Chess Grandmaster Magnus Carlsen Opens Up the Gates of Esports Contracts for Players With Massive Mastercard Deal

When you think about the world of online chess, Magnus Carlsen is the first name that comes to mind. The Norwegian Chess maestro has been racking up titles since 2013 and is the current World Chess Champion, World Rapid Chess Champion, and World Blitz Chess Champion.

Recently, Carlsen was announced as the new global ambassador for the credit card tycoon, Mastercard. This is not only major development for Magnus but also the entire E-sports world that can benefit from the involvement of a reputed company like Mastercard.

We have gotten the first glimpse of this effect as Mastercard soon began to sponsor the Meltwater Champions Chess Tour, a tournament in which Carlsen is in the lead for a $300,000 prize.

Furthermore, the benefits of having a brand ambassador like Magnus will percolate to their customers as well. For instance, Chess Insights from World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen Experience, where Mastercard holders will be able to join Carlsen for a live, virtual event in which he will speak about his love of chess and take questions from the live audience.

Watch this story: Most Controversial Streamers

What does Magnus Carlsen think about this deal?

Carlsen spoke to Forbes on how chess will benefit from having a sponsor like Mastercard. He explained “Expanding the influence of the game of chess has always been close to my heart. To have Mastercard, which brings people and their passions together in meaningful ways, partner with the Tour is very exciting. I’m proud to join Mastercard to bring the sport forward to millions of fans around the world.”

Similarly, Raja Rajamannar, chief marketing, and communications officer at Mastercard, opened up about having an athlete like Magnus Carlsen at the helm of your company.

Rajamannar said, “Teaming up with Magnus–widely regarded as the best chess player of all time–and the Meltwater Champions Chess Tour underscores our enthusiastic commitment to providing cardholders with Priceless Experiences that celebrate the physical and mental sport of chess.”

This will not be Mastercard’s first venture into the world of E-sports. In 2018, it became the first global sponsor of League of Legends’ competitive activities. This was a result of a multi-year partnership with Riot Games.

What kind of effect will Mastercard have on the future of online chess? Let us know your opinion in the comments down below.

ALSO READ: xQc Calls Out Magnus Carlsen Following His Comments on Ludwig and Pogchamps