From Birkirkara to Georgia: Betsson’s Ronni Hartvig Faces Ronaldinho in Sold-Out Tbilisi Showdown

In front of 45,000 passionate fans at the Dinamo Arena in Tbilisi, Georgia, Betsson Group’s Chief Commercial Officer, and former Birkirkara FC player, Ronni Hartvig stepped onto the pitch to face none other than Ronaldinho and a star-studded Barcelona Legends team.

The match formed part of The Legend Series powered by Betsson, a unique event celebrating football greats from both Georgia and around the world. While Ronaldinho, Javier Saviola, and Jonathan Soriano dazzled for Barça – ultimately winning the match 3–1 – it was also a celebration of Georgian legends such as Kakha Kaladze, a two-time UEFA Champions League winner with AC Milan, and Shota Arveladze, the former Ajax and Rangers striker who also serves as a Betsson brand ambassador.

This fixture wasn’t just a sporting highlight – it also marked a significant moment for Betsson Group’s continued expansion in Georgia. The company first entered the market in 2015 through the acquisition of EuropeBet, which has now been rebranded to Betsson, bringing its flagship brand front and centre.

Earlier during the week, Betsson Group also took the opportunity to give back to the local community – most notably by partnering with FC Kvartali, one of the leading teams in Georgia’s Women’s National League.

Through this sponsorship, Betsson is supporting the club’s efforts to grow its infrastructure, invest in youth programmes, and drive wider participation in women’s football across Georgia.

Reflecting on the event, Ronni Hartvig said: “It’s not every day you get to share the pitch with football legends like Ronaldinho. But more than that, this event was about celebrating the power of football to inspire, unite, and give back. Having once played professionally in Denmark, Iceland, and Malta, stepping onto the field in Tbilisi felt like coming full circle – this time, representing a company that shares that same passion for making a difference through sport.”

“Our partnership with FC Kvartali is a perfect example of that,” Hartvig added. “They’re doing incredible work to create opportunities for women and young players, and their values truly resonate with ours at Betsson. Supporting their growth is not just about football – it’s about building something meaningful for the future.”

With its flagship brand now launched in Georgia, Betsson continues to blend sporting excellence with social responsibility – setting the tone for how gaming companies can drive meaningful change.