IShowSpeed sparks frenzy at Portugal-Croatia watch party at Thrive City

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- A World Cup watch party turned into an IShowSpeed spectacle Thursday as hundreds of fans swarmed Thrive City for a chance to see one of the internet's biggest stars.

When word spread that IShowSpeed, the streamer who has 56 million followers across his platforms, was watching Portugal's match at the entertainment district outside Chase Center, fans rushed over.

Within hours, the World Cup watch party had become a magnet for crowds hoping to see the internet personality, who was livestreaming the event.

MORE: Massive crowds surrounded YouTube star IShowSpeed as he toured San Francisco

Some fans admitted they dropped what they were doing to get there.

IShowSpeed had been at Levi's Stadium the night before for the United States' victory but said travel issues unexpectedly kept him in the Bay Area.

"Unfortunately, I had two flights, my first flight got cancelled and my second flight, I ordered a jet and my jet on the windshield broke. So, both of my flights got cancelled and I got stuck in San Francisco," he said.

Instead of leaving town, he joined fans at Thrive City, where he led chants for Ronaldo and turned the watch party into an interactive show.

During halftime, he jumped into a pickup soccer game and challenged ABC7's J.R. Stone.

After coming up short, IShowSpeed laughed and asked, "Did I just lose to a news reporter?"

Despite the travel headaches, he embraced the unexpected stop.

"I still had to make it happen, I'm here at the Chase arena watching Ronaldo, we getting lit!" he said.

As the match wore on, IShowSpeed rode every twist and turn alongside the crowd.

When asked whether Ronaldo would return in the second half, he didn't hesitate.

"Hundred percent, Ronaldo will come back in the second half. Mark my word," he said.

Ronaldo eventually scored, sending IShowSpeed and the crowd into celebration as Portugal secured the victory.

By the final whistle, chants for Ronaldo echoed through Thrive City - capping a watch party that became one of San Francisco's hottest tickets.

IShowSpeed's whereabouts after leaving Thrive City is not immediately known.

He departed with a security team and appeared to be headed south, potentially toward the airport, as he continues to attend matches throughout the tournament.