2025 ESA Awards in partnership with Pearlfinders
• Arts & Culture Sponsorship – Small to Medium Scale
An award specifically focused on the arts and culture sector – for a campaign, activation or holistic partnership. Small to medium scale
– AZUMA MAKOTO X GLENMORANGIE 23-YEAR-OLD
– Barclays x Donmar Warehouse: LOCAL empowerment
– Marina Abramović Sponsorship & BNP Paribas AccessArt25 at the Royal Academy
– OBOS Home Karaoke
– The Breathing Space by Gjensidige WINNER
– The Dream Scholarship by Norsk Tipping – Empowering Dreams
– V&A DIVA Exhibition supported by NET-A-PORTER
• Arts & Culture Sponsorship – Medium to Large Scale
An award specifically focused on the arts and culture sector – for a campaign, activation or holistic partnership. Medium to large scale
– Aviva: Welcome to Aviva Studios
– Edinburgh International Festival x The Macallan
– LW THEATRES & CATHAY: Staging Extraordinary Customer Experiences WINNER
– Morgan Stanley, Somerset House and The Courtauld Partnership
– Nordea x Palmesus
– The BMW Filmmaking Challenge in partnership with the BFI
– Three #WeSeeYou Network
– Three City Stages HIGHLY COMMENDED
• Best Employee Engagement
The best activation of a sponsorship through a campaign targeted at engaging employees – utilising internal comms, activations or activities
– Barclays x Wimbledon Here for Colleagues
– Driving Employee Engagement through Amgen’s sponsorships
– Igniting the Olympic Spirit at Sanofi WINNER
– NatWest & Team GB – Tomorrow Begins Today
• Best Use of Content < €500k
Celebrating the most effective use of content in a sponsorship campaign. Rights fees < €500,000
– Allianz x Inner Drive
– Bupa Picture of Health HIGHLY COMMENDED
– Girls Want More – Sparebanken Vest
– Old El Paso x Team GB Make Some Noise for your Home Team
– PTSB – The Human Behind the Athlete
– Škoda x Tour de France: Draw de France HIGHLY COMMENDED
– The Breathing Space by Gjensidige WINNER
• Best Use of Content > €500k
Celebrating the most effective use of content in a sponsorship campaign. Rights fees > €500,000
– Barclays Renewal Announcement Content
– Guinness Reignites Rugby Passion with L’0.0pportunité
– If you can’t see it you can’t be it: TeamViewer presents SheSportTech WINNER
– Just Eat – Deliver At Home: Any Given Wednesday
– The BMW Filmmaking Challenge in partnership with the BFI
– Three #TalkMoreThanFootball HIGHLY COMMENDED
– vALLentine’s day | Paris Saint-Germain x Accor
• Best Use of Cutting-edge Technology
Celebrating the innovative use of technology in the sponsorship sector. This award can be for the tech itself or for the application of the tech in sponsorship, such as selecting an asset, engaging with customers or enhancing an activation
– AIB Meet The Toughest Content Series
– Cato Network’s SASE and the TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team WINNER
– Imagining the Difference at the TCS London Marathon Running Show
– OKX & Man City introduce AI-powered City player avatars in ‘Unseen City’
– Sky Broadband & Guild Esports: Fortnite Sky City
– The Control Room
– The Name Game
– Unsilence The Crowd by Sela and Newcastle United HIGHLY COMMENDED
• Best Use of Measurement & Insight
The best example of actionable use of data/ insights/ analytics, demonstrating intelligent use of quantitative or qualitative insights, and how this has positively impacted decision-making in commercial partnerships or sports and entertainment campaigns
– Girls Want More – Sparebanken Vest
– How Allianz Ireland found a ‘win-win’ for brand and culture
– Nederlandse Loterij & Blauw tracking brand impact of TeamNL sponsorship
– O2 x The Wearable Report
– Sky Believe in Better Insight
– The Breathing Space by Gjensidige HIGHLY COMMENDED
– Winning with Data: How GIANTX and Shikenso Built a Sponsor Value Engine WINNER
• Best Use of PR < €500k
The best example of how PR has been used as part of a sponsorship campaign, or in a tactical way to activate around a sport and music event/ moment/ news story, driving measurable ROO (rather than solely focusing on media value or reach). Rights fees < €500,000
– ACCOR AND KAULI VAAST SURF THE SEINE COMMENDED
– Bupa Picture of Health WINNER
– Electric Ireland GAA & Camogie All-Ireland Minor Championships Campaign
– Girls Want More – Sparebanken Vest HIGHLY COMMENDED
– Pringles – We Didn’t Want to Go Anyway Summer 2024
– PTSB – The Human Behind the Athlete
• Best Use of PR > €500k
The best example of how PR has been used as part of a sponsorship campaign, or in a tactical way to activate around a sport and music event/ moment/ news story, driving measurable ROO (rather than solely focusing on media value or reach). Rights fees > €500,000
– Barclays Sponsorship Renewal Announcement
– FedEx – Trusted to Deliver the UEFA Champions League Trophy WINNER
– O2 & The Wearable Report
– Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% x Scuderia Ferrari Launch
– The BMW Filmmaking Challenge in partnership with the BFI HIGHLY COMMENDED
– The Control Room
– Three City Stages
• Best Use of Talent < €500k
Best use of talent in sponsorship and activations – may be an ambassador, blogger, celebrity, influencer, sports star etc. and can be an individual, group or team. Rights fees < €500,000
– A Bit Of A Mouthful x Intrepid Travel Podcast
– Aer Lingus and Irish Rugby COMMENDED
– Allianz x Inner Drive HIGHLY COMMENDED
– Bupa Picture of Health WINNER
– Launching GetPRO with Team GB Athletes
– OVO Energy EV Karaoke
– PTSB – The Human Behind the Athlete
• Best Use of Talent > €500k
Best use of talent in sponsorship and activations – may be an ambassador, blogger, celebrity, influencer, sports star etc. and can be an individual, group or team. Rights fees > €500,000
– Coca-Cola X EURO2024 – #TheRitualCup
– Just Eat – Deliver At Home: Any Given Wednesday HIGHLY COMMENDED
– Sage, Stuart Broad & The Hundred
– Sky Broadband & Guild Esports: Path To Pro
– The BMW Filmmaking Challenge in partnership with the BFI
– Three #TalkMoreThanFootball WINNER
– Three City Stages
• Environmentally Sustainable Sponsorship
The best sponsorship that inspires audiences by championing a cause and campaigning for environmental sustainability
– All To Play For
– ALL x SAIL GP – ALL on Board! WINNER
– Change the Course by KPMG
– ENOWA x Extreme E: Showcasing the power of green hydrogen
• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in Sponsorship < €500k partnered by NoTurningBack2020
Best sponsorship showcasing awareness of and support for communities under-represented or subject to discrimination on the basis of an individual or group of individuals’ protected characteristics. Rights fees < €500,000
– Aer Lingus: Proudly Supporting Paralympics Ireland
– Bupa Picture of Health
– Creating inclusive workplaces – Bupa and ParalympicsGB
– Just Eat – Pride WINNER
– No Boundaries: Building a generation of women’s cricket | Hilton x Lancs
– SMIRNOFF – EVERYONE IS INVITED
– SSE Airtricity: Uniting Football and Inclusivity
– Toyota x ParalympicsGB – “Every Body Moves” HIGHLY COMMENDED
• Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in Sponsorship > €500k partnered by NoTurningBack2020
Best sponsorship showcasing awareness of and support for communities under-represented or subject to discrimination on the basis of an individual or group of individuals’ protected characteristics. Rights fees > €500,000
– Cadbury: Sign with Fingers COMMENDED
– Cairn Community Games – We’re All In COMMENDED
– EE x The Home Nations: Support. It’s In Your Hands
– Royal London, Lions Women’s Founding Partner WINNER
– Sky Broadband & Guild Esports: Women in Gaming
– Three #WeSeeYou Network
– Unsilence the Crowd by Sela and Newcastle United HIGHLY COMMENDED
• Esports & Gaming Sponsorship
Focusing on outstanding campaigns and sponsorships in esports and gaming
– BLAST Premier Spring Final Presented By Revolut
– Fnatic x Sony INZONE – A World Class Collaboration
– Speed Showdown powered by Sky Broadband
– Vattenfall x HAVU – It’s Always Good #GamingWeather WINNER
• Media Sponsorship
Best media partnership or sponsorship across any online or offline media channel e.g. broadcast, cinema, magazine, press, radio and TV partnerships
– Cadbury – A Supporter & A Half of Republic of Ireland’s WNT
– Coca-Cola X EURO2024 – #TheRitualCup
– Londis – Proud Sponsors of Ireland’s Fittest Family WINNER
– Paris 2024 – How Allianz Ireland ‘Beat The Best’ HIGHLY COMMENDED
– Sage x ITV Sport: The Breakdown
• Music Sponsorship
The best sponsorship in the musical field. This could be a music event, festival, music-related activation, or holistic partnership with labels/ studios, etc.
– Bank of Ireland Carnival Quarter
– Bulmers Sounds from The Secret Orchard
– Hilton & The BRIT Awards 2024
– Lovely Summer for a Guinness
– Rockstar Energy Presents UK Music Festivals
– The Breathing Space by Gjensidige WINNER
– The Smirnoff Collective Stage
– Three City Stages
• Sponsorship with a Social Purpose < €250k
The best sponsorship that inspires audiences by championing a cause and/or positive social change. Rights fees < €250,000
– AIG – Inner City Golfer
– Electric Ireland for Darkness Into Light HIGHLY COMMENDED
– Just Eat – Pride
– Leicester Tigers Down Syndrome Rugby Team x Dyno-Rod
– Making Moderation Aspirational
– The Breathing Space by Gjensidige WINNER
– Vhi Sun Safe Campaign
• Sponsorship with a Social Purpose €250k-€1M
The best sponsorship that inspires audiences by championing a cause and/or positive social change. Rights fees €250,000-€1M
– Bupa Picture of Health COMMENDED
– Cairn Community Games – We’re All In HIGHLY COMMENDED
– Girls Want More – Sparebanken Vest
– No Boundaries: Building a generation of women’s cricket | Hilton x Lancs
– Škoda x Crufts 2024
– Škoda x Tour de France Femmes: Ride With Me
– TikTok, Royal Shakespeare Company & National Theatre: creativity for all
– Toyota x ParalympicsGB – “Every Body Moves” WINNER
• Sponsorship with a Social Purpose > €1M
The best sponsorship that inspires audiences by championing a cause and/or positive social change. Rights fees > €1M
– Cadbury: Memories Unite Us
– EE x The Home Nations: Support. It’s In Your Hands
– O2 & The Wearable Report
– Royal London, Lions Women’s Founding Partner COMMENDED
– TeamViewer Presents SheSportTech: an initiative with MAMG & MUFC
– The Barclays Girls Football School Partnerships
– Three #TalkMoreThanFootball WINNER
– Unsilence The Crowd by Sela and Newcastle United HIGHLY COMMENDED
• Sport Sponsorship < €1M
Awarding the brand that has demonstrated a successful sponsorship in sport. Rights fees < €1M
– Allianz x Team Ireland
– Change the Course by KPMG
– Energia, Core & Irish Rugby, Think Of The Possibilities WINNER
– Flogas – The Energy Behind Team Ireland
– GetPRO x Team GB HIGHLY COMMENDED
– Girls Want More – Sparebanken Vest
– PTSB – The Human Behind the Athlete
– Sky and The Women’s National Team HIGHLY COMMENDED
– TritonLake & Ireland Sevens: A High-Performance Partnership
• Sport Sponsorship €1M-€5M
Awarding the brand that has demonstrated a successful sponsorship in sport. Rights fees €1M-€5M
– Dreams Sleep Retreat
– Guinness & “Don’t Jinx It”: Turning Superstition into Success WINNER
– InPost – strategic sponsorship of the Polish national football team COMMENDED
– Lexus x LTA: Serving up an ace in sponsorship
– Philips & PSV Eindhoven. For Life.
• Sport Sponsorship > €5M sponsored by datapowa
Awarding the brand that has demonstrated a successful sponsorship in sport. Rights fees > €5M
– Komatsu & Williams Racing – Creating Value Together WINNER
– LVMH SPONSORSHIP PARIS 2024 COMMENDED
– OKX and Manchester City bring fans closer to Web3
– Peroni Nastro Azzurro 0.0% x Scuderia Ferrari
– Renault x Roland-Garros : Spreading the French spirit worldwide
– Taking Lidl To The Top
– The Barclays Women’s Super League
– Up Your BBQ Game with Unilever Nutrition & UEFA EURO 2024™ COMMENDED
2025 ESA Awards in partnership with Pearlfinders: Special Categories
• Agency of the Year sponsored by Sponsorworks
Recognising the very best agency or consultancy engaged in sponsorship (or related disciplines) work
– Dentsu Sports International
– Ear to the Ground
– EssenceMediacom Sport & Entertainment COMMENDED
– HAVAS PLAY
– Legacy Communications
– Octagon
– Teneo Sports Advisory
– The Space Between COMMENDED
– WeAreFearless. WINNER
• Event of the Year sponsored by Wasserman Live
The best sponsored event (virtual or live) that delivered on all key objectives with a particular focus on audience engagement
– Aer Lingus College Football Classic 2024
– IDA Irelands Host Sponsorship of Bloombergs New Economy Gateway Event
– Paddy Power Comedy Festival HIGHLY COMMENDED
– The Smirnoff Collective Stage WINNER
– Uber One Presents All Points East
– Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon
– We Are One
• Rights Holder of the Year sponsored by caytoo
Celebrating the Rights Holder that has shown innovation or developments in the sponsorship discipline, resulting in the growth of audience, revenue, engagement or participation. Can be any rights holder, including any brand, charity or individual
– AEG Global Partnerships
– Olympic Federation of Ireland / Team Ireland COMMENDED
– ParalympicsGB
– Ryder Cup Europe WINNER
• ESA Best of Europe sponsored by Sponsorium
(entry by invitation only)
Across Europe, each national sponsorship agency puts forward their sponsorship of the year. Bronze, Silver and Gold are awarded to the best of the best with entry by invitation only
– Belgium – Belgian Sponsorship Awards
Soudal T-Rex Vuelta Activation
– Denmark – Spot:On Activation Awards
Škoda x Tour de France “Close to the Tour”
– Finland – SPOT Awards – Vuoden Sposorointiteko
Vattenfall x HAVU – It’s Always Good #GamingWeather
– France – Sporsora
Renault x Roland-Garros : Spreading the French spirit worldwide
– Ireland – Marketing Institute Ireland AIM Awards 2024 – Entertainment Sponsorship Award
An Post Irish Book Awards: “Centre Stage” GOLD WINNER 2025
– Netherlands – Stichting SponsorRingen
Philips & PSV Eindhoven & Sanquin. Bloedverwanten (Blood Relatives) BRONZE WINNER 2025
– Norway – The Norwegian Sponsor and Event Award 2024
Girls Want More – Sparebanken Vest
– Serbia – SPORTO Sponsorship Award | Serbia
JAFFA CAKES OLYMPIC TEAM SPONSORSHIP
– Slovenia – SPORTO SPONSORSHIP AWARD
Hisense: More Than a Brand
– United Kingdom – UK Sponsorship Awards: Sponsorship of the Year
Google Pixel: Pixel FC SILVER WINNER 2025
• ESA Sponsorship of the Year sponsored by Pearlfinders (chosen from category winners)
The winner from each main award category is rejudged by the panel and one campaign is crowned ‘ESA Sponsorship of the Year’
– The Breathing Space by Gjensidige WINNER 2025
