A fortunate gaming enthusiast has won a life-changing £100,000 house deposit in a groundbreaking giveaway inspired by Call of Duty.
Reece Edwards, a resident of Portsmouth, received the generous prize after participating in a unique three-part challenge led by Roman Kemp.
The Safehouse Challenge, created to celebrate the launch of Call of Duty®: Black Ops 6, provided followers of three undercover agents with the opportunity to win £100,000 to purchase their own Safehouse, a crucial element in the game where players carry out their missions.
In 1991, the setting of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, the average house price in the UK was £57,959. This amount has significantly increased over the years, resulting in 40% of individuals aged 18-34 residing with their parents.
Furthermore, 46% of young people express concerns about being unable to own a home and being forced to rent indefinitely.
The prize money was intended to serve as a lifeline for a gamer looking to step onto the property ladder.
Edwards, aged 28, had encountered challenges in purchasing a home since completing his photography degree. Presently, he resides with his partner and two young children at his partner’s parents’ house in Portsmouth.
This living arrangement requires compromises, including sharing space with toys in a common living and play area, which impacts his gaming hobby.
Reflecting on the impact of winning the prize, Edwards shared, “Receiving the call was surreal! The £100,000 will greatly benefit my family. It’s a huge relief to finally get on the property ladder and having such a substantial deposit to secure a place is more than enough.”
“My current living situation involves staying with my partner’s disabled parent, who requires full-time care due to a stroke. Moving out will allow us to progress and ensure she receives the necessary care,” he added.
As a dedicated fan of the Call of Duty series, Edwards’ unexpected fortune was a result of selecting popular influencer Danny Aarons as the secret agent he believed would triumph in the challenge.
Aarons emerged victorious in the ‘Safehouse Challenge’, a six-week competition hosted by Roman Kemp, where agents; Angry Ginge, Ash Holme, and Danny Aarons competed in intense Black Ops-style tasks and forfeits.
In the final challenge, Aarons executed a bold ‘Split or Steal’ tactic against Ash Holme, guaranteeing that the prize would be awarded to one of his followers. Out of numerous participants, Reece emerged as the winner.
Expressing his decision to support Danny in the challenge, Reece stated, “I had a feeling Danny was the one to back from the start! I was confident he would secure the money.”
The entire journey of the Safehouse Challenge is accessible for viewing on Call of Duty’s social media platforms @CallofDutyUK on X and @CallofDuty on TikTok.
