Hot Takes:
Sora While the first Holo, she is IMO replacable in this role. She basically stumbled into the position of daisenpai without ever really filling it. That was left to the likes of Fubuki
Tsukino Mito Nijikeks need not apply Honestly, she's a fair pick, I think
Ironmouse Myth and Melody did more to establish western vtubing, and western vtubing at large is still nowhere near Japanese vtubing. Adding a westerner is kind of like the Oscars for Best Animated Feature: It's only by ignoring Japan that someone else can slot in
Pekora She has the numbers, but is IMO too much of a loner and not terribly variable with her streaming content. She's great for herself, but not really someone who elevates others
I'd pick
Tsukino Mito Niji diversity nomination Yeah, fine, she was and continues to be important. Allegedly
Houshou Marine Doesn't stream much these days, but still has stupidly high outreach with her music and collabs leaning into the seiyuu industry. And is social enough that she actually does elevate others
Shigure Ui Much like Marine, a stupid amount of connections across the industry. Best performing vtuber song in history. Utterly ridiculous views for an indy. Must've sacrificed a goat and some children for her inexplicable success
No fourth one, it's just the triforce of vtubing.