NODWIN becomes Evo majority shareholder, acquires Sony stake

NODWIN Gaming has become the majority shareholder of fighting game tournament Evo after purchasing Sony Interactive Entertainment’s stake for an undisclosed amount.

The Indian esports and gaming company joins RTS as owner of the longest-running fighting game event.

In addition to NODWIN Gaming becoming the majority shareholder, Sony Interactive Entertainment will remain involved with the tournament as a global sponsor until the end of 2028.

“Evo was built by a team whose authenticity and passion for the fighting game community are unmatched,” said Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming.

“We will continue SIE’s great work and honour the legacy of everyone who has made it what it is today, while opening the door for a new generation to experience the spirit of Evo.”

Evo has continued to cement itself as the world’s largest FCG esports event, with several titles hosting tentpole tournaments. In 2025, Evo returned to Japan, with approximately 30,000 people in attendance. Alongside its US and Japanese events, Evo heads to Europe in October with an event taking place at Nice’s Palais des Expos.

Elsewhere, RTS also announced that it has received investment from Qiddiya, a Saudi Arabian entertainment and tourist megaproject, which has continued to expand its presence within the gaming and esports industries over the past 12 months.

In addition to the FGC, Qiddiya has joined forces with the likes of PUBG Mobile and MOONTON to create new experiences and to grow the esports scenes on a global scale.

Owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Qiddiya is part of the country’s 2030 programme, which aims to diversify its economy. Whilst Saudi Arabia’s expansion into the esports scene has financially benefited and helped grow the scene, the government’s involvement has been criticised due to its human rights record towards the LGBTQ+ community and women.

With NODWIN Gaming involved as the majority stakeholder of Evo, the event continues to expand its presence across the globe. In 2027, Evo heads to Singapore, marking its debut in Southeast Asia.

Evo says the new ownership and partnerships “will fuel the global growth of events, content, and experiences” for fans attending events across Europe, North America, and Asia.