In the spring of 2013, a simple script emerged that dropped users into random spots on Google Street View and challenged them to guess their whereabouts. What began as a quirky experiment on Google Chrome has exploded into a cultural juggernaut, boasting over 40 million active users by mid-2025. GeoGuessr isn't merely a diversion; it's a prism refracting the planet's intricacies through digital imagery, training players to interpret the globe like an intricate narrative.
As travel stalled during COVID-19 lockdowns, Twitch streamers such as Ludwig Ahgren and Trevor "Rainbolt" catapulted it to prominence, channeling collective wanderlust into a communal thrill. Now, with global giants like Google broadening Street View to over 100 countries, the game has matured from an obscure hobby to an esports powerhouse, featuring record-shattering events and fervent community clashes.
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to The Most Important News to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.