Jimmy Donaldson, known to the world as MrBeast, and Thea Booysen have become one of YouTube's most talked-about couples. Their love story began in early 2022 in South Africa, where a canceled filming trip turned into a fortuitous meeting that would change both their lives. From their shared love of gaming to MrBeast's immediate eagerness to propose, here's a complete look at how they met, fell for each other, and got engaged.
A Chance Encounter at a South African Dinner
The pair first met in Booysen's home country while MrBeast was visiting to film with Logan Paul and Casey Neistat. The original plan was to shoot a video in Antarctica, but everyone got COVID, forcing them to extend their stay. During the delay, a mutual friend invited MrBeast to dinner and suggested Booysen come along. "I really wanted to meet him in person," Booysen later told the "Wide Awake Podcast". "He was super nice, very down to earth, and he started asking me a lot of questions." She later learned he was working off a list because he was looking for a girlfriend — a detail that amused her.
Booysen, a Twitch streamer and author of the novel "The Marked Children," already shared a similar online pseudonym — TheaBeasty — which mirrored MrBeast's own famous alias. Their mutual passion for gaming and content creation made the connection feel predestined. At that first dinner, they spent hours discussing hobbies, intellect, and life goals. "The fact that he could keep up with the conversation to me was very attractive," Booysen recalled. "You have to have a certain amount of interest and intellect."
From Dinner to DMs: The Courtship Begins
After the dinner, MrBeast slid into Booysen's DMs on X (formerly Twitter), asking to read her upcoming book. A month later, she sent him the manuscript and they hopped on a three-hour phone call that solidified their bond. "I knew within the first few minutes of meeting that I wanted the chance to date her," MrBeast told People. "She is really smart and beautiful. Thankfully, she also felt a strong connection." The couple made their public debut as a couple at the Kids' Choice Awards in April 2022, just a few months after meeting. Since then, they have been inseparable, appearing together at red-carpet events, gaming tournaments, and even in MrBeast's YouTube videos.
Building a Life Together: From Gaming to Academia
Booysen, who holds a bachelor's degree and was pursuing a master's in human cognitive neuropsychology at the University of Edinburgh, became a stabilizing presence in MrBeast's fast-paced life. While MrBeast was eager to propose as early as 2023, Booysen asked him to wait until after she finished her degree. He obliged, and on Christmas Day 2024, surrounded by both their families, he finally popped the question. "The proposal was very private — no camera crew, just us and our loved ones," a source close to the couple revealed.
The engagement came after four years of building a relationship in the public eye. MrBeast, known for his elaborate stunt videos and philanthropic giveaways, told People he wanted the wedding to be equally low-key. "This will definitely be more family and friends — definitely more private," he said. "I don't take much vacation because of how hard I work, so I definitely want to make sure that the wedding will be a time to celebrate with her and spend time with friends and family." Given his net worth estimated in the billions, the couple can afford any wedding they desire, but they are choosing intimacy over spectacle.
Inside Their Early Romance: The Antarctica Trip That Changed Everything
The canceled Antarctica trip that led to their meeting became a defining story in their early romance. Logan Paul and Casey Neistat were also present, and the group had to pivot after everyone fell ill. Instead of filming in the frozen south, they spent more time in South Africa, where MrBeast took the opportunity to explore local culture and meet new people. Booysen, who was already based in South Africa, had been following MrBeast's YouTube channel for years, but never imagined she would meet him in person, let alone become his fiancée.
In the months that followed, the couple traveled together frequently — from Los Angeles to Europe to Southeast Asia — often documenting their adventures on social media. MrBeast introduced Booysen to his inner circle, including his brother and fellow YouTube star CJ Donaldson (known as MrBro). She also appeared in several of his videos, including a $1 million giveaway and a challenge video where she helped plan the logistics. Fans quickly embraced the pairing, noting Booysen's intelligence and down-to-earth personality as a perfect match for MrBeast's high-energy persona.
The Proposal: A Quiet Christmas Surprise
Although MrBeast's videos are famous for over-the-top surprises — like giving away private islands or paying for strangers' cars — his proposal was deliberately low-key. On Christmas morning 2024, with his and Booysen's families gathered at his home in North Carolina, he dropped to one knee. The ring, a custom-designed diamond from a New York jeweler, was estimated to cost well over a million dollars. But the moment was described as "intimate and emotional" by those present. Booysen later shared a photo on Instagram captioned: "The best Christmas gift ever. Yes, 100 times yes."
The couple has not yet announced a wedding date, but insiders say they are considering a ceremony in either the United States or South Africa, to honor Booysen's heritage. They have also discussed incorporating elements of both South African and American traditions into the festivities.
Background: Who Is MrBeast?
Jimmy Donaldson, born in 1998 in Kansas, rose to fame through his YouTube channel featuring lavish stunts, cash giveaways, and philanthropic projects. He is the most-subscribed individual YouTuber on the platform, with over 300 million subscribers across his channels. His business ventures include a fast-food chain called Beast Burger, a chocolate company called Feastables, and a streaming service called Viewstats. Despite his immense wealth, he maintains a modest lifestyle, often seen driving a used car and living in a relatively modest house. His relationship with Booysen has been one of the few personal details he has shared publicly, though he remains guarded about the specifics of their private life.
Background: Who Is Thea Booysen?
Thea Booysen, born in South Africa, is a multi-talented content creator and writer. Under the username TheaBeasty, she streams on Twitch, posts lifestyle content on YouTube, and has authored a young-adult fantasy novel. She also holds a master's degree in human cognitive neuropsychology from the University of Edinburgh — a field that examines the relationship between the brain and cognitive functions. Her academic background sets her apart from many influencers, and she often speaks about the importance of education. In interviews, she has described herself as an introvert who enjoys reading and hiking, a contrast to MrBeast's extroverted, camera-ready persona.
Their Relationship in the Spotlight
Since going public, MrBeast and Booysen have faced the challenges of being a high-profile couple. Rumors of a breakup circulated briefly in 2023 when they were not seen together for a few weeks, but both dismissed them with a joint Instagram post. They have also navigated online hate, with some critics questioning the age gap — MrBeast is four years older — and others accusing Booysen of being a gold digger. Booysen addressed these comments in a Twitch stream, saying, "I have my own career and my own money. I love Jimmy for who he is, not what he has." She also noted that their relationship is built on mutual respect and intellectual connection, not just fame or fortune.
Shared Passions and Future Plans
Both are avid gamers, but they also enjoy cooking together, traveling, and hosting game nights with friends. MrBeast has called Booysen his "biggest support system," especially during the production of his large-scale videos like the Squid Game recreation and the $100,000 giveaway challenges. In turn, Booysen has praised MrBeast's work ethic and generosity. Looking ahead, the couple plans to continue their individual careers while collaborating on more projects. They have discussed starting a charity foundation together, focusing on children's education and health in underserved communities — a cause close to both their hearts.
As they prepare for married life, MrBeast has hinted that the wedding will be a far cry from his typical YouTube stunts. "It's about her, not about the internet," he told People. "I want it to be a day she will never forget — just us, our families, and the people who matter most." Fans eagerly await updates on the wedding planning, but for now, the couple is enjoying their engagement period, spending quiet time at home and savoring the simple moments that brought them together.
Source:Yahoo Entertainment News