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Anthony Nolan, the UK’s most prominent charity for blood cancer and other blood disorders, announced its latest partnership to Guild Studios, home of some the best content creators and professional gamers in the world.
They have teamed up to create the Match for a Match Cup. This FIFA tournament will feature pros who are not normally known for their football skills, and they will be challenged to win a knockout tournament.
Anthony Nolan’s efforts to encourage 16- to 24-year olds to sign up for the stem cell registry, which is vital in saving the lives of those with blood cancers or other blood disorders, continues. These young people are vital to charity’s work because they are more likely than others to match the criteria and have the greatest chance of saving lives. It’s also easy to join the stem cell registry, which takes less than a 12-minute FIFA game.
Stevie White, co-star of Jaack Maate’s Happy Hour podcast and Guild content writer, will cross the virtual white line in Match for a Match Cup. As a self-confessed FIFA beginner, White is eager to ’embarrass’ himself for a good cause. Stevie will be joined by ‘Anas El-Abd’, a Fortnite eSports pro player who won MrBeast’s $1,000,000 tournament. But how will these skills translate to the football pitch.
Harrie Silver, a Twitch streamer and content creator, is among those who are lining up for their shot. She is best known for her lifestyle content. But she now has the opportunity to tackle the biggest football game in the world. Henrik “Hen” Mclean, a British/Lithuanian Fortnite Player, will complete the lineup. He has amassed a remarkable list of career wins at only 17 years old. Mclean describes himself as a casual FIFA player, and is eager to improve his skills at a higher level.
Presenter Iain Chambers will host the Match for a Match Cup. Chambers is known for hosting some of the most prestigious eSports tournaments in the world. Chambers will be joined by TN25, a Guild content writer who specializes in FIFA. The pair will bring you all the action from the tournament and match commentary.
Anthony Nolan’s partnership with Guild, a major pillar of the online gaming industry, is a great way to reach more people. 71% of those aged 16-24 play regularly online. Rian Harvey was only 14 when he was diagnosed as having Acute myeloid leukemia. Gaming has been a comfort for him. Harvey said that gaming saved him from long periods in hospital and isolation after a stem cell transplant.
Matt Allen, Senior Digital Marketing Manager at Anthony Nolan, stated that a young man could sign-up to the stem cell registry in less than twelve minutes. While only 18% of the UK Anthony Nolan stem cells register are made up of young men, they make up 55% of those who have been asked to donate.
“By putting on an entertaining event with some the most decorated eSports players in the world trying their hand at something different, we’re excited about shining a light on young adults’ ability to try something else, which could save lives.”
“Guild’s appeal is to the notoriously difficult-to-reach Gen Z population makes us the perfect partner to Anthony Nolan as the organization looks to encourage more 16- to 24-year-olds join the stem cell registry,” Nick Westwood, Senior Vice President for Guild Esports, stated. “Together we will not only offer an evening of entertainment but also hope to inspire young gamers and make an impact on the problem of blood cancer and other blood disorders.
The action will all be streamed live via the Guild Twitch channel. In-tournament interviews will inspire viewers with survivors, patients and donors from the charity. These stories will help to inspire the next generation.
* The Match for a Match Cup will see Fortnite’s professional gamers and content creators take part in a FIFA tournament supporting the fight against blood cancers and other blood disorders.
* Guild Studios is a partnership co-owned and managed by David Beckham. It will encourage 16-24-year-olds to get out of their comfort zones and to join the stem cell registry.
* Self-confessed FIFA novices are currently training for the event which will be held at Guild’s headquarters, London.
* The tournament will be streamed live by Guild Twitch starting at 6pm on Tuesday 25th April 2023.
