Payal Gaming is trending on social media after a video, allegedly claiming to be her, emerged on social media. The four-minute length video was originally posted on TeraBox, a cloud storage app, and can be viewed here.
In the fast-paced world of Indian esports and content creation, few names shine as brightly as Payal Dhare, better known by her online moniker Payal Gaming. As one of India’s pioneering female gamers, she has amassed millions of followers through her skillful gameplay, relatable personality, and groundbreaking achievements in a predominantly male-dominated industry.
However, on December 16, 2025, Payal Gaming found herself thrust into an unwelcome spotlight—not for her gaming prowess, but due to a rapidly spreading wave of misinformation involving an alleged “leaked private video.”
This incident highlights the darker side of internet fame: the ease with which false narratives can proliferate, fueled by curiosity, malice, and the viral nature of social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter). What began as rumors quickly escalated into trending hashtags, with users sharing blurred screenshots and speculative claims.
Yet, reliable reports and community clarifications point to one clear conclusion: the circulating video has no connection to Payal Gaming. It appears to be a case of mistaken identity, possibly amplified by AI-generated deepfakes or deliberate misinformation.
Payal Dhare’s journey to stardom is a testament to perseverance and talent. Born on September 18, 2000, in Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, she discovered gaming during her college days when friends introduced her to PUBG Mobile (now BGMI in India). What started as a casual hobby quickly evolved into a passion.
In 2019, she launched her YouTube channel, uploading gameplay videos that showcased her sharp skills and engaging commentary. Her breakthrough came in 2020 amid the PUBG craze, where her live streams drew massive viewership.
By August 2021, Payal became one of the first Indian female gamers to surpass 1 million YouTube subscribers, a milestone that shattered stereotypes. Today, her channel boasts over 4 million subscribers, making her the most followed female gaming creator in India. Affiliated with S8UL Esports—one of the country’s top gaming organizations—she collaborates with prominent streamers and participates in high-profile tournaments. Her content extends beyond BGMI to include GTA V roleplay, vlogs, gadget reviews, and lifestyle glimpses, appealing to a broad audience.
Payal Dhare (Payal Gaming) during a public appearance, showcasing her as a prominent figure in Indian gaming.
Payal Gaming in a professional portrait.
Payal’s accolades further cement her status. In 2024, she won an international award at the MOBIES (Mobile Gaming Awards), becoming one of India’s first female recipients. She has also been honored as ‘Best Gaming & Esports Influencer’ at the Impact Digital Influencer Awards in 2025. Notably, she represented the gaming community in a roundtable discussion with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as the only female gamer present, discussing the future of esports in India.
These achievements have made her a role model for aspiring female creators, proving that women can thrive in gaming despite challenges like online toxicity. Payal has faced harassment before, including death and rape threats in 2023 alongside other female streamers, underscoring the hurdles women navigate in this space.
Payal Gaming receiving an award at a gaming event, highlighting her professional accomplishments.
Payal Gaming at MOBIES awards.
Payal Gaming posing stylishly after winning awards, such as Stylish Gamer of the Year.
The current controversy erupted suddenly on December 16, 2025, when an explicit video began circulating on social media. Users falsely captioned it as Payal Gaming’s “private MMS” or “leaked video,” leading to frantic searches and shares. Hashtags like #PayalGaming trended heavily on X, with posts ranging from shocked reactions to outright demands for links. Some accounts even exploited the situation for engagement, promising “full videos” in DMs.
However, fact-checks emerged swiftly. Multiple sources, including news outlets like Business Upturn and Odisha TV, reported no confirmation linking the video to Payal. Community members on X and Reddit pointed out discrepancies, such as differing physical features (e.g., absence of a distinctive mole on Payal’s cheek). Many labeled it a deepfake, referencing a similar incident in mid-2025 where AI technology was used to superimpose her face onto inappropriate content.
This isn’t Payal’s first brush with fabricated scandals. Earlier deepfake attempts have targeted her, exploiting her visibility. The rapid spread this time raises concerns about privacy, consent, and the ethics of sharing unverified content. In India, disseminating explicit material without consent violates laws under the IT Act and IPC, yet curiosity often overrides caution.
As of now, Payal has not publicly addressed the rumors, focusing instead on her content. Her silence is understandable—engaging could amplify the misinformation. Fans and fellow creators have rallied in support, urging others to report false posts and respect her privacy.
This episode serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by public figures, especially women in online spaces. Deepfake technology, while innovative, has become a tool for harassment, eroding trust and causing real harm. It also exposes how algorithms and human impulses prioritize sensationalism over truth.
Payal Gaming’s story is ultimately one of triumph. From a small-town girl hooked on mobile games to an award-winning influencer inspiring the next generation, she embodies resilience. Incidents like this may tarnish momentarily, but they cannot dim her contributions to Indian gaming. As the community calls for accountability and better moderation, one hopes for a future where creators are celebrated for their talents, not targeted by falsehoods.
In an era where virality can destroy reputations overnight, Payal’s continued success will likely speak louder than any rumor. Her fans know the real Payal: a dedicated gamer, a barrier-breaker, and a positive force in esports. The misinformation storm will pass, but her legacy in gaming endures.