Heineken’s Player 0.0 Global Champion Crowned with Max Verstappen in Attendance

Unveiling of the Player 0.0 Global Champion

MADRID, Dec. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — In a thrilling display of speed, precision, and skill, Slovenian sim racer Jernej Dovžan emerged as the Player 0.0 Global Champion at the Heineken® Player 0.0 Global Final. The event took place at the renowned GAMERGY gaming festival in Madrid, featuring 18 elite sim racers from around the world, all under the watchful eye of four-time world champion Max Verstappen in a specially designed Heineken Player 0.0 arena.

In an exhilarating contest held at the iconic Zandvoort racetrack backdrop, Jernej Dovžan from Slovenia triumphed against fierce competition, earning the title and global recognition as the ultimate talent in sim racing.

Bringing an additional layer of excitement, Max Verstappen, Heineken® 0.0 ambassador, joined the stage to meet with fans and celebrate the finalists. His presence underscored the growing connection between esports, traditional motorsport, and the message of responsible consumption.

Verstappen shared, “It’s incredible to see the passion and dedication of these racers. Player 0.0 continues to showcase the importance of skill, focus, and making the right choices—not just in racing, but in life.”

The Player 0.0 initiative forms a central part of Heineken®’s When You Drive, Never Drink platform, which promotes that “The Best Driver is the One Who Is Not Drinking.” This competition aims to engage new audiences within the exciting realm of gaming while advocating for responsible consumption.

Launched in 20 countries, this year’s Player 0.0 contest featured an innovative mobile game as the entry point, welcoming participants from diverse backgrounds to compete. This effort enhances Heineken®’s mission of fostering safer roads through engaging platforms.

“This year’s Player 0.0 Final reflects our dedication to blending innovation, responsibility, and entertainment,” expressed Natacha Volpini, Global Head Of Digital Consumer Innovation. “Through initiatives like this, we’re reaching new audiences and inspiring responsible choices worldwide.”

As the 2024 season concludes, Heineken® anticipates even larger endeavors for Player 0.0 in 2025, further promoting responsible consumption and unique fan experiences.

About Player 0.0:

Player 0.0, which is part of Heineken®’s “When You Drive Never Drink – The Best Driver” initiative, redefines the concept of a designated driver, emphasizing sobriety as the essential standard. Featuring four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen, this global campaign continues Heineken’s legacy of advocating responsible drinking. Launched in 2021, Player 0.0 combines interactive virtual gaming with enjoying Heineken 0.0, making the message of responsible drinking resonate. Participants engage in a virtual competition for various prizes and a shot at competing in the Player 0.0 Global final event, reinforcing Heineken®’s commitment to responsible drinking and enhancing social enjoyment.

About Heineken®:

HEINEKEN® stands as the world’s most international brewer, recognized as a foremost developer and marketer of premium beer and cider brands. The Group, led by the Heineken® brand, boasts a portfolio of over 300 international, regional, local, and specialty beers and ciders. A commitment to innovation, long-term brand investment, efficient sales execution, and focused cost management guides their operations. Through the “Brewing a Better World” initiative, sustainability is woven into their business model.

With a diverse geographic presence, HEINEKEN® holds strong positions in both developed and emerging markets. Employing more than 85,000 individuals, they operate breweries, malteries, cider plants, and other production facilities in over 70 countries. Heineken N.V. and Heineken Holding N.V share trade on the Euronext in Amsterdam. Current stock prices can be found on Bloomberg under the symbols HEIA NA and HEIO NA, and on Reuters under HEIN.AS and HEIO.AS. HEINEKEN also offers two sponsored level 1 American Depositary Receipt (ADR) programs: Heineken N.V. HEINY and Heineken Holding N.V. HKHHY.

For the latest information, visit HEINEKEN’s website at www.theHEINEKENcompany.com and follow them on X via @HEINEKENCorp.

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SOURCE Heineken