse, April 2026

“Absolutely not. Love her to death though, that’s my family forever.”
— Denying reunion rumors with Alissa Violet, February 2025

“I do not miss our relationship. No. No. You couldn’t f**king pay me enough money in the world to do it again. But I wouldn’t change it. I wouldn’t undo it.”
— On his relationship with Alissa Violet, 2022

Favorites

• Gaming Franchise: Call of Duty
• Console: Nintendo 64 (his first)
• Cities: Lowell, Florida (hometown); Los Angeles (current)
• Business Focus: Cryptocurrency, creator economy
• Podcast: “Market Bubble” (his own)
• Past Collaboration: CloutGang
• Fashion: Streetwear, hats

Earnings

FaZe Banks’ estimated net worth is $13 million . His wealth derives from YouTube ad revenue, FaZe Clan equity and executive compensation, brand partnerships, music production, and cryptocurrency investments. At the peak of FaZe Clan’s valuation, his stake was worth significantly more, though the 2024–2025 collapse likely reduced his paper wealth substantially.

Interesting Facts

• Banks’ father bought him a Nintendo 64 on its launch day, introducing him to gaming .
• Before FaZe, he led a Call of Duty team called SoaR .
• He is also a music producer, composer, and songwriter .
• He helped pioneer the creator house model in 2014 with the first FaZe shared house in New York .
• In 2026, former FaZe creators formed CORE (Create, Own, Run, Everything) with a $20 million content house—Banks is not a member but has expressed support for their mission .
• The CORE YouTube channel hit 100,000 subscribers in just seven hours before being temporarily terminated by automated security flags .
• He claims a height of 6 feet 5 inches, though most evidence suggests he is closer to 6’3″ to 6’4″ .

Did You Know Already?

• Banks and Alissa Violet’s breakup in 2019 was partly fueled by revelations that Banks had once been involved with Tana Mongeau, who was engaged to Jake Paul—Alissa’s ex .
• FaZe Clan’s attempt to go public via SPAC in 2022 was one of the first major creator economy IPO attempts .
• Banks stepped down as CEO just five months before FaZe Media completely shut down .
• His “Market Bubble” podcast focuses specifically on cryptocurrency markets, a pivot from gaming content .

Social Media Links

• YouTube: FaZe Banks (4.88M+ subscribers)
• X (Twitter): @Banks
• Instagram: @banks
• Twitch: Available via search

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is FaZe Banks?
FaZe Banks was born on October 18, 1991, making him 34 years old as of 2026 .

What is FaZe Banks’ real name?
His real name is Richard “Ricky” Bengston (also spelled Bengtson) .

How tall is FaZe Banks?
He claims to be 6 feet 5 inches, though most evidence and comparisons suggest he is approximately 6 feet 3 to 6 feet 4 inches (190–193 cm) .

What is FaZe Banks’ net worth?
His estimated net worth is $13 million .

Is FaZe Banks still in FaZe Clan?
No. He stepped down as CEO in July 2025, and FaZe Media shut down in December 2025. FaZe Esports continues under different ownership, but Banks is no longer affiliated .

Who is FaZe Banks’ girlfriend?
As of 2026, FaZe Banks is not publicly linked to anyone. His most famous relationship was with Alissa Violet (2017–2019) .

What happened to FaZe Clan in 2025?
FaZe Media collapsed after Banks stepped down amid crypto scam allegations, followed by a mass creator exodus in December 2025 and the shutdown of FaZe Media .

What is CORE?
CORE (Create, Own, Run, Everything) is a new creator group formed in April 2026 by former FaZe members including Adapt, Lacy, JasonTheWeen, Silky, and Stable Ronaldo, operating out of a $20 million content house .

What is FaZe Banks doing now?
In 2026, Banks hosts a cryptocurrency podcast called “Market Bubble” and creates content independently .

Conclusion

FaZe Banks’ story is a cautionary tale about the volatility of internet fame and the creator economy. He helped build FaZe Clan from a bedroom-based Call of Duty clan into a global brand worth hundreds of millions, pioneered the creator house model, and dominated YouTube gaming culture for a decade. Yet his reluctance to engage with the “boring” details of contracts and business operations—by his own admission—contributed to one of the most dramatic collapses in digital entertainment history. At 34, Banks is attempting a reinvention as a crypto commentator and podcaster, even as his former protégés build CORE without him. Whether he can stage another comeback or remains a symbol of creator economy excess, his impact on gaming culture is indelible.

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