New York, USA – Global financial services company Mastercard has recently opened applications for their new program, the ‘Mastercard Gamer Academy’, a first-of-its-kind development program from Mastercard that will provide 10 gamers the connections, mentorship and skill sets needed to pursue their passion for esports as a career, all while fostering a more inclusive gaming ecosystem.
The program is set to kick off in early 2024, offering participants the opportunity to have all-expense paid trips to major esports events, access to seasoned esports professionals from G2’s roster, in-person and digital sessions with mentors that also feature workshops, and a comprehensive educational curriculum covering brand engagement, marketing, content creation, event execution and more.
Curriculum highlights will be captured in a series of episodes for fans to enjoy and learn more about the various opportunities in gaming and esports. Mastercard cardholders will get early viewing access on Mastercard’s Priceless website.
This initiative from Mastercard is one in a series of continued efforts within the gaming industry, becoming the first global partner of the world’s largest esport, League of Legends, in 2018. Earlier this year, the brand also extended its esports sponsorship to include Valorant Champions Tour and VCT Game Changers.
Anyone that is 21 or above is welcome to apply in the program and interested applicants are required to submit their entry before December 17, 2023 on the Mastercard Gamer Academy website and complete an online form and video that showcases their passion for gaming and esports.
Taking about the initiative, Raja Rajamannar, chief marketing and communications officer at Mastercard, said, “As a global sponsor of some of the biggest, fastest-growing esports, we’ve seen firsthand the incredible passion gaming evokes among players and fans alike. With the Mastercard Gamer Academy, we celebrate the incredible growth of esports, and we are proud to invest in gaming’s dynamic and diverse future.”
Meanwhile, Romain Bigeard, general manager of League of Legends at G2 Esports, commented, “Our strength in esports is our community, and how we stand together for the love of the game. The Mastercard Gamer Academy is an extension of this community, bringing people together for a program unlike any other.”
“The Academy is designed to cover all areas of esports to highlight different career paths in the industry. We want to give the participants, as well as people watching at home, the opportunity to gain experience and learn from some of the most talented and well-respected people in the industry. Our goal is to create a clearer pathway to a career in esports, to inspire and motivate people looking to launch their career,” he added.
