NODWIN Gaming’s sixth acquisition since 2024 brings StarLadder into the fold.
NODWIN, a subsidiary of Nazara Technologies, has made a significant move in the esports industry with the acquisition of StarLadder. This deal not only strengthens NODWIN’s global presence in gaming but also gives StarLadder access to greater resources ahead of their anticipated return to Counter-Strike in 2025.
StarLadder joins NODWIN's expanding acquisition portfolio
StarLadder, a Ukrainian tournament organizer, has been a key player in Counter-Strike since 2011. Although it has not hosted events since 2019, the TO had announced its plans to run multiple events across 2025 and 2026. That events list will, reportedly, include the second major of 2025.
NODWIN's StarLadder Acquisition is valued at an initial consideration of $5.5 Million, with additional payments linked to performance targets. StarLadder's founder, Roman Romantsov, will continue leading the company while also becoming a NODWIN shareholder. This move enhances NODWIN's capability to deliver top-tier esports events worldwide.
We live in an era of globalization, where the synergy of resources, expertise, and potential drives success and paves the way for future growth. We are thrilled to have found partners and like-minded individuals who share our vision and ambition. Together with NODWIN Gaming, StarLadder is committed to creating extraordinary experiences for fans, delivering unforgettable events across multiple games and regions. Stay tuned for what’s to come!
NODWIN Gaming's ongoing global expansion strategy
The StarLadder deal marks the sixth acquisition for NODWIN since 2024. The company's ongoing global expansion, funded by investments from Nazara Technologies, aims to make NODWIN a major player across all verticals of esports. Recently, the company acquired esports media company AFK Gaming. The deal, worth INR 7.6 Crore ($910,000) was completed through a combination of cash and stock swaps. With StarLadder and AFK Gaming, NODWIN aims to cement its position as a comprehensive esports marketing and production powerhouse.
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Ties to ESL FACEIT Group
StarLadder's acquisition has raised some concerns over the ties between NODWIN Gaming and the ESL FACEIT Group. As reported by HLTV, ESL Gaming GmbH, holds a 1.11% stake in Nazara Technologies, NODWIN's parent company. ESL, then Turtle Entertainment, acquired this stake in 2018 during their close collaboration with NODWIN in India. Several ESL executives also play key roles within NODWIN.
Ralf Reichart, former ESL Co-Founder and CEO, and Esports World Cup Foundation CEO serves on the board of Directors for NODWIN Gaming according to filings as recent as August 2024. The EWC Foundation works with EFG to organize the Esports World Cup, which also is a regular client for NODWIN's many ventures including AFK Gaming's PR arm.
Merlin Wiedeking, previously at ESL, now serves as CEO of NODWIN International. Others like Niels Wolter have also joined the company's leadership team. After the seismic impact that the formation of the ESL FACEIT Group had in essentially creating the CS:GO duopoly, another TO gaining close ties to EFG and the Saudi PIF is cause for some concern.
StarLadder's CS return will kick off with StarSeries Fall 2025 in September. The Hungarian event will bring SL's Double Elimination format to the scene, while setting the stage for the expected Major at the end of the year.
Stay tuned to esports.gg for more esports news and coverage.
