Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsi Tresko.
Hi Kelsi, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Hello! I’m Kelsi or Kelsiplays, a creator, streamer, and community-focused leader in the gaming and cosplay space. I began streaming on Twitch in 2014, starting with titles like CS:GO and RuneScape, and have since evolved into a variety streamer with a focus on gaming, cosplay, and fitness. I earned Twitch Affiliate at launch, but what mattered more than metrics was building a space where people genuinely felt safe, welcomed, and seen.
Over the years, my channel has grown into a diverse, supportive community, and I’ve been fortunate to stream with teams such as the Twitch Women’s Guild, Twitch Pride Guild, Alienware Hive, Team Kitty, and Twitch Kittens, while partnering with brands including Alienware, GFuel, AverMedia, HotTopic, and many more.
As the years have passed I have leaned deeper into cosplay, bringing characters from anime and games to life and making appearances as a panelist, host, guest, or judge at events.
By day, I am an Program Chair at a Dallas college teaching Game Design and Esports Management, and by night I stream, partnered with brands I genuinely believe in, that continue to champion a space where gaming is inclusive, cosplay is celebrated, and wellness matters just as much as wins. My journey has been shaped by passion, persistence, and the people. I’m excited more than ever for what the next chapter holds for me and my career.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Unfortunately no, but every challenge has shaped who I am as a creator and community leader.
Streaming for over a decade means I’ve experienced the full spectrum of what the internet can be. One of the biggest struggles has been navigating the realities of burnout, online harassment, and the pressure that comes with having an audience. That experience reshaped my content and my purpose. I began integrating fitness, wellness habits, and meal-prep streams to remind myself and my community that mental and physical health aren’t separate from gaming culture, they’re essential to surviving it.
I’ve also had to learn how to balance creativity with sustainability. There are periods of burnout, algorithm changes, and moments where growth stalls, which can make it difficult to stay motivated. Building a brand that blends gaming, cosplay, tech, and fitness has been rewarding, but it has also required constant adaptation, reinvention, and learning new skills on the fly.
Financial uncertainty was another challenge even with sponsorships and partnerships, creators often juggle multiple jobs, long hours, with inconsistent income. I’ve had to build everything one step at a time, especially as a one woman show. This is why I teach by day and create at night.
And, as a woman in gaming, I’ve encountered barriers that many women in the space know all too well, underestimation, safety concerns, and lack of representation. These experiences are a part of what motivated me to launch the Nerdygirl Network, so that others don’t have to navigate those obstacles alone.
Even with the challenges though, I wouldn’t change the journey. The ups and downs of life have taught me resilience, shaped my mission, and pushed me to continue to create a community that truly values inclusivity, positivity, and growth.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specializes in gaming, esports, cosplay, and tech-driven livestream content. My work spans multiple platforms, and across mediums.
Over the years, I’ve developed a multifaceted brand built around:
• Gaming streams – from competitive titles to niche indie releases and daily grinders
• Cosplay creation & character performances – guesting at cons, speaking on panels, hosting a show, or judging contests
• Tech-centered content – like PC building, hardware showcases, and tinkering with tech
• Fitness & wellness – that promote healthy habits like meal prepping, and mental health awareness
• Community-first events – charity streams, empowerment initiatives, movie premieres, co-streams, and esports tournaments
I’m proud of the partnerships I’ve earned with brands like Alienware, Epic Games, GFuel, AverMedia, Hot Topic, and more! These collaborations represent years of consistent work, authenticity, and trust in my creative vision.
My brand is equal parts nerdy, creative, and an uplifting place where you can watch a gaming session, vibe out to music, learn how to build a PC, talk about mental health, see a full cosplay transformation, jump into a meal-prep stream, unboxing the newest tech ‘n toys, or check out the lastest happenings in esports whether for collegiate or the pro scene. I treat my channel not just as content, but as a home for misfits who want to be a part of something positive.
At the end of the day, what truly defines my work is the mission behind it: to entertain, empower, and create a community where everyone feels like they belong.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
For any creators or businesses that want to work with me on your next project feel free to reach out at kelsiplaystwitch@gmail.com or if you just want to support you can follow me across social media @kelsiplays, twitch.tv/kelsi, discord.gg/kelsi, or beacons.ai/kelsi
Contact Info:
- Website: https://twitch.tv/kelsi
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/kelsiplays
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/kelsiplays
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/kelsiplays
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@kelsiplays
- Other: https://beacons.ai/kelsi
