YouTuber KSI has helped raise more than £1 million for charity thanks to a star-studded football match.

The Watford-born social media star, rapper, and boxer played a huge role in the Sidemen Charity Match 2022 event, which has already been watched by more than 17 million on YouTube and other online platforms.

His Sidemen YouTube group faced off against an All-Star YouTube XI in front of more than 25,000 fans at Charlton Athletic’s stadium in London on Saturday.

The match was a thriller with the Sidemen XI scoring two late goals to run out 8-7 winners.

The game featured YouTube stars from around the world with the likes of Mr Beast, who has more than 100 million subscribers, teenage US streamer Speed, Twitch stream and YouTuber Edwin Castro, and other YouTubers such as Theo Baker and Harry Pinero turning out for the All-Stars.

There was celebrity status on the touchline as well with freestyler Billy Wingrove put in charge of the Sidemen while Manchester United fan and YouTuber Mark Goldbridge led the All-Stars, while former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg officiated.

Read more: Who is Watford YouTuber KSI?

The game was played in great spirit and hugely entertaining for the millions of fans who tuned in online with a total of 15 goals scored.

During the match, viewers were encouraged to donate money which will be distributed to four charities, including Teenage Cancer Trust, Living Miserably, Rays of Sunshine, and M7E – the latter an educational organisation that funds free school trips and was set up by Sidemen member Simon Minter aka Miniminter. It was the fourth charity match set up by the Sidemen.

The Sidemen announced shortly after the match finished that the charity match had raised more than £1 million and thanked everyone who made the day so “special”.

KSI, who was born in Watford and grew up in and around the town, tweeted afterwards: “What a day. I’m absolutely knackered but I’m so proud of what the social media/online community did today.

“So entertaining & raised so much money for charity. A historic moment. Thanks to everyone that made this event so special. Can’t wait to do it again next year.”

KSI – real name Olajide Olatunji, with more than 24 million YouTube subscribers - is credited for playing a huge part in the success of the seven-member Sidemen group.

Watford Observer: KSI. Image: PAKSI. Image: PA (Image: PA)

His thriving career has also seen him venture into boxing, music, and business, such as launching a new energy drink called Prime at Watford Asda earlier this year.

Read more: Frenzied fans flock to see KSI and Logan Paul at Watford Asda

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