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The hotly debated topic between Villanova’s two most recent National Championship teams is coming to a head on Monday night. The Wildcats’ 2016 and 2018 National Championship teams have organized an esports event to determine once and for all who the better team is, and they’re raising funds for a local charity to help those in need during the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.
On Monday, May 4th players from both National Championship teams as well as some special guests will take part in “Champions for Charity: 16 v 18,” a live-streamed, simulated NBA 2K contest. The event, presented by World Showdown of Esports (WSOE) Online and produced by Estars Studios, will air live at 7 p.m. ET
The teams will compete both on the court and in a charity drive to raise funds for Philabundance, Philadelphia’s largest hunger relief organization. According to 2016’s Kevin Rafferty, the idea was born out of a series of Zoom calls that the team organized to get together during the Covid-19 crisis to stay connected.
“We’ve had some spirited arguments about which team would win if we went head-to-head,” said event organizer and 2016 champion Kevin Rafferty. “Now we’ll have an answer and help support a great cause in the process.”
The best news? We’ll get to be there for the ride. The broadcast - live on Twitch and YouTube - will feature a customized game screen surrounded by a live video feed of all 17 former Wildcats. Players will talk loads of trash offer commentary throughout the game and receive check-ins from special guests, including Villanova head coach Jay Wright. Fan-favorite Darryl Reynolds, a forward on the 2016 team and current Big East Network commentator, will serve as the host and moderator.
The Lineups
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As part of ‘Nova Nation, we’re asking everyone to vote for the better team by donating what you can for this great cause. Please bookmark and share the Tiltify donation page to donate in advance of the evcent. During the broadcast, the Tiltify link will be active or you can type “donate” into the Twitch chat to get the link sent to you.
How to Watch
(we’ll have our usual Viewing Guide and Game Chat for the event on Monday)
Date & Time: Monday, May 4 at 7 p.m. ET
Channels: Twitch, YouTube + Twitter
About Champions for Charity
Champions for Charity, organized by Kevin Rafferty, includes 17 members of the 2016 and 2018 Villanova Men’s Basketball National Champion teams seeking to make a difference during the Covid-19 crisis. Participating members (with title years in parentheses) include Darryl Reynolds (2016), Pat Farell (2016), Ryan Arcidiacono (2016), Henry Lowe (2016), Daniel Ochefu (2016), Kris Jenkins (2016), Josh Hart (2016), Kevin Rafferty (2016), Mikal Bridges (2016 and 2018), Phil Booth (2016 and 2018), Jalen Brunson (2016 and 2018), Tim Delaney (2016 and 2018), Tom Leibig (2018), Denny Grace (2018), Eric Paschall (2018), Peyton Heck (2018), Matt Kennedy (2018).
About World Showdown of Esports
World Showdown of Esports (WSOE) is the world’s premier multi-genre esports tournament series, where skills are tested, reputations are forged and upsets are a certainty. The WSOE brings together the most compelling personalities in competitive gaming for intimate, head-to-head competition that puts the passion behind the games on full display. For more information, visit WSOE.com. Follow WSOE on Twitch, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for the latest news and updates.
About Philabundance
Philabundance is the largest hunger relief organization in the Delaware Valley. What started out as a small food rescue organization operating out of a Subaru, 30+ years later, is an innovative, impactful and collaborative organization distributing more than 24 million pounds of food a year to those in need. Philabundance is a proud member of Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks leading the fight against hunger in the United States.
About Estars Studios
Estars Studios is the leading, independent production company for esports and video games. Combining decades of experience in live sports production with a deep passion for competitive gaming, Estars Studios creates outstanding video content, premium esports competitions and more. It sets itself apart through productions that carry harder. For more information, visit estarsstudios.com or follow Estars Studios on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.