They are live events (Challenge Events) run by EA so not player induced at all. We normally get a patch a few days before the event starts and then it runs for a few days and ends, all without player initiation. Don't ask me to explain it in technical terms lol. Sorry, can't do that!
The bb.ignoregameplayunlocksentitlement isn't needed to unlock event/challenge items. That cheat unlocks career reward items.