What Does PogChamp Mean on Twitch? Emote Explained

PogChamp is one of the most iconic emotes in Twitch history. You’ll see it when something wild happens on stream. A crazy clutch play, a surprise announcement, or anything that makes viewers go wild. It’s all about hype, energy, and reacting to moments that catch everyone off guard.

This post explains what PogChamp means, where it came from, how people use it, and why it remains one of the most recognized reactions in Twitch culture.

Sadge Twitch emote with downcast, teary-eyed Pepe the Frog

What Is the PogChamp Emote?

PogChamp is a Twitch emote used to express hype, shock, or amazement. It’s the go-to reaction when something exciting or unexpected happens. Whether a streamer pulls off a perfect play or something funny happens on stream, people in chat type PogChamp to show their excitement.

The emote originally featured a surprised facial expression that perfectly captured those big moments. Even though the image has changed over time, the meaning is still the same. PogChamp means something awesome just happened.

Origin of the PogChamp Emote

The original PogChamp emote featured Ryan “Gootecks” Gutierrez. In 2010, a video blooper showed him making a wide-eyed, shocked expression. That moment was clipped and turned into the PogChamp emote.

Twitch added it as a global emote in 2012. The name comes from an earlier video called “Pog Championship.” For years, the Gootecks version became the face of hype on Twitch.

In 2021, Twitch removed the original PogChamp emote after controversy involving Gootecks. They briefly rotated new faces daily, then later replaced it with a permanent version featuring a komodo dragon called KomodoHype.

How PogChamp Is Used on Twitch

PogChamp is used in chat when something exciting or surprising happens. Common moments include:

  • A streamer wins a close match
  • A surprise raid or huge donation
  • An emotional or unexpected reveal
  • A funny or random glitch

Viewers type PogChamp to celebrate the moment and build energy in chat. It can be genuine, playful, or even ironic depending on the vibe. PogChamp is often used alongside other emotes like Pog, PogU, and Poggers.

Similar Emotes to PogChamp

If you enjoy using PogChamp, you’ll probably like these other high-energy Twitch emotes:

Poggers – a wide-eyed Pepe reaction

PogU – zoomed in Pog face used for hype

KEKW – laughing hard at something ridiculous

Each one fits a different kind of reaction, but all of them bring energy to Twitch chat. Explore all emotes in the Twitch Emote Glossary

How to Use PogChamp on Your Stream

PogChamp is a global Twitch emote, so anyone can use it in chat by typing PogChamp. It will automatically show the current official version, which is KomodoHype.

If you want more variations, you can install browser extensions like:

These tools unlock emotes like Pog, PogU, and Poggers that you can add to your channel.

As a streamer, you can also include hype-themed overlays and alerts. If you’re making your own hype emotes, try the Twitch Emote Resizer to make sure your files meet the upload requirements.

PogChamp in Twitch Culture

PogChamp is more than just an emote. It has become a symbol of Twitch itself. When viewers type it in chat, it shows they’re feeling the moment. It creates instant energy that connects the audience to what’s happening live.

Even after the original version was removed, the emote stayed relevant. Twitch adapted, and the meaning behind PogChamp stayed strong. It’s still one of the fastest and most powerful ways to react on the platform.

FAQs

What does PogChamp mean on Twitch?
PogChamp is a Twitch emote that shows excitement, surprise, or hype. It is used when something amazing or unexpected happens on stream.

Is PogChamp still a Twitch emote?
Yes. The original Gootecks version was removed in 2021. The current official PogChamp uses a surprised-looking komodo dragon called KomodoHype.

How do I use PogChamp?
Just type PogChamp in any Twitch chat. For extra versions like PogU or Poggers, install BetterTTV or FrankerFaceZ.

Final Thoughts

PogChamp is more than just a reaction. It captures the energy of Twitch in a single word. Whether it is a jaw-dropping moment, a funny glitch, or a big announcement, PogChamp gives viewers a way to connect and celebrate together.

Even though the original face was removed, the meaning stayed the same. PogChamp still brings hype, emotion, and fun to every stream it appears in.

To explore more Twitch emotes, check out the full Twitch Emote Glossary or visit the Twitch Graphic Size Guide for help creating your own.

⚡Find Your Perfect Overlay

From cozy to competitive, we’ve got overlays built for every streamer.

Start Your Custom Design Today

A world-class design studio.
Trusted by 25,000+ creators with 500,000+ downloads.