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Amusnet CEO Ivo Georgiev on Building Lasting Value Through Partnerships, Communities, and the Legends Charity Game
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03/09/2025

Amusnet CEO Ivo Georgiev on Building Lasting Value Through Partnerships, Communities, and the Legends Charity Game

Why did Amusnet choose to partner with the Legends Charity Game?

At Amusnet, our mission goes beyond market leadership – we are committed to creating lasting value for our partners, communities, and society at large. The Legends Charity Game perfectly embodies this philosophy. It is more than a football match – it is a symbol of unity, teamwork, and the belief that business can be a force for good.

As we approach our 10th anniversary, we are determined to keep extending our impact in ways that matter beyond our industry. This partnership is a natural expression of our core value “We care” – supporting initiatives that create real, tangible impact.

How does supporting charitable events like this fit into Amusnet’s wider CSR strategy?

Corporate social responsibility is a fundamental part of Amusnet’s identity. We believe companies have both the opportunity and the responsibility to drive positive change. This is why we support a wide range of initiatives – from empowering women in gaming through our partnership with Women in Gaming Africa, to education in Bulgaria in collaboration with the Technical University of Sofia, to fostering talent through learning academies, backing sports initiatives, and other community-focused activities. Together, these efforts reflect our commitment to creating meaningful impact.

The Legends Charity Game demonstrates how entertainment via the world's most beloved sport can be combined with purpose on a global scale, enabling us to extend our impact, support international charities, and help foster a better future for communities in need.

The Legends Charity Game aims to raise over €1 million for causes supporting communities affected by war and hardship. What does that ambition mean to Amusnet as a sponsor?

The €1 million goal is far more than a fundraising milestone – it is a powerful statement of solidarity and hope. We have great respect for the work of organizations such as the Red Cross Ukraine, International Alert, Red Cross Portugal, and Caritas Portugal, whose efforts provide vital support to people living through crisis.

For Amusnet, standing behind this initiative reflects our belief that businesses must step forward when it matters most. We are proud to help amplify the mission of these charities and contribute to an event that will deliver a lasting impact where it is needed most.

Can you share a bit more about Amusnet’s approach to partnerships in the sports and entertainment space?

At Amusnet, we approach partnerships through the lens of alignment and authenticity – collaborating with people and organizations that reflect our values and support our long-term vision. The Legends Charity Game, organized by Sport Global, is a perfect example of this philosophy. It is not only significant in scale but also rooted in the shared belief that business can and should be a force for good.

Our partnership with Hristo Stoichkov reflects this same approach. As one of the greatest football legends of all time, he embodies passion, teamwork, and determination – values that equally drive Amusnet’s growth and success. We are especially proud that he will also take part in the Legends Charity Game, adding his support to this meaningful cause. At this year’s SBC Summit Lisbon, we are also delighted to collaborate with Krasimir Balakov, another football icon, who will be part of the Charity Game, further underscoring our commitment to building meaningful connections through sport and shared values. 

Beyond the charitable focus, this match is expected to be watched by millions. From a brand perspective, how valuable is this kind of sponsorship in terms of visibility and positioning?

The scale of the event is incredible – 60,000 fans in the stadium and millions watching around the world. But for us, the value goes far beyond brand exposure. It is about being part of something that resonates emotionally with people everywhere.

At Amusnet, our purpose has always been to entertain, to inspire, and to elevate experiences. That is what we strive to achieve through our products every day. This sponsorship also aligns seamlessly with our strategic focus on Europe, Latin America, and Brazil – regions where football is not just a sport, but a passion that unites generations. Associating with an event of this scale enables us to connect authentically with these audiences.

We are also proud that this landmark match serves as the official opening of SBC Summit Lisbon, where Amusnet joins as a Premium Sponsor. To celebrate, we are extending the excitement into the Summit with a special Meet & Greet with Krasimir Balakov at our stand on day one. It will be a unique moment to connect partners and visitors with one of football’s true legends, bringing the spirit of the match to the expo stage.

On a more personal note, which football legends are you most excited to see on the pitch?

There are so many icons to choose from – it’s almost impossible to name just one. Seeing legends like Luís Figo, Kaká, Henrik Larsson, Peter Schmeichel, Javier Zanetti, along with two of Bulgaria’s greatest football legends, Hristo Stoichkov and Krasimir Balakov, on the same pitch is a dream for any fan. They were two of the most gifted players of their generation and true legends of the unforgettable 1994 World Cup team, when Bulgaria proudly ranked 4th in the world. Their illustrious club careers in Spain and Portugal bring an even deeper resonance to this occasion, uniting local pride with global football history.

It is not just about nostalgia – it is about celebrating the legacy of players who inspired generations. Watching them unite for a good cause makes it even more special.

Why is it important for companies to support causes beyond their industry?

Business does not exist in isolation. Companies are responsible for contributing to the communities around them, and supporting causes beyond our own industry ensures long-term relevance, trust, and connection.

At Amusnet, we define success not only by financial results but also by the impact we create. Today, we operate in more than 35 markets with a team of over 850 people. Over the past 9 years, we have expanded with offices in Bulgaria, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Greece, Spain, Italy, Malta, Georgia, Netherlands/Belgium, and Armenia, while also building a strong presence in Latin America with a focus on Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, and Peru. In every market, we invest in dedicated teams and strong partnerships, built on a deep understanding of industry dynamics and regulatory frameworks. Staying close to our markets also means engaging with the causes that matter most to the communities we operate in.

This is why initiatives such as the Legends Charity Game resonate so strongly with us. They demonstrate how business can drive meaningful change on a global scale, and why giving back will always remain central to our vision for growth and leadership.