Payment systems provider Paysafe Group has announced that it is “doubling down” on esports, with its paysafecard brand becoming Global ESL Payment Platform Partner and one of ESL’s main sponsors worldwide.
paysafecard will support all ESL events and three major global community activations: “paysafecard Hall of Fame”, “Beat the Legends” and “Ultimate Experience”.
ESL is the world’s largest esports company, and stated that it has welcomed paysafecard as the next global sponsor of 2018 to its ranks. paysafecard, which is a market leader in online prepaid payment methods, will become a Global Payment Platform Partner for all ESL flagship events and CS:GO Pro League circuits, as well as several National Championships and ESL Arenas. With its engagement, paysafecard will become one of ESL’s main sponsors worldwide. This major step further solidifies paysafecard’s commitment to growing and fostering the esports community, by not only offering a sponsorship, but also by introducing several global activations with added value for fans.
paysafecard is a household name in esports: the company’s first activation dates back four years, and their engagement has grown consistently since then. Last year’s strategic engagements included two of the major ESL competitions, ESL One Cologne and two Pro League Seasons.
paysafecard’s parent company Paysafe Group went private late last year, in a $4 billion buyout led by investors Blackstone and CVC.
According to Udo Mueller, CEO of paysafecard:
The global gaming community is one of the main reasons why paysafecard as a payment scheme was invented – and why it is thriving today more than ever. We take pride in supporting ESL as one of its main sponsors and contributing to the further development of this truly worldwide league of digital fun and entertainment. For us at paysafecard, this sponsorship opens the path towards becoming the main sponsor of the league and with that extending the brand’s reach to additional global target groups of more than 180 million esports enthusiasts.
“paysafecard is one of the partners that really grew with us and the esports industry throughout the years, and we’re very proud to welcome them on board on a global level,” said Ralf Reichert, CEO at ESL. “It’s one of the most innovative brands that puts the community first with quality activations that engage fans on all levels, and we’re excited to see what they have in store.”
paysafecard’s long-term commitment to esports and its fans reaches beyond global event sponsorship. Through the partnership with ESL, paysafecard will drive and champion three community projects for the esports fans worldwide:
- The new “paysafecard Hall of Fame” will honor well-known, accomplished personalities for their achievements during their esports career, as well as individuals who have made significant contributions to the growth of the industry. This new award tradition will reward individual performers and outstanding activities in esports, with the goal to promote the professionalism and universal values in the industry. Four “paysafecard Hall of Fame” awards will be given out each year, through a combination of a Jury Vote and a Community Vote.
- “paysafecard Beat the Legends” will give a number of fans an opportunity to try their skill against professional pro gamers or influencers. The chance to take on a pro will come four times a year, during the Grand Final of the National Championships in Germany, Poland, Brazil, Spain or the UK.
- paysafecard will also reward the most passionate fans in esports, by offering them a chance to compete for the “paysafecard Ultimate Experience” package that will take them to one of ESL’s mega events. The package will include an all-expenses-paid trip, two Premium tickets, visitor’s access to Players Areas and Backstage Areas, access to the VIP Lounge, Meet and Greet with pro players and influencers on site, and a behind-the-scenes tour – all of which will be documented in video and photography by ESL.