Mastercard’s Commitment to Esports
Mastercard, a leading global payments and technology company, has announced an extension of its support for esports through a partnership with Riot Games. Building on their successful sponsorship of League of Legends esports, Mastercard is now expanding its involvement to include the fast-growing esport, Valorant. With gaming and esports projected to generate over $325 billion in annual revenue by 2026 and a staggering 90% of Gen Z identifying as gaming enthusiasts, Mastercard recognizes the immense potential of the esports industry.
Expanding the Partnership
Mastercard’s partnership with Riot Games, the publisher of Valorant, began in 2018 when the company became the first global sponsor of League of Legends esports. Since then, the gaming and esports industry has witnessed significant growth, prompting Mastercard to further invest in the space. The partnership not only allows Mastercard to reach new and highly engaged audiences but also enhances the in-person and digital experiences of esports fans.
Supporting Valorant Champions Tour
Mastercard’s first major endeavor within the Valorant community will be showcased during the upcoming Valorant Champions Tour in 2023. The tournament, scheduled to take place in Los Angeles, holds great significance as it marks the first international event for Valorant in North America. With esports fandom expected to reach unprecedented levels, Mastercard aims to leverage this opportunity to demonstrate its support for the Valorant community.
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion
Valorant stands out in the esports landscape for its emphasis on diversity and inclusion. As the most gender diverse game in esports, Valorant actively promotes the involvement of women in the sport. The introduction of the VCT Game Changers circuit specifically caters to women, acting as a stepping stone to increase diversity in the upper echelons of esports. Mastercard shares this commitment to inclusivity and has a history of supporting women’s sports properties and athletes worldwide.
Mastercard’s Innovations in Gaming
Mastercard has a track record of delivering seamless and secure experiences in the gaming industry. In the Asia Pacific region, the company launched the Mastercard Gamer Xchange, enabling consumers to utilize rewards points to gift gaming currency across popular games through their bank or loyalty program apps. Furthermore, Mastercard has partnered with Xsolla, a global video game commerce company, to allow cardholders on major gaming platforms to make purchases using credit card loyalty points. These initiatives prioritize consumer choice and protection, focusing on enhancing checkout experiences and strengthening authentication and fraud detection capabilities.
Leveling Up the Future of Gaming
With its continued support for esports and the Valorant Champions Tour, Mastercard aims to elevate the future of gaming and bring the excitement of esports to fans worldwide. By investing in innovative solutions and fostering diversity and inclusion, Mastercard reinforces its commitment to the gaming community and the rapidly evolving esports industry.
