Spokane native Lucas Desgrosellier — known to millions online as Ghoulz — knew what he wanted to be when he grew up by first grade.

“I started editing and learning to do YouTube at six years old,” says Desgrosellier. “I would beg my dad to borrow his laptop … and I taught myself how to edit from there, and then I’ve kind of been chasing the dream ever since.”

Desgrosellier, CEO and founder of GhoulzTube LLC, has amassed over 3.5 million subscribers and followers across a variety of social media platforms by streaming video content based on the popular video game Fortnite. 

 At 14, Desgrosellier released his first viral video. He says his online platform advanced from zero subscribers to over 100,000 subscribers the first week. Now, his videos have more than 1 billion views.

But, despite establishing a popular media brand founded playing video games, he doesn't consider himself a gamer, he contends.

“I’ve never been a gamer at all,” he says. “But I saw an opportunity here, something trending. So my approach ... was to try to create the most entertaining, family-friendly videos possible.”

His focus isn’t on gameplay — it’s on entertainment, he says. His most popular videos involve creative challenges, such as hide-and-seek within Fortnite’s Creative game mode.

“(I'm) putting my own creative touch and using the game almost like my own world to be able to do whatever creative idea I have,” Desgrosellier says. 

Video production occurs in a 5,000-square-foot warehouse in Spokane Valley. GhoulzTube has four full-time employees and works with 11 long-term subcontractors. In total, he says about 35 people are involved strategically in GhoulzTube, including talent agents, accountants, and lawyers.

Julie Delaney, chief operating officer at GhoulzTube, who nominated Desgrosellier to be recognized as a 2025 Rising Star, says, “he’s the most driven, professional, and focused 21-year-old that I have been around.”

She says he’s crafting a strategic vision that will take the company beyond content creation into other areas of media.

“He is a great example of rising to the top in his field and giving back to the community where he grew up,” Delaney says. “Humble and incredibly focused is how I would describe Lucas.”

At 17, Desgrosellier launched his first philanthropic initiative to benefit Providence Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital, in which ad revenue from a YouTube video resulted in a $17,000 donation for the hospital. 

“Nobody had to pull out a single dollar from their wallet to donate,” he explains. “They just had to take 10 minutes out of their time to watch the video. It was a win-win.”

In 2024, Desgrosellier partnered with nine national brands to donate products and support to 10 local nonprofits, including Cup of Cool Water, Blessings & Beyond, and Communities in Schools.

“I prayed that if God gave me a platform, I’d use it to change the world,” Desgrosellier says. 

His community involvment extends beyond charitable donations and gifts, he also contributes his time. For instance, when Spokane Public Schools invited him to speak at a student assembly, Desgrosellier — who says he’s terrified of public speaking — didn’t hesitate. 

The experience was emotional for some students. Delaney recalls Desgrosellier's dad had asked a fifth-grader what it was like to meet Ghoulz, which is Desgrosellier's YouTube handle, and the student replied that they cried.

Desgrosellier asserts that his digital media platform isn’t just for entertainment — it’s a tool for impact.

“In this business, it’s very easy to get swept up in the fame,” he says. “This is one of the main reasons that I chose to stay in Spokane and build my business here. I love this community and being here keeps me grounded.” 

Not all of his time is spent online, however. Outside of the content creation, Desgrosellier enjoys riding dirt bikes and playing the drums.

His advice to those who aspire to a similar career is to absorb as much knowledge as possible.

“My best advice is to become a consumer of content. Watch what is trending and see where there are gaps in content,” he says. “Stay consistent on uploading and don’t be afraid to reach out to others you admire for advice.”