After a successful year for the eSports scene, paysafecard, one of the global market leaders in prepaid online payment methods and part of Paysafe Group plc, has committed to continue its sponsorship of the eSports premiere league throughout 2016. The sponsorship of the ESL One Cologne 2016 involves one of the most significant events in the gaming community: the world’s biggest Counter Strike: Global Offensive event (8 – 10 July, 2016) – the official Valve Major in the gaming capital of Cologne. paysafecard will also support an additional ESL One event at the Barclays Center in New York from 1 – 2 October, 2016.

Udo Müller, CEO of paysafecard, comments: “We were already an ESL partner and committed supporter of the European eSports scene, so I am delighted to be able to deepen and strengthen this connection. paysafecard makes paying simple, safe and fast for gamers – and without entering any personal information such as credit card numbers or bank account details, as if they were paying cash. We want to offer gamers the best possible services and we’re pleased to do this together with ESL.”

Müller added: “Digital games attract audiences from across the population, meaning that a presence at eSports tournaments supports paysafecard’s visibility as a market-leading brand and connects the company with a wealth of valuable contacts.”

Ulrich Schulze, VP Pro Gaming at ESL, adds: “paysafecard is a valued sponsor of many ESL tournaments and we are thrilled to be working together again at the ESL One Cologne 2016. paysafecard’s presence makes a significant contribution to every event of ours. Naturally, we are looking forward to seeing what the company will come up with for the tournament at the LANXESS Arena in Cologne.”