ZEvent 2025 has redefined the power of entertainment and philanthropy. What began as a modest gaming marathon in 2016 has grown into France’s most celebrated charity livestream. This year, the event made history once again. Over the course of just four days, more than 325 French streamers joined forces to raise €16,179,096 ($17.5 million) for healthcare and social charities. Not only did this shatter European records, but it also surpassed the previous global benchmark held by American YouTuber MrBeast.
From a Small Event to a Cultural Phenomenon
ZEvent was created by streamers Adrien “ZeratoR” Nougaret and Alexandre “Dach” Dachary. Their vision was simple: use livestreaming as a tool for social good. In less than a decade, ZEvent has become a cornerstone of French entertainment culture.
The 2025 edition took place in Montpellier and featured a mix of on-site and online participation. It wasn’t just about gaming—viewers were treated to karaoke sessions, quizzes, debates, and hilarious “donation goals,” where creators performed challenges once milestones were met. This creative format turned fundraising into a global spectacle that kept millions of viewers hooked.
Record-Breaking Impact
The numbers speak for themselves. €16.1 million in donations places ZEvent above all previous livestream charity efforts worldwide. Twitch viewership peaked in the millions, while hashtags like #ZEvent2025 dominated global Twitter/X trends. The success underscored how a united community of digital creators could accomplish more than traditional media channels in just a few days.
Breaking MrBeast’s Record
Before ZEvent 2025, MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) held the crown for the largest single charity livestream. His massive YouTube-driven campaigns had previously raised millions of dollars for causes like planting 20 million trees and cleaning oceans.
However, ZEvent 2025 outperformed even his most ambitious livestream goals:
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MrBeast’s benchmark: Approximately $15 million raised in a livestream-backed campaign spread across global audiences.
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ZEvent 2025 result: Over €16.1 million ($17.5 million) raised exclusively through French-speaking streamers in just four days.
This was a landmark moment because it showed that a regional community could outperform a global YouTube phenomenon. Analysts called it the ultimate proof of the strength of collaborative streaming culture in Europe.
Supporting Real Causes
This year’s funds will benefit eight major charities in France, focused primarily on healthcare, children’s support, and mental health services. Among the beneficiaries were:
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La Ligue contre le Cancer (League Against Cancer)
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Le Rire Médecin (Clown Doctors supporting hospitalized children)
By channeling resources into healthcare and wellness, ZEvent proved that livestreaming isn’t just a form of entertainment—it’s a lifeline for thousands of families across France.
Why ZEvent Matters for Entertainment
For years, entertainment has been viewed largely as a business of shows, movies, and glamour. ZEvent breaks this mold by blending digital entertainment with social responsibility. Its importance lies in three dimensions:
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Digital Activism – Viewers are not passive consumers; they actively shape outcomes by donating and engaging with causes.
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French Creators on the World Stage – Surpassing MrBeast’s record cemented French streamers as leaders in global livestream culture.
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Redefining Entertainment – By combining fun, community, and philanthropy, ZEvent created a new blueprint for the entertainment industry worldwide.
Public Reaction and Media Buzz
The French public celebrated the achievement enthusiastically, with mainstream media hailing it as a cultural victory. Social media platforms were flooded with clips from streamers completing funny challenges—singing duets, shaving heads, or attempting extreme gaming feats. Instead of being just another event, ZEvent became a national moment of pride that showcased unity in a time when French politics and economy were in turmoil.
The Road Ahead
Organizers have already announced that ZEvent 2026 is confirmed. If the 2025 edition is any indication, the bar has been raised sky-high. More creators are expected to join, and partnerships with global NGOs could take the event beyond France’s borders.
Experts believe ZEvent will inspire similar events across the world, encouraging entertainers to embrace philanthropy. By proving that entertainment can drive meaningful change, ZEvent has created a legacy that goes far beyond record-breaking numbers.
