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Taha 'Pakman' Khokhar: Mastering the game of content and comedy

Exploring the life of a gaming influencer who laughs in the face of adversity and plays to succeed

Taha "Pakman" Khokhar's journey from obscurity to stardom is a narrative of resilience, passion, and relentless ambition. A well-known figure in Dubai, Pakman has carved a niche as a Red Bull UAE creator, Gaming Ambassador for Dubai Police, and a star on the Canadian reality show The Traitors Canada.

Pakman's life took a pivotal turn when he joined The Traitors Canada, which quickly became the most-watched reality show in the country. "This opportunity wasn’t just a platform; it was a launching pad to show a global audience the power of blending gaming with reality TV," Pakman reflects. The show is a part of a major franchise seen across various countries, including the US, the UK, and Spain.

Born in a small town in Pakistan and raised in Canada, Pakman now calls Dubai his dream city, where he connects with over 1.5 million followers across social media. He is a major English-speaking gaming influencer in the region, known for his humorous and engaging videos that have amassed over 750 million views. His work has led to partnerships with global brands such as Intel, Coca-Cola, and Activision.

Despite his current success, Pakman's path was fraught with challenges. He encountered skepticism and discouragement from those around him early in his career. "I was told it was a stupid dream, that I should get a real job," he recalls. "But I knew my passion was worth the struggle."

Pakman’s determination was tested further when he was ousted from his home but persevered through hardships by juggling online college, a demanding job, content creation, and daily streaming on a mere three hours of sleep. His story is a vivid example of commitment, highlighted by his recent role in Traitors Canada Season 2 and his upcoming venture into a novel content-related startup.

"I’ve been gaming all my life, watching YouTubers as a kid made me dream of this career. When Covid hit, I knew it was time to rebrand to 'Pakman' and show everyone that dreams aren't bound by your background," Pakman states. His move to the UAE in January 2024 was strategic, aiming to position himself as a leading gaming personality in the Middle East. He has since been involved with major industry events like the Dubai Esports Festival and the Esports World Cup in Riyadh.

Pakman is not just about entertainment; he's also committed to promoting safe and responsible gaming. "Working with Dubai Police, we align on making gaming a safe space. It’s about ensuring that everyone knows how to protect themselves online," he explains.

The influencer also points out the challenges of content creation in today’s fast-paced digital world. "If your video doesn’t grab attention in the first two seconds, it’s scrolled past. It’s a tough game, but we're learning to adapt," he says.

Dubai's significant investments in creative talent have provided a fertile ground for influencers like Pakman, where growth and support are abundant. As Pakman continues to innovate and inspire, his journey is a beacon for aspiring creators everywhere, proving that with a bit of humour and a lot of hard work, any dream is achievable.

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