Buzz
Since its inception 15 years ago (time flies, doesn’t it?), YouTube has been a hub for bold experimentation. Creators on this platform share their wildest ideas with a global audience. However, with recent policy updates, the volume of such daring content has seen a decline. Below is a curated list of channels where creators break the mold, pushing the limits of creativity—and sometimes sanity—all while risking their lives for the sake of entertainment.
10. Hot Ones - Spicy Food Adventures, 8.16 Million Subscribers
Kicking off our list is a fan-favorite. On his show “First We Feast,” host Sean Evans sits down with celebrities as they tackle increasingly spicy chicken wings. The heat intensifies with each round, and not every guest can handle the burn. The result? A mix of laughter, sweat, and unforgettable moments.
This channel is undoubtedly the most light-hearted and widely loved on our list. While spicy food has its enthusiasts, the effects of certain chili peppers can be brutal. Capsaicin, the active component in chilies, can trigger severe reactions like stomach pain, vomiting, and even diarrhea. These outcomes are often hilariously showcased on the show—yes, even the less glamorous ones (we’re talking about you, Bobby Lee).
In 2019, a tragic incident occurred in the UK where a man reportedly lost his life after eating an extremely hot fish cake. The intense heat burned his throat, leading to fatal asphyxiation.
9. Furious Pete - Competitive Eating, 5.15 Million Subscribers
Competitive eating predates YouTube by decades, so it’s no surprise that this extreme sport found its way onto the platform. Peter Czerwinski, a record-holder in the Guinness World Records for competitive eating, has turned his talent into a thriving YouTube channel. Watching others devour massive amounts of food always leaves me craving a snack.
One of his most jaw-dropping feats includes consuming a pizza the size of a dining table and an 11-pound jar of Nutella in a single sitting. However, these eating challenges aren’t all fun and games. Some contests are downright grueling to witness. For more insights, check out our list 10 Unappetising Facts About Eating Contests. Overeating poses serious health risks, such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. In a recent tragedy, a woman in Australia died during an eating contest after consuming an excessive amount of lamingtons, a beloved Australian dessert almost as tasty as New Zealand’s pavlova!
8. Mustang Wanted - High-Altitude Stunts, 295 Thousand Subscribers
As one viewer aptly put it in a comment on his video: “This guy’s courage is unmatched.” Remember those viral high-altitude clips from a while back? The terrifying footage of Russian kids dangling off skyscrapers without any safety gear, risking their lives? Pavlo Gennadiyovich Ushivets has built his YouTube channel around defying every survival instinct humanity has developed over the last 200,000 years.
It’s almost unnecessary to point out how fatal a fall from the 1,356-foot-tall Princess Tower in Dubai would be. Yet, Pavlo remains unfazed, as this iconic skyscraper is just one of many structures he scales and dangles from without any safety equipment. In a world where people lose their lives taking selfies, Pavlo’s daring feats truly set him apart.
7. StreetBeefs - Amateur MMA Fights, 1.39 Million Subscribers
Back in its early days, YouTube was dominated by cat videos and, of course, street fights. Longtime internet users might recall Kimbo Slice, the legendary backyard brawler who sadly passed away in 2016. Back then, the grainy video quality often masked the brutality of the fights.
Today, MMA remains a popular category on YouTube, and the high-definition footage makes the fights even more intense. StreetBeefs is one of the most prominent amateur fight organizers on the platform, showcasing raw, unfiltered brawls between competitors. While fatalities in MMA are rare and none have occurred on StreetBeefs, at least 15 deaths were reported in similar competitions in 2019.
6. skippy62able - Inhaling Substances, 2.52 Million Subscribers
This entry is undoubtedly one of the strangest on our list. While we all know alcohol should be consumed responsibly, the term “consume” typically brings “drinking” to mind, not “inhaling.” Kevin Thomas Strahle, a competitive eater, took an unconventional approach to gain attention by inhaling substances like alcohol, soda, and other carbonated drinks.
In his recent videos, Kevin has expressed frustration over YouTube restricting the visibility of his content, deeming it unsuitable for advertisers. This time, we agree with YouTube’s stance, as this activity is highly hazardous. Beyond the usual risks of alcohol consumption, inhaling it can lead to overdose, lung damage, and addiction. It’s also evident that Kevin endures significant discomfort during these stunts. His channel revolves around consuming bizarre items—ranging from an entire cactus to a 20-year-old bottle of Crystal Pepsi (with a strong vomiting warning attached).
5. PaulsGear - Motorcycle Adventures, 8.61 Thousand Subscribers
The thrill of riding a motorcycle is unparalleled, almost spiritual for some. However, most riders rarely exceed speeds of 80 mph (around 120 km/h), or slightly more if they’re particularly daring. Speed limits exist for a reason—no safety measures can fully protect you from the devastating consequences of a high-speed motorcycle crash.
However, YouTuber PaulsGear (whose real name remains a mystery) showcases himself riding at jaw-dropping speeds of 186 mph (approximately 300 km/h) on his channel. Such speeds are only legally achievable on the autobahn, Germany’s highways with sections that have no speed limits. PaulsGear often conceals his identity with a motorcycle helmet, though it’s doubtful the helmet would offer much protection in a crash at his preferred velocity.
4. BlueWorldTV - Marine Exploration, 632 Thousand Subscribers
While many consider space the final frontier, the ocean remains equally uncharted. Only about 5% of our oceans have been explored and mapped, which is surprising given that water covers roughly 70% of our planet. To address this gap and educate viewers, marine biologist Jonathan Bird created his channel, dedicated to underwater exploration. His videos feature close encounters with various sharks, sea snakes, and octopuses.
Beyond the risks posed by marine life, scuba diving comes with its own set of dangers, including drowning, decompression sickness, and arterial air embolism. The latter occurs when air bubbles form in a diver’s arteries during ascent, blocking blood flow—essentially causing the blood to “boil” in the veins. While Jonathan is a seasoned diver who prioritizes safety, the average person should think twice before attempting such daring underwater adventures.
3. Brave Wilderness - Stings and Bites, 15.6 Million Subscribers
And now, our number one! Sparking interest in science and nature is no small feat. While field trips can help, few are willing to go to the lengths Nathaniel “Coyote” Peterson, a wildlife educator, has gone to for his cause. Being bitten or stung by an insect can be so traumatic that the Schmidt sting pain index was created to quantify an experience words can’t fully capture.
Only someone truly daring would willingly endure such pain, right? On his channel, Coyote has been stung by nearly every creature he could find. In fact, he’s already been stung by four animals featured on our list of the Top 10 Most Horrifyingly Painful Venoms.
2. drugslab - Experimenting with Drugs, 1.03 Million Subscribers
Ah, the Netherlands. As you might know, their drug policies are more relaxed compared to most countries (we’re venturing into controversial territory here). On their channel, Nellie Benner, Rens Polman, and Bastiaan Rosman experiment with various substances, including cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy, speed, and LSD. All three are young, attractive, and engage in activities ranging from amusing to downright reckless while under the influence.
You’d expect this channel to face heavy censorship, right? Not in the Netherlands. The project is backed by BNNVARA, a Dutch public broadcaster, aiming to raise awareness about drug abuse and responsible use. Their vital signs, like heart rate and body temperature, are monitored for safety. Still, no precaution can completely eliminate the risk of overdose.
1. Göran Winblad - Ultra Marathon, 3.1 Thousand Subscribers
Can you complete a 5K (3.1 miles)? Great! How about a 10K (5.2 miles)? That’s impressive, but it’s only a quarter of a marathon’s distance, which spans 42.2 km (26.2 miles). Running a marathon demands peak physical fitness and months of training. However, ultramarathon runners take it even further, tackling distances of 50K (31 miles) or more, with some races reaching up to 100 miles. Despite the benefits of running, the human body isn’t built to endure such extremes.
The health consequences of running such distances without rest include nausea, vomiting, organ damage, and a weakened immune system. Research has shown that ultramarathons can be more harmful than beneficial to one’s health.
