All eight Midas Mode teams pledge winnings to charity

Holiday cheer from MoonduckTV’s Midas Mode won’t just come from belly laughs and the offbeat tournament’s unusual gameplay. All eight teams involved, meaning all four from each region, have announced that any winnings earned from the event will go directly to a charity of the organization’s choice.

In an announcement posted on Reddit, the teams shared each of their designated receiving organizations, as well as their intent to do good this season.

“We believe that giving back to our communities is a responsibility we all share in life, and we are inspired by other gaming communities who have long been supporting charity and uplifting others,” read the statement, shared by a dedicated account, /u/StopSirActionGrinch. “Having the bright lights of Dota upon us, the time is long overdue that we as a Dota community come together to set an example. Gamers can be a positive force in our communities and this is one small step in the right direction.”

The message also encourages fans to “donate a bit of whatever you have to give to help lift someone else up” during this time of the year.

While Midas Mode is intended to be a novelty event, it has $30,000 per region as rewards, with first, second and third earning $18,000, $7,500 and $4,500 respectively. This event takes place over ten days, overlapping with American Thanksgiving and the Perfect World Masters Minor, and involves eight of the top organizations in North America and Europe.

Below are the teams and recipients, as well as the charitable organizations’ missions—plus, a donation link in case you wish to join your favorite players’ in charitable deeds:

• Evil Geniuses (NA) — USCF Oakland Children’s Hospital — Donation Link
  There is nothing more precious or important to us than a child's health. And it's something we fight for every day. We need your support to ensure that kids get the care they need, and that life-saving research can continue. Every gift, large or small, brings the satisfaction of knowing that you are helping kids locally and globally, now and in the future.
• Immortals (NA) — Children’s Hospital Los Angeles — Donation Link
  From special preemie diapers that fit in the palm of your hand to breakthroughs in heart surgery, the costs of providing the finest medical care to children are immense—and the needs are urgent. Your gift will make a difference in the life of a child by providing hope for a healthy future.
• Mid Or Feed (EU) — ADHD Solutions — Donation Link
  ADHD Solutions works with children, young people and adults, diagnosed or suspected of having ADHD their families and any professional that works with them. We provide a range of support including support groups, 1-1 coaching and support for parents and people with ADHD, parenting programs and workshops, workshops/groups for young people, holiday activities and term time youth club for young people. Training for professional colleagues.
• Natus Vincere (EU) — UNICEF — Donation Link
  UNICEF works in 190 countries and territories to protect the rights of every child. UNICEF has spent 70 years working to improve the lives of children and their families. Defending children's rights throughout their lives requires a global presence, aiming to produce results and understand their effects.
• OG Dota (EU) — Make-A-Wish International — Donation Link
  The mission of Make-A-Wish International is to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. [...] We are dedicated to making every eligible child’s wish come true.
• OpTic Gaming (NA)— Children’s Medical Center Dallas — Donation Link
  Children’s Medical Center Foundation raises, manages and distributes funds to support Children’s Medical Center Dallas, as well as Children’s Medical Center Plano, eight specialty centers, 20 Children’s Health Pediatric Group primary care practices, nine Our Children’s House rehabilitation facilities, home health, physician services and the Children’s Medical Center Research Institute at UT Southwestern.
• Team Liquid (EU) — 57357 Children's Cancer Hospital — Donation Link [US Tax-Deductible Link]
  Building a sustainable foundation to prevent and combat cancer through Research, Smart education and Quality healthcare provided with passion and justice to alleviate the suffering of children with cancer and their families Free of charge.
• VGJ.Storm (NA) — Center for Family Life — Donation Link [Center for Family Life under “I want my donation to be designated toward:”]
  Center for Family Life, a program of SCO Family of Services, is a neighborhood-based family and social services organization with deep roots in Sunset Park, Brooklyn. Our mission is to promote positive outcomes for children, adults and families in Sunset Park through the provision of a comprehensive range of neighborhood-based family and social services. We partner with the community to provide access to resources and opportunities for personal growth and the development of interpersonal relationships that sustain and nurture families, support youth to develop into confident, capable adults and enrich the quality of life for neighborhood residents.