Third-party competitive gaming platform provider and tournament organizer FACEIT is about to launch a $450,000 esports program along with VISA in Russia. The two companies have partnered with a privately-owned Russian bank called Gazprombank to launch the first-ever “Esports card product for gamers that are actively engaged in Dota 2 and CS:GO in Russia”.
This partnership will witness the launch of a new ‘FACEIT Debit Card’ powered by VISA, which will act as both a regular payment card allowing its customers to make everyday purchases while also giving them access to take part in exclusive tournaments on FACEIT.
The special debit card aimed towards the Russian gaming audience will enable the cardholders to take part in exclusive competitions for both Dota 2 and CS:GO starting this June, with $450,000 in prize money distributed amongst various tournaments based on the two gaming titles for the first three months.
This prize money will be a combination of FACEIT points (can be exchanged for various prizes) and Ruble cash prizes, “In addition to the initial fund, a new prize pool will be available and distributed for the players every month.”
This esports program is the first project under the global VISA and FACEIT partnership which was announced in November last year. It is aimed at providing the “Russian esports community with a new competitive experience through a series of online programs that will be open to all skill levels and a substantial prize pool designed to incentivise core gamers and new players alike.”