From Kickabouts to Kilimanjaro: The Evolution and Impact of the Sidemen Charity Match, 2023 Edition | by Allegue Wessim | Sep, 2023

In the world of YouTube stardom, where pranks and gaming rule the roost, there’s a group of lads who decided to kick things up a notch, all in the name of charity. The Sidemen, a collective of British YouTubers, are known for their gaming shenanigans, hilarious challenges, and, of course, their epic charity football matches. Grab a cuppa and get ready for a whirlwind tour through the evolution and impact of the Sidemen Charity Match, with a special spotlight on the sensational 2023 edition — it’s a story that’ll have you cheering louder than a Wembley crowd!

It all started with a casual kickabout among friends who also happened to be YouTube sensations. Back in 2016, the Sidemen decided to channel their love for football into something bigger — an annual charity football match. The idea was simple: bring together YouTubers, create two teams, and have a good ol’ kickabout. But little did they know that this humble beginning would morph into something monumental.

Let’s talk numbers, shall we? The Sidemen Charity Matches have consistently drawn millions of viewers online, making them one of the most-watched charity events on YouTube. But in 2023, they took it up a notch. With 60,000 live spectators packing the stadium of West Ham, it was a spectacle for the ages. The Sidemen Charity Match had gone from a backyard kickabout to a stadium-filling extravaganza!

One of the magical ingredients of the Sidemen Charity Matches is the eclectic mix of participants. In 2023, they had some extra star power in the form of YouTubers like Mr. Beast, known for his jaw-dropping philanthropic stunts, and Kai Cenat, the rising star of online gaming, or Speed. This helped them reach a wider audience that wasn’t interested in football or soccer.