A 78-year-old Scottish grandmother has been named the world’s oldest female Fortnite streamer by Guinness World Records.
Cath Bowie, known online as grumpygran1948, began playing the online shooter in 2017 after her teenage grandson introduced her to it. She now plays regularly to an audience of around 24,000 followers, and her story is featured in the Guinness World Records Gamer’s Edition 2027.
From first game to 24,000 followers
Ms Bowie had tried a few video games before, but none sparked her interest until she discovered Fortnite.
“I had at last found a game for me,” she said. “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 buying her own console, her grandson initially doubted she would build much of a following if she started streaming. She said: “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.”
Proving the doubters wrong
“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?”
She added: “I love the community. I love talking to people. I chat all the time, and I just love the whole atmosphere. I love the challenge that it gives me, and I’m afraid I play it every day.”
A Guinness World Records title
Commenting 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.”
“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.”
“Even as I progressed over the years in gaming, being recognised as an older female player and streamer in Guinness World Records Gamer’s Edition 2027 always felt like a distant goal – something on my wish list that I never really thought I would achieve.”
“So to have achieved this honour means a great deal. I’m incredibly thankful to my wonderful family, who have encouraged me throughout the last nine years of playing, and to the many friends I’ve played with along the way.”
Never too old to game
Having turned 78 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.”
Alice Bell, editor of 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.”
“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.”
