Riot Games To Host Mid-Season Streamathon To Help Raise Funds For COVID-19

Despite having its Mid-Season Invitational cancelled due to COVID-19, Riot Games is doing its part to combat the pandemic by hosting a “League of Legends” charity stream to raise funds for the victims of the virus.

In a recent article posted on the game's official esports website, the Mid-Season Streamathon will continue Riot Games' efforts to help those affected by COVID-19. The 48-hour global live stream will start on May 29 until May 31, featuring some of the best matches between some of the best “League of Legends” team from around the globe.

“This multi-day, continuous broadcast will feature a variety of content from regions around the world, including competition between leagues, exhibition matches and a lot more,” said the article.

The semifinals and finals matches between China's League of Legends Pro League going up against League of Legends Champions Korea will be one of the highlights of the event.

A Europe face-off is also scheduled, as well as an “influencer battle” between Brazil's Kami and Yoda. There will also be a Casters vs Champions and pro exhibition matches pitting North America's premiere teams.

The Mid-Season Streamathon will serve as an avenue for fans to donate to support a “global network of nonprofit organizations” working together to address COVID-19 relief efforts. The article pointed that donations made by the viewers will be coursed through the Riot Games Social Impact Fund and will be distributed to various organizations such as the ImpactAssets COVID Response Fund and the GlobalGiving Coronavirus Relief Fund.

Back in March, Riot Games donated $1.5 million to global COVID-19 relief efforts. From the amount, $500,000 came directly from the studio, while the remaining was given by co-founders Brandon Beck and Marc Merrill. “League of Legends” pro player Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok also donated 30 million Korean Won ($25,000) to the South Korea's Community Chest as it battles the spread of COVID-19.

The Mid-Season Streamathon will be available via Twitch in English, Taiwanese and Thai. YouTube will also stream the matches live in the same languages as well as Vietnamese. There is also a VOD option on LoL esports website.