WePlay! Esports and partners of the company allocated $120,000 for the prize pool, which, together with donations from the esports community, will be equally divided between CEPI and GlobalGiving to assist COVID-19 response. By the end of the event, the esports community increased the prize pool to $188,879.

More than 1,000 people joined the fundraising activity. According to Esports Charts, the broadcasts peaked at 161,215 people watching the games simultaneously.

In the difficult situation we face globally, esports is the only kind of sport that can be adapted to the new circumstances and still happen. That is why the initiative by WePlay! Esports received passionate support from participants, partners, and sponsors from different countries as well as Ukrainian showbiz celebrities. 

“Considering the short time it took to create and launch this tournament, we are very satisfied with the viewers’ and partners’ involvement and support. I am sure this is not the last charitable tournament from WePlay! Esports. In the future, we will only increase people’s involvement in socially responsible esports. From our side, we will improve the ways to interact with the community to simplify the process of donating and reaching a broader audience.”
- WePlay! Esports CEO and Managing Partner Oleg Krot.

The charitable tournament was supported by the esports community and viewers. Many friendly studios broadcast the marathon in Chinese, Portuguese, French, German, Turkish, Arabian, and Mongolian! 

The marathon was also supported by Ukrainian celebrities who recorded inspiring video messages. 

“Regardless of where we are at the moment, by participating in this event, we can help to save the world.”
- Nata Zhyzhchenko, a front woman from the ONUKA musical band.

“Support is important, especially nowadays,”
- Ukrainian-Bolivian singer Michelle Andrade.

Here are the results of the extra show matches and competitions in each of the regions:

• Europe: Team Nigma
• CIS: HellRaisers
• North America: Evil Geniuses
• China: PSG.LGD
• South America: Thunder Predator
• Southeast Asia: Team Adroit
• Europe vs. CIS: Team Nigma
• 3v3 NA All-Star Match: Team Tango

During the marathon, WePlay! Esports aired educational videos about safe conduct during an outbreak. Thus, besides fundraising, the company was also raising awareness.

“We do not live in an isolated world of esports. Largely, we see the solidarity of people around the world and their readiness to help each other. From our part, we have provided another tool to help to overcome the global crisis. Like everything else in esports, charity has a huge growth potential, and the results of our first marathon show that the audience is willing to participate in social projects and provide support with money, re-posts, and discussions. We truly appreciate our viewers’ and partners’ support. We have been able to show that esports is not just gaming, it is an opportunity to make a difference.”
- WePlay! Esports CBDO and Managing Partner Yura Lazebnikov.

The prize pool and all donations collected during the marathon will be equally divided between the CEPI and GlobalGiving funds, the former developing the vaccine and the latter providing aid here and now (procurement of masks, protective or other equipment).

“This virus is truly a global threat. Everybody is affected by it, and everybody has a part to play in ending this pandemic. At such a difficult time, it is inspiring to see diverse communities like the WePlay! Esports gamers coming together and making such an important contribution to our crucial vaccine development work.”
- CEO of CEPI, Dr Richard Hatchett.

“Your donation to this fund will help stop the virus's spread and give communities on the front lines of the crisis the resources they need to act quickly and protect the most vulnerable. Donations will help to:

• Send doctors, nurses, and other front line responders to communities in need.
• Get masks, ventilators, and other lifesaving medical supplies to hospitals and clinics.
• Deliver essential items to struggling families and older individuals in quarantined cities.
• Feed children that rely on school meals as their only source of nutrition.
• Support hygiene awareness efforts.” 

- Ingrid Embree, Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships at GlobalGiving.

About CEPI

Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) was launched at Davos (Switzerland) to develop vaccines and stop future epidemics. It is supported by the authorities of Norway, Germany, Japan, Canada, Australia, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Wellcome Trust foundation, and other charity organizations. CEPI,  in coordination with the World Health Organization as well as other partners, develops vaccines against the coronavirus. CEPI’s aim is to advance COVID-19 vaccine candidates into clinical testing and defeat the virus as soon as possible. 

About GlobalGiving

GlobalGiving is a global crowdfunding community connecting nonprofits, donors, and companies in nearly every country. The organization partners with Hilton, Microsoft, Nike, Facebook, Ford, Cummins, Discovery, Google, and other companies to implement corporate social responsibility and philanthropy programs. The GlobalGiving Coronavirus Relief Fund was created to help and protect those who are the most vulnerable. The fund sends doctors and nurses to where they are needed the most, provides hospitals with masks, ventilators, and other lifesaving medical supplies, and delivers essential items to struggling families.

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