Abstract: A plurality of general public video game users are notified of an online celebrity gaming match. The match has at least one celebrity participant. A request to participate in the online celebrity gaming match is received from at least some of the general public video game users. At least one of the requesting users is selected for participation in the online celebrity gaming match. Interactive access to the celebrity gaming match through authentication with a corresponding user account for each of the participants selected from the general public. Access for each celebrity participant is authorized through authentication with a corresponding celebrity user account. Each celebrity user account is restricted to a verified celebrity whose celebrity identity has been previously verified.