Perhaps the biggest esports company in the world, ESL has announced that paysafecard will be a global sponsor for the entirety of 2018. A market leader in prepaid payment solutions, paysafecard is now a Global Payment Platform Partner for every single ESL event – as well as its CS:GO Pro League circuits, National Championships, and ESL Arenas.

Paysafecard will be integrated as a payment method to the ESL Shop, ESEA, and ESL Play, though it’s definitely not new to the esports industry – first entering the scene in 2014. Discussing this major partnership, Udo Müeller, CEO of the payment provider, exampled that paysafecard takes “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,” Müeller continued.

The CEO of ESL, Ralf Reichert, also chimed in on the deal: “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. 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.”

This key partnership will also allow paysafecard to produce and delivery on three community projects, made with esports in mind. There will be a “paysafe Hall of Fame” which acknowledges popular and esteemed figures who’ve had a fruitful careers in esports, “paysafecard Beat the Legends” which allows fans to take on professional gamers and popular figures within the scene, and “paysafecard Ultimate Experience” will allows fans to compete for a package that takes them to one of ESL’s bigger esports events.

Esports Insider says: It’s encouraging to see paysafecard not only extend its foray into esports, but for it to keep pushing to deliver exciting opportunities for both professional players and fans with the paysafe Hall of Fame. Make no mistake, this is great news for ESL too.