The Esports World Cup Foundation (EWCF) has confirmed the return of Mastercard as an official event supplier for the 2025 Esports World Cup, the world’s largest esports tournament, set to be held in Riyadh from 7 July to 24 August 2025.
The renewed collaboration highlights Mastercard’s continued investment in Saudi Arabia’s expanding gaming sector and reinforces its global strategy of integrating cutting-edge payment technologies with youth-focused digital platforms.
With over 2,000 elite players and 200 clubs competing across 25 tournaments and 24 gaming titles, the 2025 Esports World Cup is expected to attract fans from more than 100 countries. The competition will feature a record-breaking prize pool exceeding $70 million, along with entertainment offerings such as live music, anime cafés, cosplay events, and retro arcades.
As part of its partnership, Mastercard will deliver a host of immersive on-site activations designed to elevate the fan experience. Among the centrepieces of this collaboration is the return of the Mastercard Gamer Academy, a bespoke initiative in partnership with G2 Esports and the Esports World Cup. The programme will select 10 promising gamers and provide them with mentorship opportunities from leading esports professionals, offering a pathway to careers within the global gaming industry.
Visitors to the event can also engage with Mastercard’s interactive booth, where fans will be able to collect Priceless Points through various games and activities. Top scorers will be rewarded with exclusive gaming gear, adding a competitive edge to the fan zone experience. In addition, fireside chats with professional G2 Esports players will offer attendees insights into the world of professional esports, player lifestyles, and the challenges of competitive gaming.
“Mastercard’s return as a partner reflects the Esports World Cup’s evolution from a tournament into a global cultural platform,” said Mohammed Al Nimer, Chief Commercial Officer of the Esports World Cup Foundation. “Together, we’re creating impactful experiences that go beyond gameplay, uniting youth empowerment, digital inclusion, and immersive fan engagement.”
Saud Swar, Country Manager for Mastercard in Saudi Arabia and surrounding regions, said the collaboration aligns closely with Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom’s strategic plan to diversify its economy and strengthen cultural and digital sectors.
“We are proud to deepen our partnership with the Esports World Cup Foundation as we continue to unlock the potential of gaming in the Kingdom,” Swar said. “Our priceless experiences help empower youth, promote digital inclusion, and celebrate Saudi Arabia’s vibrant esports culture.”
This initiative builds on Mastercard’s global involvement in the esports ecosystem, including its sponsorship of Riot Games’ League of Legends and VALORANT. The 2025 Esports World Cup in Riyadh represents the latest effort to merge Mastercard’s financial innovation with dynamic youth engagement.
The partnership is also a major milestone in positioning Riyadh as a global esports and digital entertainment hub, further strengthening Saudi Arabia’s emerging presence in the international gaming scene.
