{"id":56538,"date":"2018-05-30T14:21:27","date_gmt":"2018-05-30T21:21:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cryptoslate.com\/?p=56538"},"modified":"2026-04-27T19:52:44","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T18:52:44","slug":"will-bitcoin-and-crypto-payments-go-mainstream-at-the-2018-world-cup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cryptoslate.com\/will-bitcoin-and-crypto-payments-go-mainstream-at-the-2018-world-cup\/","title":{"rendered":"Will Bitcoin and Crypto Payments Go Mainstream at the 2018 World Cup?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Following Real Madrid's recent Champions League triumph and the conclusion of the club soccer season, the world eagerly awaits the 2018 World Cup in Russia. While fans worldwide tune in to support their country and favorite players, those traveling to Russia to attend games have the exciting opportunity to spend their cryptocurrency at the quadrennial event.<\/p>\n

From June 14th to July 15th, 32 teams will compete in Russia for soccer's most prestigious trophy.\u00a0 With the teams comes millions of fans.\u00a0At the last World Cup in Brazil<\/a>,\u00a0over 5 million people visited the FIFA Fan Fest and 3.4 million people attended a game.\u00a0 This summer, for the first time,\u00a0visitors will have the chance to pay for their World Cup experiences with Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.<\/p>\n

Spending Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin<\/h2>\n
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Soccer fans in Brazil during the 2014 World Cup<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

To get to Russia, visitors can book flights with Bitcoin through CheapAir<\/a> or Destinia<\/a>.\u00a0 Once there, travelers can exchange cryptocurrency for Rubles at the Moscow exchange or use a Wirex card.\u00a0 Wirex<\/a>\u00a0allows travelers to load up a Visa debit card with BTC, USD, EUR, or GBP.<\/p>\n

In Kaliningrad, one of the Russian host cities, visitors can book accommodations at the Malina Apartments chain with Bitcoin<\/a>, Ethereum<\/a> or Litecoin<\/a>.\u00a0 The partnership between Free-Kassa and the hotel chain is one of the first of its kind.\u00a0 The hotel manager, Anna Subbotina stated:<\/p>\n

“Cryptocurrencies are now enjoying increased interest. Gradually they will come into use as a means of payment. And we decided that the fans should be able to pay for our services with the help of this innovative technology. It may very well be that other hotels\u00a0are awaiting our example for the forthcoming football holiday.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The Golden Boy<\/h2>\n

James Rodriguez was the breakout star of the 2014 World Cup. Scoring six goals, Rodriguez led Columbia to the quarter-finals, won the Golden Boot (awarded to the tournament's leading scorer), and made a big-time move to Real Madrid.<\/p>\n

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James earned an $89 million transfer to Real Madrid for his World Cup heroics and scored one of the best goals of the tournament<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After an impressive season on-loan at Bayern Munich, the Columbian star is ready for another major summer on and off-the-pitch.<\/p>\n

Recently, Rodriguez announced a partnership with SelfSell<\/a> to become the first major athlete to launch their own cryptocurrency.<\/p>\n

According to SelfSell, Rodriguez's coin, the JR10 token, will solidify fan relationships by allowing token holders to access exclusive merchandise, participate in fan club meetings, and interact with the star.<\/p>\n

During the presale on the SelfSell app, JR10 tokens sold out in 12 seconds.<\/p>\n

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A brand \u201cnew me\u201d, sponsored and brought by SelfSell, will be activated. Will you guess what it is? Jump to download SelfSell App and join me. @self_sell<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/OXugqJq3uH<\/a><\/p>\n

— James Rodr\u00edguez (@jamesdrodriguez) May 22, 2018<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n