Thumbs up for pewds love! I was in a similar boat a couple years ago, I avoided his content and looked down on his "lets play" videos as obnoxious and meant for kids. But recently he's been much more down to earth and "real" in his vids, covering whatever he wants (and making news headlines constantly for "controversies" that are nothing). It's been a fun channel to follow and I think he's more than worthy of having the top spot as a self-made youtuber.

The T-Series thing has been a big deal because many consider it the true end-of-an-era for youtubers like Pewdiepie. The solo acts being usurped by corporations with way more output and production value.