Jirard Khalil, popularly known as The Completionist in the gaming community, has made a significant mark on YouTube with his detailed video game reviews. Born on January 3, 1988, in Los Angeles, California, Khalil’s journey from a Best Buy employee to a YouTube sensation showcases his passion for gaming. Let’s delve into the life and career of this charismatic gamer.
YouTube Journey
Khalil initiated his YouTube career in 2012 with That One Video Gamer, later transforming it into The Completionist. His mission was simple yet impactful: complete games to 100% perfection. Success, however, was not immediate, and Khalil faced several restarts before finding his stride. The turning point came when he connected with online sensation Arin Hanson, igniting his fervor for completing games.
Collaborations and Controversies
On The Completionist, Khalil collaborated with Greg Wilmot to offer in-depth insights into both old and recent games. A disagreement between the two led to the removal and reuploading of the first 120 episodes. Despite this setback, Khalil expanded his gaming empire by co-creating Let’s Play videos on Super Beard Bros. and joining the gaming collective Normal Boots. In 2021, he ventured into mainstream media by joining G4’s Xplay, which unfortunately concluded in November 2022.
Khalil’s Diverse Portfolio
In 2022, Khalil introduced the series “God of Work,” a unique concept blending the gaming world with an office scenario. His imagination knew no bounds as he explored new possibilities. In March 2023, Khalil embarked on an ambitious mission, spending $22,791 to acquire every Nintendo Wii U and 3DS game from the eShop before its closure. Sponsored by sponsorships, the project aims to preserve gaming history by donating the consoles to the Video Game History Foundation.
Open Hand Foundation: The Charitable Controversy Unveiled
Despite Khalil’s gaming triumphs, controversy surrounds his philanthropic endeavors, particularly the Open Hand Foundation. Co-founded by Khalil and his family in memory of his mother, the foundation faces accusations of concealing over $600,000 in dementia research grants. YouTubers Karl Jobst and Some Ordinary Gamers uncovered anomalies in the foundation’s Form 990-PF data. Despite claims of funding for groups like UCSF, there is allegedly no evidence of funds being distributed.
Jobst detailed his concerns, pointing out discrepancies, including comments from someone no longer associated with UCSF. Khalil, when questioned by Jobst and Mutahar, claimed ignorance until 2021 and expressed a desire to transfer the funds, but skepticism lingers.