888 signs on the dotted line

ONLINE gaming operator 888 Holdings has signed a global sponsorship deal with Georges St-Pierre that will see the French-Canadian mixed martial artist serve as an official global brand ambassador for its 888Poker.com domain. St-Pierre is the current Welterweight Champion for the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) with a professional record of 22 wins and only two defeats.

888 stated that the year-long agreement will see it utilise the 30-year-old Quebecer’s ‘strong brand awareness throughout the world’ as an ‘integral part’ of its marketing strategy over the next twelve months.

“The partnership agreement with Georges St-Pierre will strengthen our brand awareness around the globe and introduce 888 to the growing sport of mixed martial arts and its fans,” said Itai Pazner, Business-To-Consumer Senior Vice-President for 888.

“It is exciting to have this international sports celebrity on board with us.”

888 declared that the deal will see St-Pierre become a member of its new Team 888Poker and participate in the Main Event at the upcoming 2012 World Series of Poker (WSOP) in addition to several other live tournaments including the 888 Superstack. In addition, the Canadian will also compete in special promotional events at 888Poker.com with proceeds being donated to anti-bullying charities.

“I am very excited to become a global brand ambassador for Team 888Poker,” said St-Pierre.

“I have wanted to play poker for a while now as it is a great game of skill. It is not just your cards versus my cards; it is you versus your opponent. However, the most important aspect of my partnership with 888Poker is that we are going to generate a great deal of money for my foundation that dedicates its efforts towards anti-bullying causes.”