Leveraging the intersection of technology, sports, and digital assets, Mastercard introduces an innovative approach to fan engagement through the launch of a novel NFT-powered trivia game centered around the UEFA Champions League for the 2023/2024 season.
This strategic move not only capitalizes on the growing fascination with non-fungible tokens (NFTs) but also deepens fan interaction with one of the most prestigious tournaments in world football.
Innovative Fan Engagement: Mastercard’s NFT-Powered Trivia Game
Mastercard’s latest venture into the realm of digital assets and sports marketing involves a captivating soccer trivia game that intertwines the excitement of the UEFA Champions League with the cutting-edge world of NFTs.
The game presents a unique opportunity for fans to employ their knowledge of the league’s history and statistics to win tickets to matches, including the coveted final at London’s Wembley Stadium.
The Mechanics of the Game
Set to commence 30 minutes prior to the kick-off of Tuesday night UEFA Champions League matches starting February 13, the game invites Mastercard customers to collect exclusive branded NFT passes.
These digital passes, minted on the Polygon network—an Ethereum scaling solution—serve as the entry point to the trivia competition hosted on Mastercard’s “Pass to Priceless” platform.
As participants navigate through rounds of questions, their prowess in Champions League trivia propels them up a season-long leaderboard, with match tickets as the prize for each round’s victors.
The apex of this digital quest is the chance to secure tickets to the Champions League Final, rewarding the top player as of the April 30 semi-finals.
Collaboration at the Core
The technological backbone of Mastercard’s NFT-driven experience is developed by MoonPay, a prominent crypto payments firm. The collaboration extends beyond technical development, with MoonPay’s Otherlife creative agency playing a pivotal role.
This partnership stems from an announcement in October, marking the beginning of Mastercard and MoonPay’s joint efforts in exploring Web3 initiatives.
A Global Stage for Fan Participation
The trivia contest is not limited to a single locality; it opens its virtual doors to Mastercard cardholders across several countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, France, Spain, and Brazil.
This global outreach ensures that fans worldwide have the opportunity to engage with the UEFA Champions League in a novel and interactive manner, extending the excitement of the tournament beyond traditional viewing.
Mastercard Excited to Test Football Fans’ Passion with Web3 Platform
In a release, Beatrice Cornacchia, Mastercard’s executive vice president of marketing and communications in Europe, said, “As a UEFA Champions League partner of 30 years, we know first-hand the unwavering passion that football fans have for the game, so we’re excited to leverage our Web3 platform, Pass to Priceless, to put their passion and knowledge to the ultimate test.”
A Convergence of Digital Innovation and Sports Fandom
Mastercard’s introduction of an NFT-powered trivia game for the UEFA Champions League represents a significant stride in the fusion of digital innovation with sports fandom.
By harnessing the capabilities of blockchain technology and NFTs, Mastercard not only offers fans a unique way to engage with their favorite sport but also sets a precedent for the future of fan experiences in the digital age.
This initiative underscores the potential of Web3 technologies to revolutionize how fans interact with sports events, offering a glimpse into the future of sports entertainment and fan engagement.
