In Russia, bookmaker PARI has teamed up with the retail chain Perekrestok to launch a promotional campaign in the lead-up to the esports tournament The International 2026 for Dota 2.
In ten stores across Moscow, the bookmaker has set up figures of the game's character, Pudge. Notably, at the store near the Kolomenskaya metro station, there is a six-meter inflatable installation featuring Pudge, along with an entertainer dressed as the character.
Customers can take photos with Pudge and share them on social media using a specific hashtag. In return, the bookmaker is giving away jerseys from its esports club PARIVISION, complete with player signatures from the Dota 2 roster. The tournament is set to take place from August 13 to 23 in Shanghai.