Renowned YouTube personality MrBeast has shared the exciting news of his engagement to his girlfriend, Thea Booysen.
The 26-year-old influencer proposed on Christmas Day, with the couple’s closest family and friends present to witness the special moment.
Booysen, aged 27, expressed to People: “My family traveled from South Africa for the holiday, and we planned to have Christmas at our house with both families present. During the gift exchange, he asked me to shut my eyes for the final present because it was a surprise.”
MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, explained, “I made a noise with a large box to distract her before presenting the actual gift – a ring. Then, I got down on one knee and proposed.”
“I aimed for an unexpected proposal, ensuring it was a surprise. Thea is very close with her family, so their presence was important for such a significant moment. Christmas was ideal because they were in town from across the world.”
The couple initially met in 2022 when MrBeast visited South Africa and encountered the fellow gamer at a dinner hosted by a mutual friend.
In a conversation with People, MrBeast reminisced about their first meeting, noting the immediate connection they shared.
He mentioned, “When we first met, Thea’s intelligence was immediately apparent. Her breadth of knowledge spans many topics, and she talked about her career as an author and her passions. We clicked right away. I couldn’t help but think she was both smart and beautiful. I knew soon after meeting her that I wanted to date her. Fortunately, she felt the same connection.”
Booysen shared her impressions of meeting the popular content creator for the first time.
“When I met him, I was pleasantly surprised by how grounded and intelligent he was,” she explained.
“I had assumed YouTubers had a certain persona, but he turned out to be genuinely nice, without any ego.”
Regarding their wedding plans, Booysen, 27, mentioned: “We’re considering a location on an island, far removed from everyone else.”
“We aren’t aiming for a grand, extravagant ceremony. It will be beautiful but intimate, with close family and friends.”