In a shocking revelation that has rocked the gaming world, Tyler “Ninja” Blevins, one of the most popular and bankable stars in esports, says he has been diagnosed with melanoma – an aggressive and life-threatening form of skin cancer.
The 32-year-old internet celebrity, whose ninja-inspired look of bright blue hair and headband mask has made him an unmistakable presence, shared the devastating news in a candid social media post this week. His millions of fans were left stunned and concerned.
“I’m honestly still trying to process it all,” the pro gamer wrote in a tweet that quickly went viral. “There was this mole on the bottom of my foot that the dermatologist wanted to remove, just to be on the safe side. But then the biopsy results came back…melanoma.”
A Cancer that Spreads Quickly
With a palpable sense of disbelief, Blevins recounted how a seemingly routine mole removal escalated into a frightening diagnosis of one of the deadliest skin cancers. While representing only about 1% of all cases, melanoma accounts for the vast majority of skin cancer deaths.
Forming in the melanocytes – the pigment producing cells of the skin – this aggressive cancer can quickly metastasize and spread throughout the body if not caught and treated promptly. Melanoma has an uncanny ability to relocate and take up residence in vital organs like the lungs, liver and brain.
“They did find melanoma cells in that original mole sample from my foot,” Blevins explained. “So just to be extra safe, they went ahead and biopsied another darker spot nearby and removed a larger area all around that original site.”
Blevins is now anxiously awaiting the full biopsy results to see if any melanoma cells have already begun traveling elsewhere in his body. Doctors are “cautiously optimistic” they were able to remove all the cancerous cells by cutting out a decent margin around the primary tumor site. But melanoma has a way of defying the odds.
“We’re hoping and praying that when they examine that bigger sample, the surrounding edges come back completely clear with no signs those melanoma cells have spread out any farther,” Blevins said, trying to stay positive while clearly shaken. “It’s just such an unknown and scary situation.”
A Leading Cause of Cancer Deaths
Despite a relatively low incidence rate compared to other skin cancers, melanoma causes the most skin cancer deaths by far. The American Cancer Society estimates nearly 100,000 new cases of invasive melanoma will be diagnosed in the United States in 2024, resulting in approximately 7,650 deaths.
“Melanoma is indeed one of the most serious types of skin cancer,” said Dr. Yvonne Basdeo, a dermatologist at NYU Langone Health. “While making up a small percentage of diagnoses, it causes the majority of skin cancer deaths because it is so insidious and adept at spreading to distant sites in the body.”
Fair-skinned individuals, those with excessive UV exposure, people with many moles, and anyone with a family history of melanoma are considered higher risk. However, the cancer can strike people of any age, race or gender when least expected.
“A melanoma diagnosis in a young adult really drives home the point that this is a cancer that can develop in anyone, even those who don’t fit the traditional risk profile,” Basdeo said. “My advice is for everyone – regardless of age or background – to get an annual full-body skin check by a dermatologist.”
A Gamer’s Honest Revelation
For someone whose livelihood is so closely tied to his public persona and youthful vigor, a melanoma diagnosis at just 32 years old was utterly shocking for Ninja.
The Louisiana native first shot to fame in 2017 streaming himself playing the wildly popular battle royale game Fortnite, where he stood out with his frenetic playing style and running, high-energy commentary. His trademark neon blue hair, headband mask and athletic skill made Ninja one of gaming’s most globally recognizable figures.
Courted by big brands, Ninja scored lucrative sponsorship deals with Red Bull, NIVEA Men, NGSHU HOT and others companies looking to reach younger consumers. In 2019, he was the first professional gamer to be featured on the cover of ESPN The Magazine. His estimated net worth exceeds $25 million.
So when Ninja took to Twitter to disclose his melanoma diagnosis, the announcement sent shockwaves through the insular gaming community and beyond.
“I’ve had so many people reach out with love and support, it’s been amazing during this scary time,” he wrote, clearly moved by an outpouring of concern and get-well wishes from fans and peers alike.
Fellow streamers and gamers rushed to voice their unconditional backing and encouragement.
“Praying for you bro,” wrote Jake Lucky, a close friend and collaborator. “We’re all here for you every step of the way.”
“Sending you all the positive healing energy in the universe, king,” tweeted Twitch partner Samara Redway. “You’ve got this.”
Even the official accounts for YouTube Gaming and Fortnite chimed in to pass along their support and best wishes for Ninja’s recovery.
A Call for Greater Awareness
In revealing his diagnosis so candidly, dermatology experts say Ninja has helped shine a vital spotlight on melanoma and potentially saved lives.
“Having someone with Ninja’s massive mainstream popularity be so transparent about his melanoma diagnosis is invaluable from an awareness standpoint,” said Dr. Lynn McKenzie, who specializes in skin cancer at UT Southwestern Medical Center. “Anytime a public figure can raise consciousness about skin cancer prevention, early detection and the importance of getting moles checked by a dermatologist, it’s highly impactful.”
While melanoma incidence rates have been slowly rising over the past few decades, many young people remain unaware of its deadliness and prevalence. The gaming community in particular, with its predominantly indoor lifestyle, may feel insulated from such sun-related health risks.
“But the reality is melanoma can strike absolutely anyone,” McKenzie stressed. “A diagnosis in someone like Ninja proves this cancer does not discriminate based on age, race or occupational sun exposure levels.”
As he awaits further test results to determine the next steps in his treatment, Ninja says he feels truly blessed by the outpouring of love and prayers coming from his devoted fanbase and the larger gaming universe.
“This whole thing has been beyond overwhelming in the scariest way,” the gaming superstar admitted. “But having millions of people in my corner, sharing their personal stories and sending so much positivity has given me incredible strength. I know I’ve got a massive fight ahead, but we’re going to get through this together.”
