Gaming Duo Storm TIME’s Top 100

Bigger than Jesus? Not yet, but according to TIME’s Top 100 Influential People of 2010 poll, Seattle based web-comic duo Jerry Holkins and Mike Krahulik (aka Penny Arcade’s Tycho and Gabe) are more influential than US President Barrack Obama.

The poll, which allows people to vote for “the leaders, artists, innovators and icons who you think merit spots on this year’s list of the 100 most influential people in the world,” is currently underway, the two gaming giants already rocketing toward its pinnacle.

The gaming evangelists aren’t the only industry figures to make the grade, with Lionhead’s Peter Molyneux featuring at #59. Currently standing at #9 themselves, the poll will undoubtedly change over the coming days, so it’s unlikely the popular pair will make the final top ten. But why shouldn’t they? Sure, their lofty appearance on the list is likely due to Mike’s recent post about the poll, but if this is a list that gauges influence, with their own charity that helps millions of children and the fact that PAX East – the new east-coast flavour of their hugely popular gaming expo – has just ended to rapturous success, why shouldn’t the guys’ immense pull in the industry be acknowledged? Then again, should this list really be taken in anyway serious? After all, Cherly Cole makes the top 50.

Who’s presently top of the chart? Lady Gaga. Yeah, like we said, this whole thing might not be exceptionally relevant.