Have you ever dreamt of a Liverpool and One Direction crossover? Well, those slightly intriguing dreams are about to become a reality.
A FIFA 20 tournament involving some of the best footballers and biggest music stars in the world is to take place this week.
The list of confirmed names so far includes; Dele Alli, Juventus’ Paulo Dybala, Trent Alexander-Arnold, One Direction star Liam Payne, and Portugal duo Joao Felix and Andre Silva – with more stars set to be announced later this week.
The tournament has been organised by charity esports series Gamers Without Borders, as part of €10million COVID-19 relief fundraiser.
Gamers without Borders, inspired by SAFEIS, has already attracted 42m video views and over 120,000 players from 72 countries, becoming the biggest esports charity event ever.
The high-stakes, charity exhibition matches are set to be part of an epic closing weekend for Gamers Without Borders, which will also see the climax of the event’s elite-level FIFA 20 tournament for pro gamers, where eight of the world’s best FIFA players will slug it out for a massive €1.5 million, all of which will again go to COVID-19 charities.
The Gamers Without Borders International Elite events are supported by the world’s largest esports company, ESL, as technical partner who are providing the highest standard of experience to gamers and viewers alike.
The first round of fixtures in this allstars tournament pits Liverpool’s Alexander-Arnold up against Payne, with Alli facing Juventus’ Argentine superstar Dybala.
Alli – who took part in Gamers Without Borders’ Fortnite tournament two weeks ago – said: “Lots of my teammates and footballing friends are massively into their gaming.
“Playing the likes of FIFA over the last few months has kept us connected and competitive for when we get back out there for real.
“Gamers Without Borders is a brilliant way for the gamers all over the world to come together for good causes and support these charities fighting COVID-19.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what Paulo (Dybala) has in the locker for our match!”
One Direction star Payne – now a solo artist – said: “Gaming has brought people together and provided a bit fun for many over the last few months.
“I’m a massive fan and love FIFA so I’m looking forward to a chance to join some amazing footballers in supporting these charities fighting COVID-19 with Gamers Without Borders.
“Trent’s obviously flying at the moment for Liverpool and England but let’s see how he fares in the virtual world!”
Having run for the last six weeks, Gamers Without Borders has broken new ground for esports after uniting 120,000 gamers from 72 countries online in tournaments and series on the most popular titles in gaming.
Fans across the globe can watch the tournament action live in multiple languages via Twitch, YouTube, Facebook and Huya from 5-7 June 2020, with full broadcast information available at: watch.gamerswithoutborders.com
You can keep up to date with all the news surrounding the event by following the Gamers Without Borders’ social channels.