GamerG from Jordan Wins First Place in Visa Everywhere Initiative 2024 for MENA Region

GamerG, an esports tournament platform from Jordan, has clinched first place in the inaugural Visa Everywhere Initiative (VEI) 2024 for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The competition, designed to promote fintech innovation, saw startups from across the region vying to address contemporary payment and commerce challenges.

The event took place in Amman, Jordan, on June 2, 2024, and featured five finalist fintech startups from Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine. These startups competed for monetary prizes, mentorship, and access to Visa's extensive network of partners. GamerG not only won the People's Favorite Award but also received a cash prize of $10,000.

The Central Bank of Jordan and Visa jointly announced the winners. eDamana, another Jordanian startup, secured the first runner-up position with a prize of $15,000, while Simma from Iraq took third place, winning $10,000.

Mario Makary, Vice President and Levant Cluster Manager at Visa, expressed his enthusiasm about the event's outcome. "We are thrilled to announce the winners of this year's Visa Everywhere Initiative in the Levant region, and we are eager to see how their innovative solutions will transform the payments industry in the region," he said.

The Visa Everywhere Initiative's focus on fintech innovation in the Middle East and North Africa region highlights the growing importance of digital payments and commerce in the area. This could lead to increased economic growth and financial inclusion in the region, plus new opportunities for startups and entrepreneurs.

H.E. Mr. Ziad Asa'ad Ghanma, Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Jordan, also highlighted the initiative's impact. "The initiative has provided an exceptional platform for fintechs in our region to showcase their innovative solutions and address critical challenges in the financial sector," he remarked.

GamerG's path is far from over. The startup is set to participate in the Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (CEMEA) Regional Finals on July 23, 2024. The event will be live-streamed on TechCrunch, providing GamerG with further exposure and opportunities.

The Visa Everywhere Initiative has been a significant platform for fintech startups since its inception in 2015. It has helped over 15,000 startups from more than 100 countries secure more than $48 billion in funding. The program aims to support startups in addressing payment and commerce challenges.

GamerG's victory in the MENA region is a demonstration of the growing fintech ecosystem in Jordan and the broader region. The startup's innovative approach to esports and tournament management has clearly resonated with both the judges and the public.

As GamerG prepares for the CEMEA Regional Finals, the fintech community will be watching closely to see how this Jordanian startup continues to evolve and impact the industry.

Key Takeaways

• GamerG, a Jordanian esports platform, wins 1st place in Visa Everywhere Initiative 2024 for MENA region.
• GamerG receives $10,000 cash prize and People's Favorite Award.
• eDamana and Simma from Jordan and Iraq secure 1st and 2nd runner-up positions, respectively.
• GamerG to participate in CEMEA Regional Finals on July 23, 2024.
• Visa Everywhere Initiative aims to promote fintech innovation and support startups in addressing payment challenges.