Anna Cramling and Wirtual

If you want to know how the livestream went and who got to drink the smoothie? Watch the show reel!

– Cancer is one of the most horrible diseases in the world, says Anna. So many people are affected by it, and through cancer research we hope for a future where fewer people get cancer. Every single contribution matters.

For Anna Cramling, a world-known chess player and Wirtual a Trackmania champion, the reason for taking action against cancer is deeply personal. And with large online communities, they both see an opportunity and a responsibility.

– One of the privileges of having an online platform is being able to promote important causes like this, says Wirtual. We can help inform people about how they can reduce their own risk, while also raising money for cancer research.

Personal experiences behind the engagement

Both Anna and Wirtual have been personally affected by cancer.

Wirtual has lost close ones. One of them, he explains, completely changed his understanding of how cancer can affect anyone.

– She was one of the healthiest people I knew. She did ultra-running, ate well, and always took care of her body. Still, she passed away from cancer at the age of 55. That really showed me how unfair this disease is.

Anna also carries strong memories from childhood. Her mother, Pia Cramling, was diagnosed with cancer when she was young.

– I remember the stress of being a kid and not really understanding what was happening, she says. She didn’t know if she was going to survive. I’m incredibly thankful that she did.

Cancer has affected several generations in her family.

I’ve lost grandparents to cancer, and my grandmother passed away at 65. That’s not very old.

Cancer affects all of us, and it can affect even the healthiest among us. That’s why awareness and early check-ups are so important.

A fundraising stream full of games and challenges

The fundraising event is a live stream, where Anna and Wirtual face off in their respective strengths – but with unexpected twists.

– We’re going to play chess, which is my game, and Trackmania, which is Wirtual’s, Anna explains. But it won’t be normal matches.

Through donations, viewers will be able to unlock challenges that make the games much harder – and more entertaining.

– He might have to play Trackmania using a dance pad. Or I might have to give up my queen in chess – or even play blindfolded, Anna says.

One of the most anticipated moments of the evening is their third game: Scrabble.

– Scrabble is our rivalry game at home. Anna is too good at chess, I’m too good at Trackmania – Scrabble is where we settle our disputes, says Wirtual.

– He usually beats me, but I’m hoping the donations will give me a chance this time, says Anna laughing.

The challenge they both fear the most

There is one challenge neither of them is looking forward to.

– The smoothie, they say almost in unison.

The loser of the overall challenge will have to drink what they describe as “one of the most disgusting smoothies ever made.”

– That’s definitely the one I’m dreading the most, Anna admits.

But the meaning behind it outweighs the discomfort.

– If we end up having to do all these horrible things, it means we’ve raised a lot of money and that is the whole point, says Wirtual.

Anna agrees.

– If we reach the smoothie, it means we’ve done a great job. It’s all for a good cause.

Through their stream, Anna and Wirtual hope to turn competition, laughter and community into real impact – and help create a future where fewer people are affected by cancer.