NODWIN Gaming has acquired Sony’s stake in EVO, becoming a majority shareholder alongside RTS as EVO expands globally with new investments.
NODWIN Gaming continues to build their portfolio in the esports realm with the purchase of Sony Interactive Entertainment's (SIE) stake in the Evolution Championship Series (EVO). Founded in 2002, the Evolution Championship Series (EVO) is the world’s largest and most prestigious fighting game tournament.
NODWIN secures majority stake in EVO
NODWIN Gaming's new majority share in EVO marks another major move. Earlier this year in January 2025, NODWIN Gaming acquired tournament organizer Starladder plus three esports and marketing agencies; Freaks4U Gaming (Europe), AFKGaming (SEA) and NinjaGlobal (Middle East). NODWIN Gaming is now a majority shareholder in EVO alongside RTS.
"When I used to button mash and play with my brother and cousins when I was growing up, little did I know that one day the dream of being the majority owner of the Evolution Championship Series along with RTS," said Akshat Rathee on LinkedIn, Co-Founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming.
"I love EVO. I have attended it with wide eyed wonder. I have seen all my stars there: Sonic Fox, Daigo, Arslan and countless more. [...] We want to inspire a new generation of players who have never seen EVO to experience the phenomenon that is just three words; Evolution Championship Series."
Record-breaking EVO 2025
NODWIN Gaming's new stake in EVO comes at an opportune time. EVO 2025 saw record-breaking attendance for the most recent event in Las Vegas, with 8,541 competitors across 18 different EVO game disciplines.
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Sony shifts to EVO sponsorship
According to the official press release, Sony will remain involved in EVO as a global sponsor through 2028, continuing its commitment to the FGC community through the PlayStation Tournament platform and "key products currently in development that appeal to fighting game players".
“When SIE acquired EVO alongside RTS in 2021, our goal was to help the Evo community grow and spotlight the skills and passion of fighting game fans on a global stage,” said Phil Rosenberg, SVP and Head of Global Partner Development & Relations at Sony Interactive Entertainment.
“As SIE transitions to become an EVO sponsor, the momentum for Evo has never been stronger, following a successful Las Vegas event and upcoming expansion to new regions. We look forward to supporting the continued growth of Evo globally.”
Qiddiya fuels EVO’s future via RTS
This deal also deepens EVO’s ties with Saudi Arabia’s gaming ambitions, as RTS has secured fresh investment from Qiddiya through 2027. Qiddiya is Saudi Arabia’s state-backed entertainment and esports megaproject under Vision 2030. They are also involved in the Esports World Cup via the Esports District in Riyadh.
“Teaming up with Qiddiya strengthens the future of RTS and what we’re building with Evo, an event that lives up to its name by driving real transformation in the fighting game community through new opportunities, deeper connections, and meaningful growth,” said Stuart Saw, CEO of RTS.
The next EVO event will take place in Nice, France, from Oct. 10-12. EVO France will be a major milestone for the brand as it marks the first European EVO event. The new involvement from NODWIN Gaming and increased investment from Qiddiya into RTS will likely accelerate EVO's expansion even further.
