RIYADH — Some of the biggest names in football and music are set to go head-to-head on FIFA 20 as part of $10 million COVID-19 relief fundraiser Gamers Without Borders — the largest charity e-sports event of all time.

Held this weekend, superstar footballers including Juventus and Argentina talisman Paulo Dybala, England and Spurs hero Dele Alli, Liverpool’s Champions League winning right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold and Portugal duo João Félix and Andre Silva will come up against each other as part of Gamers Without Borders’ closing tournament.

They will also be joined by global singing sensation and former One Direction star Liam Payne, with other megastars set to be unveiled this week.

The high-stakes, charity exhibition matches are set to be part of an epic closing weekend for Gamers Without Borders, which will also see the climax of the event’s elite-level FIFA 20 tournament for pro gamers, where eight of the world’s best FIFA players will slug it out for a massive $1.5 million, all of which will again go to COVID-19 charities.

Dele — who took part in Gamers Without Borders’ Fortnite tournament two weeks ago — said: “Lots of my teammates and footballing friends are massively into their gaming. Playing the likes of FIFA over the last few months has kept us connected and competitive for when we get back out there for real.

“Gamers Without Borders is a brilliant way for the gamers all over the world to come together for good causes and support these charities fighting COVID-19. I’m looking forward to seeing what Paulo has in the locker for our match!”

Payne — now a solo artist with 11 hits under his belt — said: “Gaming has brought people together and provided a bit fun for many over the last few months. I’m a massive fan and love FIFA so I’m looking forward to a chance to join some amazing footballers in supporting these charities fighting COVID-19 with Gamers Without Borders.

“Trent’s obviously flying at the moment for Liverpool and England but let’s see how he fares in the virtual world!”

Having run for the last six weeks, Gamers Without Borders has broken new ground for esports after uniting 120,000 gamers from 72 countries online in tournaments and series on the most popular titles in gaming, making it the biggest charity e-sports event of all time.

The unprecedented esports initiative, organized by the Saudi Arabian Federation for Electronic and Intellectual Sports (SAFEIS), has already seen $8.5 million donated to global charities tackling COVID-19. These have included GAVI, UNICEF, Direct Relief, International Medical Corps, King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief), Norwegian Refugee Council, International Telecommunications Union.

The Gamers Without Borders International Elite events are supported by the world’s largest esports company, ESL, as technical partner who are providing the highest standard of experience to gamers and viewers alike. — SG