YouTuber Jimmy Donaldson, widely known as MrBeast, has tied the knot with South African gamer and esports commentator Thea Booysen. The couple celebrated their marriage in a picturesque ceremony on Richard Branson’s private Necker Island in July 2026. The event brought together a close circle of friends and family in a week-long celebration filled with various activities, including kitesurfing, snorkelling, and even feeding lemurs.
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MrBeast and Booysen’s romance blossomed after they met during his trip to South Africa in 2022. Their first encounter was somewhat serendipitous, stemming from a dinner invitation where they discovered a shared interest in gaming, neuroscience and content creation. Booysen recalled that they struck up an engaging conversation, which led to MrBeast pursuing a more personal relationship.

Reflecting on their journey, Booysen remarked to PEOPLE that their union felt like a natural progression in a relationship that was always oriented towards marriage. “Since we started dating, we’ve had marriage in sight,” she said. “This is really just a formality; the world now knows we’re married.” For her, their partnership was built on solid foundations, and the formality of the wedding was merely a public acknowledgment of their commitment to each other.
In 2024, MrBeast proposed to Booysen on Christmas Day, marking a significant milestone in their love story. “In my mind, we’re already married,” she told PEOPLE, underscoring the deep connection and future plans they had discussed, which included thoughts of children and a long life together.
Professionally, Thea Booysen is a force in her own right. Not only is she a noted gamer, known as TheaBeasty, but she has also made her mark as an esports commentator. Her gaming career commenced in 2016, and she co-owns the South African esports organisation Nixuh. Booysen is also academically accomplished, holding a law degree and an honours degree in psychology from Stellenbosch University. She furthered her education by earning a master’s degree in neuropsychology from the University of Edinburgh, a testament to her dedication to learning and growth.
Moreover, Booysen is a published author. Her debut novel, “The Marked Children,” was released in 2022 after years of dedicated work. The book, a product of her passion for creative writing, was a culmination of her high school efforts and her journey through university. She expressed her joy at seeing her work transitioned from digital formats to print, describing it as a surreal experience.
The couple initially navigated the complexities of a long-distance relationship following their first encounter. After their initial meeting, MrBeast made efforts to visit Booysen again, underscoring his commitment to getting to know her better. Their long-distance dynamic shifted in 2024, when Booysen confirmed they had moved in together, splitting their time between the United States and South Africa.
Throughout their relationship, Booysen has publicly supported MrBeast during challenging times, especially when he faced scrutiny over past controversies. Even amid the backlash from some quarters regarding his conduct and workplace allegations, she remained steadfastly by his side. In August 2024, she defended him in a social media post, stating that much of what was reported about him was not true and emphasising the importance of being a good person.
In summary, the marriage of MrBeast and Thea Booysen marks the culmination of a love story that has captured the interest of many. Their partnership is not only a blend of shared passions in gaming and content creation but also reflects a commitment to personal growth and mutual support. With their wedding, the couple celebrated a significant new chapter in their lives, surrounded by loved ones on a breathtaking island setting, embodying the joy and excitement that comes with a lifelong promise. As they embark on this journey together, fans are eager to see how their love will continue to evolve.
