Youtubers are changing the world! In times of great hardship and a cost of living crisis it is inspiring to see so many people were willing to donate to charity in support of “the Sidemen” who went on to defeat the YouTube All Stars 8-7 at The Valley – the home of League One side Charlton Athletic – on Saturday afternoon. Influencer “Chunkz, 26,” was on the losing side but scored a screamer and received a brilliant reception from supporters for his efforts. The British YouTube group the Sidemen have raised £1million for charity after they hosted a star-studded football match.
It has since been confirmed by the group that the grand total will be split between the four charities involved. 40 per cent of the funds will be donated to the Teenage Cancer Trust, 40 per cent to CALM, 10 per cent to Rays Of Sunshine and the final 10 per cent to M7 Education.
The group, fronted by boxer, musician and social media personality KSI, put on the event that has been either watched live or via replay more than 17m times since Saturday afternoon. The Sidemen formed one starting XI, while they took on All-Star YouTube XI with around 25,000 fans in attendance. The game proved to be a thrilling, high-scoring affair that eventually ended 8-7 in favour of the Sidemen courtesy of two late goals to swing the tie in their favour. There were plenty of famous faces on the pitch from all over the globe, including American star Mr Beast – who boasts 100 million subscribers.
He was joined by Edwin Castro, Twitch streamer Speed and other YouTuber sensations such as Theo Baker and Harry Pinero all appearing for the All-Stars. While everyone on the pitch was a famous face, there were some stars in the respective technical areas as well. Football freestyler Billy Wingrove was overseeing things as boss for the Sidemen, while YouTuber Mark Goldbridge was in the dugout for the All-Stars.
The man with the whistle was even well-known as former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg officiated the contest, though he came in for some criticism after the game from streamer Speed.
The whole event was a huge success, which has prompted KSI to hint that another game for next year may be in the works. He took to Twitter to write: “What a day. I’m absolutely knackered but I’m so proud of what the social media/online community did today.
“So entertaining & raised so much money for charity. A historic moment. Thanks to everyone that made this event so special. Can’t wait to do it again next year.”
Fellow YouTube sensation and KSI’s business partner Logan Paul was in attendance for the match, but didn’t don his boots and get on the pitch. He has already gone toe-to-toe with KSI in a sporting capacity, having fought him twice the boxing ring.
