Video game developer Wargaming has unveiled its annual World of Tanks Holiday Ops 2025 campaign, surprising fans with action movie icon Jason Statham as the face of this year’s festive event.
Kicking off on December 6 and running through January 13, the campaign features Statham as Santa’s stunt double, delivering high-octane action in a tank-filled winter wonderland.
The live-action ad sets the tone: Santa, surrounded by a gang of bad guys, appears cornered — until Statham takes over, transforming the scene into a full-throttle holiday epic.
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Statham shared his take on the experience of operating a tank for the game's holiday spot:
“I have driven almost every type of vehicle in my career, but blasting around in a tank is the most exhilarating. That is why I've teamed up with Wargaming to be World of Tanks' newest Holiday Ops Ambassador, and I’m more than up for the challenge.
It’s a great opportunity to bring some festive fun and a bit of high-stakes action to players all over the world.”
This year's campaign follows last year’s Vinnie Jones spotlight and marks another step in Wargaming's tradition of pairing global stars with its seasonal events.
Fans were encouraged to guess this year’s ambassador, with suggestions ranging from Rowan Atkinson to Snoop Dogg, before Statham’s reveal sent waves through the gaming and holiday communities alike.
Players can immerse themselves in a newly designed festive hangar, where special assignments and battle missions await.
Completing these challenges unlocks unique rewards, including exclusive content tied to Statham himself.
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The "World of Tanks Holiday Ops" campaign has become a hallmark of the season, blending humor, nostalgia, and unexpected celebrity cameos with expertly developed gameplay enhancements.
Creative event marketing and collaborations with big celebrities have elevated these campaigns, crafting memorable experiences that resonate with players globally.
This year’s campaign not only entertains but reinforces Wargaming’s reputation for innovative, player-focused digital marketing strategies.
Santa's Here
"Jason Statham Takes On Holiday Ops 2025" runs for six minutes and begins with Santa Claus trudging through snowy forests.
He approaches a group of thugs, tosses his knapsack at them, and says everything they want is there, pleading to "let him go."
We hear a voice warning Santa that it’s a trap, just as a thug emerges from behind and punches him in the face.
The dramatic tension breaks as the entire scene is revealed to be a film set. The director yells for a cut and calls for a reset, instructing the crew to send in the stunt double this time.
Enter Statham, brimming with confidence.
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"The MEG" star quickly takes charge of the set, much to the director’s confusion and resistance, and begins orchestrating how the scene should play out.
"You don't think people will wonder why Santa keeps turning into a ripped Jason Statham?" the director asks the actor.
"Nah. Nobody will give monkeys about that," Statham nonchalantly replies.
The director storms off to collect himself, only to return and find Statham operating a tank, firing it toward the set, and igniting an explosive finale.
The action-packed short film concludes with Statham declaring the shoot a wrap and complimenting the director on “solid work” before walking off with Santa by his side.
Statham has now taken his place as one of this holiday season's biggest celebrity endorsers.
Previously, Academy Award-winning actor J.K. Simmons starred in a Christmas spot for Farmers' Insurance, while Ryan Reynolds rang in the holidays with a hilarious ad for Aviation Gin.
