Cath Bowie, a 78-year-old grandmother from Scotland, has been officially recognised by Guinness World Records as the world's oldest female Fortnite streamer. Known online as grumpygran1948, she began playing the popular online shooter in 2017 after her then-17-year-old grandson introduced her to it. She now entertains an audience of roughly 24,000 regular followers and features in the Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition 2027.
From scepticism to streaming success
Ms Bowie had tried several video games before, but none captured her interest until she discovered Fortnite. She said: "I had at last found a game for me. Although I have tried several other games, I have never found the excitement that I get from Fortnite. I call myself a Fortniter more than a gamer."
After purchasing her own console, her grandson was initially doubtful about her ability to build a following. She recalled: "As a young guy, he just couldn't believe that his grandma would do such a thing and suggested that nobody would join me or watch me."
She added: "Saying that was like a red rag to a bull to me. I would show him that I could do it. Twenty-four thousand-plus followers later and he doesn't mention it. I wonder why?"
A community and a record
Ms Bowie said she loves the community and the challenge the game offers, playing it every day. Reflecting on her new title, she said: "To be a Guinness World Records title holder means so much to me personally, and it's such a wonderful thing to be able to share with my supportive community."
She continued: "At 78, I grew up receiving the book as a Christmas present, and it would never have occurred to me that one day I would open one of its pages and see myself." She added that being recognised in the Gamer's Edition 2027 had always felt like a distant goal, and she is thankful to her family and the friends she has played with over the past nine years.
Having celebrated her 78th birthday on September 1, she said: "Never let anyone tell you that you're too old. You are never too old to start gaming. Do it."
Gaming for everyone
Alice Bell, editor of the Guinness World Records Gamer's Edition 2027, said: "I'm so excited for readers to get their hands on this year's Gamer's Edition. It really champions the breadth of creativity and achievement that makes up modern video games."
She added: "At Guinness World Records we believe gaming is for everyone, and this edition showcases gamers of different generations and cultures from around the world. It's a privilege to celebrate our Power Up Planet with them, and hopefully inspire even more people to be part of it."
