NODWIN Gaming Acquires Majority Stake in Evo, Expanding Global Footprint of Fighting Game Esports

EVO X NODWIN Gaming

NODWIN Gaming has officially become the majority shareholder of the Evolution Championship Series (Evo) after purchasing Sony Interactive Entertainment’s (SIE) stake for an undisclosed amount.

With this move, the Indian esports and gaming giant now joins RTS as co-owner of the world’s longest-running fighting game tournament.

While NODWIN takes the majority role, Sony Interactive Entertainment isn’t stepping away completely. The company will remain a global sponsor of Evo until at least 2028, supporting the event through PlayStation Tournaments and other community-focused initiatives. According to an official statement from Sony’s Phil Rosenberg, SVP of Global Partner Development, the transition marks a new phase for Evo’s growth, with Sony now backing the competition as a sponsor rather than co-owner.

Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming, emphasized Evo’s legacy, stating that the company intends to carry forward SIE’s work while creating opportunities for a new generation of fans. “Evo was built by a team whose authenticity and passion for the fighting game community are unmatched,” Rathee said. “We will honor that legacy while opening the door for new experiences.”

Evo’s expansion has already been visible. In 2025, the tournament made a successful return to Japan, drawing approximately 30,000 attendees. The brand has also set its sights on Europe, with an event scheduled in October at the Palais des Expos in Nice, France, which has already broken registration records. Looking further ahead, Evo is preparing to debut in Southeast Asia with a Singapore event planned for 2027.

Beyond ownership changes, Evo’s co-operator RTS has announced fresh investment from Qiddiya, a Saudi Arabian entertainment and tourism megaproject. Qiddiya, already a global partner since 2024, has been expanding into gaming and esports through collaborations with major titles such as PUBG Mobile and MOONTON. Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, the project is part of the country’s Vision 2030 initiative to diversify its economy.