Ian Miles Cheong - From Gaming Journalist to Global Political Firebrand

Key Takeaways: > Ian Miles Cheong is a Malaysian-based media personality and social media commentator known for his sharp right-wing views on Western politics. Despite living in Ipoh, Malaysia, he has become a significant figure in American political discourse through his massive following on X (formerly Twitter) and his frequent interactions with high-profile figures like Elon Musk.

Ian Miles Cheong is a name that often sparks intense debate across social media feeds, appearing in the middle of nearly every major political flashpoint in the West. If you spend any significant amount of time on X, you’ve likely seen his handle, @stillgray, popping up with a hot take on the latest American cultural debate or a viral video of civil unrest. What makes his story so unique—and to many, so baffling—is that while he is one of the most vocal commentators on the internal affairs of the United States and Canada, he has spent the majority of his life living thousands of miles away in Malaysia.

His journey from a niche video game journalist to a global political influencer is a case study in how the internet has flattened geographical borders. Today, he isn't just a spectator; he is an active participant in the "culture wars," often setting the tone for discussions that reach millions of people daily.

The Digital Evolution of Ian Miles Cheong

The career of Ian Miles Cheong didn't start with political punditry. In the early 2010s, he was deeply embedded in the world of gaming journalism. He worked for various outlets and eventually became the editor-in-chief of Gameranx. During this era, his views were markedly different from what they are today. In fact, in the early days of the infamous "Gamergate" controversy, he was initially critical of the movement, though he later underwent a very public shift in his ideological leanings.

This pivot wasn't just about games; it was a total rebranding. He moved away from reviewing software and toward reviewing society. He began writing for conservative Western outlets like The Daily Caller and Human Events, and eventually became a regular contributor to the Canadian-based Rebel News. This transition allowed him to tap into a much larger audience that was hungry for a specific brand of anti-progressive commentary.

A Career Built on Engagement

For Ian Miles Cheong, the currency of the modern age is engagement. Whether people agree with him or are "hate-following" him, the result is the same: visibility. He has mastered the art of the viral tweet, often being one of the first to share footage of protests, crime, or political gaffes.

• Early Years: Focus on gaming news and Reddit moderation.
• The Pivot: A shift toward right-wing politics and cultural criticism around 2015.
• The X Era: Leveraging the platform's algorithm to become a leading voice in the MAGA-adjacent digital space.
• Global Reach: Providing a non-Western perspective that mirrors Western conservative values.

The Elon Musk Connection and the Power of X

It is impossible to discuss Ian Miles Cheong without mentioning his relationship with the owner of X, Elon Musk. Since Musk’s acquisition of the platform, Cheong has become one of the most frequently interacted-with accounts by the billionaire. This "Musk bump" has acted as a massive force multiplier for his reach. When Musk replies to or retweets a post from @stillgray, that content is instantly catapulted into the feeds of hundreds of millions of users.

This connection has led many to view him as an unofficial mouthpiece for the "new" X. He often defends the platform’s policy changes and promotes the idea of absolute free speech, even when it leads to intense friction with governments or advertisers.

Why the Focus on Ian Miles Cheong is Polarizing

The controversy surrounding Ian Miles Cheong often stems from the disconnect between his location and his content. Critics frequently point out that he comments on American "decay" or Canadian "tyranny" while living in a country with vastly different social and legal structures. In early 2024, rumors even circulated wildly on social media that he had been executed by the Malaysian government—a claim that was quickly debunked but highlighted the intense emotions he evokes.

Reputable news outlets like TIME Magazine have covered these bizarre online phenomena, noting how he has become a lightning rod for "trolling" from political opponents. Additionally, the Times of India has profiled him as one of the most influential right-wing commentators on the internet, illustrating how his reach has extended far beyond the U.S. borders.

Understanding the Critique: Pros and Cons

Common Mistakes When Following Online Pundits

In the fast-moving world of digital commentary, it’s easy to get swept up in the narrative. Here are a few common mistakes people make when consuming content from figures like Ian Miles Cheong:

1. Ignoring Geographical Context: Many assume he lives in the U.S. because his content is so Americentric. Understanding he lives in Malaysia changes the perspective on his "boots on the ground" reporting.
2. Confusing Aggregation for Journalism: He is primarily a commentator and aggregator. He finds content and adds his spin, rather than performing traditional investigative reporting.
3. Falling for Parody and Rumors: Because he is so polarizing, there is a lot of "fake news" about him (like the execution rumor). Always verify sensational claims.

Steps to Verify Viral Social Media Claims

If you see a trending post from a high-profile influencer, follow these steps to ensure you're getting the full story:

1. Check for Community Notes: X’s crowd-sourced fact-checking is often the first place to see if a video or claim is misleading.
2. Look for the Original Source: Try to find the raw video or the official statement before reading the commentary.
3. Cross-Reference with Local News: If a commentator says a specific city is "on fire," check the local news outlets in that city to see if the reality matches the rhetoric.
4. Evaluate the Timing: Influencers often repost old videos to make them seem like current events. Check the timestamp of the original footage.

The Future of Independent Commentary

As we move further into an era where traditional media loses its grip on the "truth," figures like Ian Miles Cheong are likely to become even more prominent. They represent a shift toward "personality-driven news," where the audience trusts an individual more than an institution. Whether you find him insightful or inflammatory, his ability to command the attention of the world's richest man and millions of voters is a testament to the power of the modern digital landscape.

He remains a fixture of the "Still Gray" brand, a name he chose to represent the nuance he claims to bring to a black-and-white world. However, in the eyes of the public, he remains a very "black or white" figure—either a hero of the new media or a symbol of internet-age opportunism.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know

Where does Ian Miles Cheong actually live?

He lives in Malaysia, specifically in the city of Ipoh. Despite his focus on Western politics, he has rarely, if ever, visited the United States or Canada.

Why is he so famous on X?

His fame skyrocketed due to his frequent interactions with Elon Musk and his ability to curate viral content that appeals to conservative and "anti-woke" audiences.

Was Ian Miles Cheong really in the gaming industry?

Yes, he started as a gaming journalist and was once the editor-in-chief of Gameranx. He was also a prominent moderator on Reddit before his shift into political commentary.

What is his connection to Rebel News?

He is a regular contributor and writer for Rebel News, a Canadian conservative media outlet known for its confrontational style and focus on free speech issues.

Does he only talk about American politics?

While the U.S. is his primary focus, he also covers Canadian politics, European cultural shifts, and occasionally global events like the Israel-Palestine conflict.