( ENSPIRE Community Spotlight ) Beyond the Screen: Illuminating the Philanthropic Journeys of Gamers
In the ever-evolving landscape of celebrity culture, the definition of fame has expanded to include a new breed of influencers – gamers, streamers, and professional players who have captured the attention of a global audience. With over 40% of the world’s population engaging in the gaming phenomenon, it’s not just about high scores and virtual conquests; some gamers are using their winnings for real-world impact. In this exploration, we delve into the stories of ten remarkable individuals who, beyond their gaming prowess, have become philanthropists, changing lives and making a difference. From annual fundraising events to substantial contributions to charitable organizations, these gamers are redefining the narrative of gaming success.
Here in the digital age, the very definition of what it means to be a celebrity is being defined. Global superstardom is no longer the exclusive domain of A-list movie stars or bona fide royalty; video gaming influencers, streamers, and pro players have all found acclaim on the world’s stage. Gaming is now one of the most successful and popular entertainment industries across the globe, pulling in an audience of 3.32 billion people — that’s over 40% of the total human population of the planet!
Much like some film and TV stars through the ages have become well-known philanthropists, there are several pro gamers and gamblers out there who are committed to making real-world changes with their wealth. In this article, we’ll take a look at the stories of ten gamers in recent history who’ve used their winnings for good, from the former cocktail waitress changing lives after her windfall win playing casino games to the eSports pros raising millions for charity.
Seán William McLoughlin
“Jacksepticeye,” aka Seán William McLoughlin is an Irish gamer and YouTuber known worldwide for his hilarious Let’s Play videos, where he provides comedic commentary while playing games like Minecraft, Among Us, and Fortnite. With an audience of almost 29 million subscribers, he’s been at the helm of the annual Thankmas fundraising event since 2018. In 2022 alone he raised over $10 million for World Central Kitchen.
Benjamin Lupo
Known mostly by his alias DrLupo, Benjamin Lupo is a professional gamer and Twitch streamer, broadcasting live gameplay and commentary in titles like VALORANT, Destiny, and Escape from Tarkov. With such an engaged global audience in his grasp, he’s been able to raise over $13 million for St. Jude’s Research Hospital by playing in live-streaming marathons and hosting the annual Build Against Cancer event. As well as hosting, he also donates any income generated while streaming to St. Judes.
Felix Kjellberg
“PewDiePie” as he’s more commonly known among Gen Z gamers, Felix Kjellberg is one of the more controversial gamers and YouTube streamers. But, while some of his videos have courted the headlines, he’s been firmly committed to charitable giving, raiding millions through live streams for organizations including RED and Save the Children. Most notably, he partnered with Cry for Help, contributing over $240,000 via donations and fundraising in 2018.
Cynthia Jay-Brennan
Back in the year 2000, Cynthia Jay-Brennan’s life took a dramatic turn when she won an astonishing $34.9 million playing a slot machine in a Las Vegas casino. This was a life-changing jackpot amount, which doesn’t only pertain to physical casino locations. Casino games that pay real money tend to pay out hourly, daily, and progressive super jackpots of up to 1.5 million dollars. These hot drop jackpot games encompass exciting titles, such as “777 Deluxe”, “A Night with Cleo”, “Mystic Elements”, and more, which result in frequent jackpot drops, worn regularly by everyday people online.
And Cynthia Jay-Brennan was one of these ordinary people whose life changed drastically with a single win. However, unfortunately, tragedy struck just a few weeks after her miraculous jackpot – when a car accident left her paralyzed from the chest down.
Yet, Cynthia’s story is one of resilience. In the years since her win, she has purchased and donated over 1000 wheelchairs to the Free Wheelchair Mission, ensuring disabled patients get the equipment they need for proper healthcare. In addition, she’s been a regular donor to the MADD Foundation and has helped several US schools with financial support.
Chris and Colin Weir
Scottish couple Chris and Colin Weir became the biggest lottery winners in British history after scooping £161 million in the EuroMillions lottery. They may have become celebrities overnight, but that didn’t stop them from establishing a long legacy of philanthropic endeavors including making generous donations to community projects and political campaigns. Although Colin sadly passed away in 2019, Chris continues to be involved in charitable work throughout Scotland.
Denise Coates
The founder of one of the most successful online gambling firms of all time, Denise Coates has been a name in the UK and international gambling scene for almost three decades. Not content with simply being the world’s highest-paid woman (2018), Coates has donated millions every year to charities including CAFOD, the Douglas Macmillan Hospice, and Oxfam since establishing the Denise Coates Foundation in 2012.
Liv Boeree
A professional poker champion (and astrophysicist!) from the UK who’s competed in the most prestigious online and in-person tournaments in the world, Liv Boeree is a passionate advocate for altruism. According to the Hendon Mob poker database, she ranks 23rd in the England All-Time money list and has earned over $3.8 million from playing the game at an elite level.
Not only is Boeree a trailblazer in the realm of women’s poker, but she has pledged a substantial portion of her poker winnings to charitable initiatives related to animal welfare, poverty alleviation, and global health. In 2014, she co-founded Raising for Effective Giving (REG), a social enterprise that motivates and empowers other poker pros to donate to and support high-impact charities.
Billy Walters
Author of Gambler, Billy Walters was once described as the “world’s most successful sports bettor”. For decades, the entrepreneur has shared his extensive knowledge of sports gambling with aspiring punters across the globe, and he’s been a patron, donor, and volunteer at dozens of charities throughout the US — including Opportunity Village. Walters and his wife Susan were even named Las Vegas Philanthropists of the Year in 1997.
Phil Ivey
The winner of ten World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets, Phil Ivey is a globally renowned professional poker player with a staggering net worth of over $125 million. He is as much an exemplar of philanthropy as he is poker, having donated $50,000 to the Las Vegas charity Empowered 2 Excel, created the Budding Ivey Foundation, and partnered with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, as well as numerous other literacy and hunger alleviation programs.
Dan Bilzerian
Although known for indulging in the finer things in life, including private jets and luxury cars, high-stakes poker player and venture capitalist Dan Bilzerian is one of the most compassionate players on the pro poker circuit. Donating to and supporting several charities through the years, in 2023, Bilzerian established the Bilzerian Foundation to focus on causes including animal rights, environmental conservation, and veterans’ welfare.
As the gaming industry continues to break boundaries, these ten players stand out not just for their virtual achievements but for the tangible, positive impact they’ve made in the real world. From Seán William McLoughlin’s Thankmas fundraising to Cynthia Jay-Brennan’s resilience after tragedy, each story unfolds a narrative of compassion and commitment to making a difference. Whether through marathons, charity events, or the establishment of foundations, these gamers exemplify the transformative power of using winnings for good. Their stories serve as an inspiration, showcasing that success in the gaming world can extend beyond the screen, leaving a lasting imprint on communities and causes around the globe.
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