The “speed” moniker was put to the ultimate test this weekend as the IShowSpeed cheetah race became the highlight of the streamer’s ongoing 28-day Africa tour. On January 3, 2026, Darren Watkins Jr., popularly known as IShowSpeed, uploaded footage to his YouTube channel showing him competing in a foot race against a real-life cheetah in South Africa.
The high-stakes stunt featured Speed, shirtless and in athletic gear, lining up next to a caged cheetah. As the gates opened, the 20-year-old internet sensation sprinted with everything he had, while the cheetah capable of reaching speeds up to 75 mph was released alongside him. While the IShowSpeed cheetah race predictably ended with the big cat comfortably crossing the finish line first, the streamer’s reaction was pure entertainment. High on adrenaline, Speed shouted his signature “I am Speed!” catchphrase and hilariously questioned the results, asking his crew, “I won?!”
The video quickly amassed millions of views, with fans praising Speed’s fearlessness or questioning his sanity during his stay in Johannesburg. This race follows a viral challenge issued by MrBeast last year and marks one of the most daring moments of his tour, which has already seen him play a 1v100 football match in Angola and meet fans in Mozambique. Despite the “loss” to the feline, Speed’s athletic prowess continues to impress, especially following his record-breaking NBA combined sprint time earlier this year.
