PaysafeCard doubles down on esports, becomes Global ESL Payment Platform Partner and one of ESL’s main sponsors worldwide

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PaysafeCard doubles down on esports, becomes Global ESL Payment Platform Partner and one of ESL’s main sponsors worldwide

Jan 24, 2018

PaysafeCard to support all ESL events and three major global community activations: “PaysafeCard Hall of Fame”, “Beat the Legends” and “Ultimate Experience”

Cologne, Germany, January 24, 2018 - The world’s largest esports company has welcomed the next global sponsor of 2018 to its ranks. PaysafeCard, a market leader in online prepaid payment methods and part of Paysafe Group, has 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 excel as 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.

“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,” comments Udo Mueller, CEO of PaysafeCard. “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.

For more information about the partnership and details about the “PaysafeCard Hall of Fame”, “PaysafeCard Beat the Legends” and “PaysafeCard Ultimate Experience”, please visit www.paysafecard.com/esports.

About Paysafe

Paysafe is a leading global provider of end-to-end payment solutions. Our core purpose is to enable businesses and consumers to connect and transact seamlessly through our industry-leading capabilities in payment processing, digital wallets and online cash solutions. Delivered through an integrated platform, our solutions are geared towards mobile-initiated transactions, real-time analytics and the convergence between bricks-and-mortar and online payments. With over 20 years of online payment experience, a combined transactional volume of US$48 billion in 2016 and over 2,600 staff located in 12+ global locations, Paysafe connects businesses and consumers across 200 payment types in over 40 currencies around the world. For more information, visit: www.paysafe.com.

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For more information, please contact:

Paysafe Group Limited
Head of Corporate Communications
Anna Howard
T: +44 (0) 7585 967 772 / Anna.Howard@paysafe.com