In a significant development within the virtual entertainment industry, Gawr Gura, one of the most celebrated VTubers globally, announced her graduation from Hololive English on May 1, 2025. The announcement was made during a live stream titled "important announcement" on April 16, 2025, which attracted approximately 240,000 viewers.
Gura, who debuted in September 2020 as a member of the first English group "Myth," has garnered over 4.56 million subscribers on her YouTube channel, making her the world's leading VTuber. Her rise to fame was meteoric, achieving 1 million subscribers just weeks after her debut and rapidly increasing her following to over 4 million within two years.
During the live stream, Gura revealed that her decision to graduate stemmed from a disagreement with the management and the company's direction. "I entered this company with almost no experience in streaming, singing, or dancing," she reflected, acknowledging the challenges she faced along the way. Gura expressed gratitude for the support she received from her fans and colleagues, stating, "Being your 'Shark Gura' has been an honor and a dream come true. I loved seeing my seniors and juniors grow in this colorful and wonderful VTuber community."
Cover Corporation, which manages Gura and the Hololive production, praised her contributions to the brand's growth, especially in international markets. In their official statement, they noted, "Gawr Gura has greatly contributed to the development of Hololive production overseas," and emphasized their respect for her decision to graduate.
In light of Gura's impending departure, fans are encouraged to send letters until May 1, 2025, and membership content will remain accessible until August 1, 2025. The company has also indicated that information regarding the sale of Gawr Gura-related merchandise will be announced through the official Hololive shop.
The announcement has sent shockwaves through the VTuber community, with many fans expressing their disbelief and sadness on social media. Comments flooded in, with one fan exclaiming, "Wait, the world's number one VTuber is graduating? This is insane!" Another remarked on the potential impact of Gura's departure on Cover Corporation's stock, which saw a significant drop of 9.59% following the news.
Gura's graduation is part of a broader trend within Hololive, where several talents have recently announced their departures. In recent months, other notable graduates include Watson Amelia in October 2024 and Ceres Fauna in January 2025. This wave of graduations has sparked discussions among fans about the sustainability of VTuber careers, with some suggesting that five years may be a typical limit for VTubers.
The VTuber phenomenon has seen explosive growth since its inception, with characters like Gura captivating audiences worldwide through their unique blend of entertainment, music, and interactive content. Gura's persona, a descendant of Atlantis, is characterized by her playful demeanor and engaging streams, where she often interacts with fans while playing video games or singing.
As Gura prepares for her final weeks as a VTuber, she hinted at a special project she intends to share with her audience before her graduation. Fans are eagerly awaiting details about this final project, hoping to celebrate her legacy in the VTuber community.
In conclusion, Gawr Gura's announcement marks a pivotal moment for both her career and the VTuber industry at large. As one of the most recognizable figures in virtual entertainment, her departure raises questions about the future of Hololive and the sustainability of the VTuber model. While her fans will undoubtedly miss her presence, Gura's impact on the VTuber landscape will be felt for years to come.
