He graduated from Göteborks Högre Samskola, then went to pursue a degree in Industrial Economics and Technology Management at Sweden's Chalmers University of Technology.
In February 2012, PewDiePie ran for King of the Web, an online contest. He lost the overall title, however still became the "Gaming King of the Web" for the 1–15 February 2012 voting period. During the following voting period, PewDiePie won and donated his cash winnings to the World Wildlife Fund. He has raised money for the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
PewDiePie also began a Water Campaign charity, where his fans could donate money in honor and celebration of reaching 10 million subscribers. Pewds had the goal of raising $250,000. at the end of the drive, the amount raised was $446,462
June 2014, PewDiePie, announced that a fourth charity drive for Save the Children raised over $630,000 passing a $250,000 goal. Combining all the charity funds raised by PewDiePie and his fan base, a total amounting to over $1 million has been donated.