Mastercard has returned as the official partner of the 2025 Esports World Cup Foundation, the world’s largest gaming festival that takes place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabi.
The partnership builds on last year’s campaign, which reached more than 500 million viewers.
During the 2024 event, Mastercard focused on enhancing the fan experience from enabling digital payments to running interactive challenges with prizes. A dedicated booth in the Esports Arena hosted live activations and meet-and-greets with prominent Saudi gaming personalities.
Mastercard also held weekly tournaments to test players’ skills and introduced “Gen Blend,” a team-based game designed to promote collaboration. Fans were rewarded throughout for their enthusiasm and engagement.
For 2025, Mastercard is aiming to surpass those milestones with a campaign set to deliver even broader reach and deeper impact.
The partnership underscores Mastercard’s focus on enhancing digital experiences and supporting youth within Saudi Arabia’s growing gaming ecosystem.
At the heart of the campaign is a belief that while ambition is universal, access is not. By backing the next generation of Saudi gamers, Mastercard aims to help turn passion into opportunity and create meaningful, inclusive moments along the way.