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The Esports stage in Riyadh is set to host the 2025 World Cup, with Mastercard on board as a sponsor.

Mastercard and EWCF team up to embed financial services in major entertainment spectacles.

In 2025, the Esports venue in Riyadh will host the World Cup, with Mastercard as a sponsor.
In 2025, the Esports venue in Riyadh will host the World Cup, with Mastercard as a sponsor.

The Esports stage in Riyadh is set to host the 2025 World Cup, with Mastercard on board as a sponsor.

In a significant move, Mastercard has announced its extensive involvement in the Esports World Cup 2025, set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. This global gaming event, scheduled from July 7 to August 24, 2025, is poised to be the largest esports tournament in the world.

Mastercard's role is multifaceted and integral to both the operational success and cultural experience of the event. The financial services giant has renewed its partnership with the Esports World Cup Foundation, reaffirming its commitment to supporting the Kingdom’s rapidly growing gaming ecosystem and youth engagement within esports.

One of the cornerstone initiatives is the Mastercard Gamer Academy, a bespoke program developed in collaboration with G2 Esports and the Esports World Cup. This unique mentoring program will provide 10 successful applicants the opportunity to be mentored by esports professionals, guiding them on how to pursue a career in esports.

Mastercard will also introduce a range of immersive on-ground activations and seamless payment solutions designed to elevate the overall fan journey at the event. Fans attending the event can collect "Priceless Points" by engaging with games and activities at the Mastercard booth. Top scoring players can win ultimate gaming gear, enhancing fan participation and excitement.

Live fireside chats featuring players from G2 Esports will also be a part of Mastercard's presence, fostering deeper community connection and insight into the esports industry. Mastercard emphasizes initiatives that highlight and promote local talent from Saudi Arabia, reinforcing its commitment to the region's digital and entertainment growth.

The Esports World Cup itself features 25 tournaments across 24 game titles, with over 2,000 elite players and 200 clubs from more than 100 countries competing for a record-breaking prize pool exceeding $70 million.

The 2025 Esports World Cup's shift towards a more comprehensive entertainment format is well suited to Mastercard's goals of reaching younger demographics across multiple touchpoints. The event will include live music, anime cafes, retro-themed gaming areas, and cosplay segments alongside the main competitions.

Mastercard's regional executive, Saud Swar, noted that the Riyadh partnership serves both local and international functions, including building new ecosystems and testing emerging payment technologies in a dynamic, live environment. This partnership aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan, which includes provisions for expanding the country's digital economy and establishing Riyadh as a regional center for cultural and technological events.

Mastercard has maintained high-visibility sponsorships with publishers such as Riot Games, supporting international competitions in both League of Legends and VALORANT. The company's renewed involvement with the Esports World Cup reflects a broader trend of traditional financial institutions embedding themselves in digital environments.

In summary, Mastercard’s role combines financial services technology, immersive event activations, fan engagement programs, professional esports career mentorship, and cultural support, positioning the company as a key partner in the growth and success of the Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh.

Sports betting might be introduced as an optional activity for fans at the Esports World Cup 2025, given Mastercard's extensive involvement in the event's technology, finance, and sports sectors. The collaboration could also potentially enable viewers from around the world to securely place bets on their favorite teams, further enhancing fan engagement and excitement.

With Mastercard's commitment to supporting Saudi Arabia's digital and entertainment growth and its renewed partnership with the Esports World Cup Foundation, there is a notable opportunity for the company to explore potential investments in the field of finance technology (fintech) within the rapidly developing esports industry.

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