The 8th edition of the largest online charity marathon has begun, already more than 300,000 euros raised

Around thirty streamers and internet personalities are meeting in Montpellier to encourage people to donate to associations such as Secours populaire, Bureaux du cœur and Solidarité Paysans.

“I declare ZEvent 2024 open!” The 8th edition of ZEvent, the largest online charity event in France, kicked off on Friday, September 6 on the online streaming platform Twitch.

The event, which has already raised more than 30 million euros for associations since its creation, was launched at 6 p.m. by streamer ZeratoR, organizer and co-creator of the event with his right-hand man Alexandre Dachary, in front of more than 110,000 spectators and surrounded by participating streamers. At 8 p.m., the prize pool already exceeded 310,000 euros.

Until Sunday evening, around thirty internet personalities will take turns playing video games, answering quizzes and setting each other challenges. With the aim of encouraging their viewers to make donations to five associations fighting against poverty, including Secours populaire, Bureaux du coeur and Solidarité Paysans, in conjunction with the Fondation de France.

After a one-year break, this edition brings together streamers like Kameto, Ladysundae and AVAMind, the host of the talk show “Popcorn” Domingo, YouTube personalities like Antoine Daniel and Joueur du Grenier, and the host Samuel Étienne.

They will be joined online by about a hundred others, reflecting the 100 streams with the most hours viewed over the past year, according to the organization. “The goal, in the long term, is that everyone can participate, a bit like a Telethon”explained ZeratoR (real name Adrien Nougaret), who hopes to open it up to all streamers who want it next year.

However, many criticisms have emerged regarding certain profiles selected among the 100, notably accused of having made inappropriate comments. “By refusing to do a background check [vérification des antécédents] and effective sorting of these participants online and/or in person, the ZEvent endangers women and racialized people in its community”expressed concern on X the streamer Nat’ali, co-creator of the feminist charity marathon “Furax”.I’m not minimizing at all what people have said.”ZeratoR replies. He who pleads for a “right to redemption” believes that “It’s very difficult to judge, to set a limit”.