Mastercard Gamer Academy: Mastercard partnership with G2 Esports

A Transformative Initiative in Partnership with G2 Esports

In the ever-changing world of gaming and esports, Mastercard has partnered with G2 Esports and Riot Games to introduce an innovative program called the Mastercard Gamer Academy. This pioneering initiative not only aims to provide unprecedented access to the gaming and esports industries but also champions inclusivity, paving the way for a more diverse and dynamic future in this sector. With this program, Mastercard offers ten aspiring gamers the opportunity to acquire essential skills, receive mentorship and build valuable networks necessary for a successful career in esports.

The number of self-identified gamers worldwide has surpassed three billion, forming a vibrant community that spans across age groups, genders and backgrounds. Surprisingly, there are now more gamers over the age of 45 than those under 18. Additionally, women make up half of the global gaming population. Despite these statistics, breaking into professional gaming remains a significant challenge for many talented individuals. Raja Rajamannar, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Mastercard acknowledges firsthand the passion that gaming ignites among players and fans alike.

He emphasizes Mastercard’s dedication to investing in the diverse future of gaming through its involvement with the Mastercard Gamer Academy. Set to begin in 2024, participants in the Mastercard Gamer Academy can look forward to an array of exclusive privileges. These rewards include funded trips to major esports events, exclusive access to behind-the-scenes action at prestigious tournaments like the 2024 League of Legends World Championship and 2024 Valorant Champions, VIP access to experienced esports professionals and a comprehensive educational program covering important aspects such as brand engagement, marketing, content creation and event organization. G2 Esports, a leading global esports organization, takes charge of running the academy. Known for its commitment to promoting women’s representation in esports across games like Valorant and League of Legends, G2 Esports is well-positioned to contribute significantly to the success of the academy.

Romain Bigeard, General Manager of League of Legends at G2 Esports, emphasized how the academy expands its esports community. He outlined their goal of providing participants and viewers with valuable experiences and learning opportunities from highly talented and respected individuals in the industry. The objective is to create a path towards building a career in esports while inspiring and motivating individuals who aspire to launch their own careers.

Mastercard made an entry into the world of esports back in 2018 when it became the first global partner of League of Legends, the largest esport worldwide. This year, the brand has expanded its support for esports by including the Valorant Champions Tour, which is known as one of the fastest-growing and most diverse esports globally.

If you’re interested in becoming part of the Mastercard Gamer Academy, you still have time to apply until 17 December 2023. The program welcomes gamers aged 21 and over from all over the world. To apply, simply visit the Mastercard Gamer Academy website and complete an online form. Additionally, you can showcase your passion for gaming and esports through a video submission. This forward-thinking initiative is a step towards shaping the future of esports by creating a more inclusive and diverse gaming community that represents the global enthusiasm for competitive gam