Have you ever watched a man in a red bandana eat a tarantula? If you have, you probably know Sonny Side. His real name is Will Sonbuchner. He travels the globe eating things most of us would run away from. But does eating bugs pay the bills? You bet it does. Today, we are diving deep into Will Sonbuchner net worth. We will explore how a guy from Minnesota built a gastronomic empire in Asia.
Bi0/Wiki
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | William “Will” Sonbuchner |
| Famous As | Sonny Side |
| Date of Birth | August 22, 1984 |
| Age | 41 Years (as of 2025) |
| Birthplace | St. Cloud, Minnesota, USA |
| Current Residence | Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | Approx. 5’9″ – 6’0″ (1.75m – 1.83m) |
| Marital Status | Married (Wife’s identity is private) |
| Children | 1 Daughter (Born 2024) |
| Profession | YouTuber, Filmmaker, Host |
| Net Worth | $2 Million – $5 Million (Estimated) |
| YouTube Subscribers | ~11.8 Million+ |
| Key Achievement | Webby Award Winner (2020 People’s Voice) |
| @besteverfoodreviewshow | |
| Best Ever Food Review Show | |
| YouTube Channel | Best Ever Food Review Show |
The Big Number: What is Will Sonbuchner’s Net Worth?
Let’s cut right to the chase, shall we? Everyone wants to know the bottom line. As of 2025, estimates place Will Sonbuchner’s net worth between $2 million and $5 million.
That is a wide range, I know. But calculating a YouTuber’s wealth is tricky business. It is not just about the cash in the bank. It is about the value of his brand. His channel, the Best Ever Food Review Show (BEFRS), is a juggernaut. With over 11 million subscribers, it generates massive revenue streams.
Think about it this way. If he sold his channel tomorrow, the price tag would be astronomical. But for now, his liquid wealth comes from ad revenue, sponsorships, and merchandise. It is a lucrative operation that rivals traditional television productions.
Why the Variance in Estimates?
Internet money is volatile. One month you might make $50,000 from ads. The next month, it could drop. Plus, Will reinvests heavily into his content. Travel is expensive. Camera gear is pricey. Paying a production team of ten people costs a pretty penny. So, while his gross income is high, his overhead is significant too.
From Applebee’s to Asia: The Origin Story
Will Sonbuchner wasn’t born with a silver spoon. In fact, his story is quite the opposite. He was born in St. Cloud, Minnesota. It is a quiet place, far removed from the bustling markets of Vietnam.
Before he was Sonny Side, he was just Will. He struggled in his early twenties. Believe it or not, he flunked out of three different colleges. He worked as a server at Applebee’s. He felt stuck. He felt like he was going nowhere fast.
Then, he made a bold move. A move that required serious chutzpah.
At age 24, he packed his bags. He had only about $2,000 to his name. He flew to South Korea to teach English. This wasn’t a calculated business move. It was a desperate leap of faith. He wanted adventure. He wanted something different.
The Pivot to Video Production
While in Korea, Will didn’t just teach grammar. He taught himself how to use a camera. He started learning the ropes of video production. He even shot videos for K-pop stars! This was his training ground. He was sharpening the skills that would later make him famous.
He eventually moved to Vietnam. This country would become his base of operations. It offered a low cost of living and incredible food culture. It was the perfect incubator for his grand idea.
The Birth of the Best Ever Food Review Show
YouTube is full of food vloggers. You have guys eating burgers in their cars. You have fine dining critics. Will wanted to be different. He wanted to be the “Best Ever.”
He started the Best Ever Food Review Show with a clear mission. He wanted to hunt down the most unique food in the world. He didn’t want to just say “yum.” He wanted to understand the culture behind the dish.
His style was distinct from the start. He is energetic, funny, and deeply respectful. He approaches weird food with curiosity, not disgust. This attitude resonated with viewers globally.
Breaking the Mold
Most travel shows are polished and perfect. Will went for a “no-frills” approach. He sweated on camera. He sat on tiny plastic stools. He showed the chaos of the markets. This authenticity is his superpower.
The algorithm loved it. People loved it. The channel grew exponentially. He wasn’t just a guy with a camera anymore. He became a legitimate media mogul.
How Does Will Sonbuchner Make Money?
Okay, let’s break down the income sources. How does Will Sonbuchner net worth keep climbing? It is a multi-pronged approach.
1. YouTube AdSense (The Bread and Butter)
Every time you watch an ad on his videos, he gets paid. With millions of views per video, this adds up fast. Industry experts estimate a channel of his size makes substantial monthly income. We are talking tens of thousands of dollars just from ads.
His videos are long, too. They often exceed 20 minutes. This allows for mid-roll ads, which increases revenue. It is a smart strategy for maximization.
2. Brand Sponsorships
You have seen them. The segments where he talks about a VPN or a website builder. These are not cheap spots. For a channel with his reach, a single integration can cost upwards of $50,000.
Brands love him because his audience is engaged. They trust Sonny. When he recommends something, people listen. This influence is a huge part of Will Sonbuchner net worth.
3. Merchandise (The “Besty” Gear)
“Bestys” is what he calls his fans. And Bestys love to buy gear. He sells t-shirts, bandanas, and other swag. It is a great way to monetize that loyal fanbase. It turns viewers into walking billboards for the show.
4. Patreon Support
Will has a Patreon account. This allows hardcore fans to support the show directly. In exchange, they get behind-the-scenes content. It provides a steady, reliable income stream that isn’t dependent on YouTube algorithms.
The Expenses: It Costs Money to Make Money
We cannot talk about profit without talking about cost. Producing BEFRS is not cheap.
Will employs a full team. He has cameramen, editors, fixers, and producers. These are talented professionals who need competitive salaries.
Travel is another massive line item. Flights, hotels, visas, and transport add up. Filming in remote locations like Africa or the Amazon is logistical nightmare. It requires serious capital.
So, while Will Sonbuchner net worth is high, his burn rate is also high. He is running a business, not just a vlog.
The “Sonny Side” Persona vs. Will Sonbuchner
Is Sonny Side a character? Yes and no.
“Sonny Side” is the amplified version of Will. It is the guy who is always “on.” The guy who cracks jokes and wears the bandana. The bandana, by the way, has a purpose. He once admitted it hides his receding hairline and keeps sweat away. Practical and iconic!
Real-life Will is a bit more reserved. He is a shrewd businessman. You don’t build a channel this big by accident. You need strategy. You need to understand analytics. You need to manage a team.
This duality is fascinating. It shows that he understands the entertainment business. He knows what the audience wants and he delivers it consistently.
Personal Life: Who is Mrs. Side?
Will keeps his private life very private. This is rare for a YouTuber. Usually, they share everything.
We know he is married. His wife is Vietnamese. She prefers to stay out of the spotlight. She helps run the business side of things, according to rumors.
In a recent 2024 recap video, he dropped a bombshell. He announced he had a kid! This was a huge surprise to fans. It shows how good he is at maintaining boundaries.
Keeping his family private is a smart move. It protects them from the toxicity of the internet. It allows him to have a sanctuary away from the fame.
Why He Stands Out in a Crowded Market
Why is Will Sonbuchner so successful? What makes him different from Mark Wiens or the Food Ranger?
Storytelling Mastery
Will is a filmmaker at heart. He doesn’t just point and shoot. He crafts a narrative. He builds tension. He uses humor. Every episode feels like a mini-documentary.
The “Fear Factor” Element
Let’s be honest. We watch to see if he will eat it. Whether it is raw blood soup or fermented shark, we are hooked. He pushes the boundaries of culinary exploration.
Cultural Respect
This is crucial. He never mocks the food. He might gag, but he is respectful. He explains why people eat it. He humanizes the culture. This earns him respect from locals and viewers alike.
The Future of Will Sonbuchner and BEFRS
What is next for the food kingpin? The channel shows no signs of slowing down.
He is expanding his team. He is visiting harder-to-reach countries. He is taking on more ambitious projects.
There is also the “More Best Ever Food Review Show” channel. This is where the bloopers and extras go. It is another stream of revenue with less production cost. Smart.
As he gets older, he might slow down the crazy eating. Maybe he will pivot to more producing. Or maybe he will host a show on Netflix. With his talent, the sky is the limit.
Key Takeaways for Aspiring Creators
What can we learn from Will Sonbuchner net worth and career?
- Don’t be afraid to pivot. He went from teaching English to making videos.
- Quality wins. He invested in good gear and editing early on.
- Be authentic. His personality is his brand.
- Respect your subject. Whether it is food or people, respect goes a long way.
- Reinvest in yourself. He pours money back into the channel to make it better.
FAQ’s
Conclusion
Will Sonbuchner is a self-made man. He took a risk. He moved halfway across the world. He ate some truly terrible things. And he built an empire.
His net worth is a reflection of his hard work. It is a testament to his creativity. He turned his passion for food and film into a multimillion-dollar business.
So, the next time you see him eating a worm, remember this. That worm is worth its weight in gold. He has earned every penny. He is an inspiration to creators everywhere.
We hope you enjoyed this deep dive into Will Sonbuchner net worth. It is a story of grit, guts, and gastronomy. Stay hungry, my friends! And as Sonny would say, “Don’t think, just chew!”.
Pingback: Meaghan Thomas: Beyond the Forecast & Into an Inspiring Atmosphere - OrbitCeleb
Pingback: Jay Harrington Net Worth: The Wealth Behind Deacon Kay and “S.W.A.T.” - OrbitCeleb