Data platform GRID has teamed up with UK based charity Rethink Mental Illness to create ‘The Fight Before Christmas’, a CS:GO event aiming to raise funds and awareness for mental health.
The event is scheduled to take place on Sunday, December 6th at 12:00 CET via Twitch. Additionally, The Fight Before Christmas will use CS:GO’s Wingman game mode with mixed-gender rosters in order to celebrate inclusivity.
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Female esports community platform, WIDE.GG, has been revealed as the event’s diversity partner, meanwhile, TheEsportsBible will be its Empowerment Content Partner. Xtrfy and Skinwallet are joining GRID as partners for the fundraiser.
Harry Wiggett, GRID’s Key Account Manager, commented on the initiative: “Here at GRID we felt the need to celebrate the end of 2020 with some refreshing CSGO content for the community. It’s been a wildly unpredictable year that we at GRID are thankful to have survived, personally & professionally. Together with our partners we are now happy to raise funds and raise awareness on mental health.
“An area that needs no introduction but more attention. Nobody deserves to face internal battles without any support therefore we want to raise awareness to Rethink’s services and also raise funds for them to advance in their support of those in need. Thanks to everyone involved in this event, it’s a pleasure to be giving in the mental health space.”
In total eight teams of two are expected to compete with Swedish veteran player Julia “Juliano” Kiran and Natus Vincere’s Ilya “m0nesey“ Osipov announced as the first list of competitors.
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The Fight Before Christmas’ main broadcast will be produced by Relog Media, with the event set to use POV streams of the participants. It has also been confirmed that instead of using a heavy commentary format, the event looks to focus on following donations and interacting with the community.
GRID has announced that the main broadcast talent has yet to be fully finalised with the firm open to hearing from talent wanting to get involved.
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A Rethink Mental Illness spokesperson stated: “Rethink Mental Illness are very grateful to be the charity partner of ‘The Fight Before Christmas’, the growing relationship between charity and esports is incredibly exciting and one we hope to build on for the future. Any donations received will go towards our work supporting those severely affected by mental illness.”
Esports Insider says: GRID looks to put on a great initiative which focuses on a very serious topic, particularly given the current climate of the world. Moreover, The Fight Before Christmas event continues to highlight how esports can be used to raise awareness on crucial discussions, such as mental health.