In a significant development for the global esports industry, Evo sold its majority stake to NODWIN Gaming, marking a new chapter in the legacy of the world’s most iconic fighting game tournament. The move comes after Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) decided to sell its share in Evo to NODWIN Gaming, while retaining a long-term sponsorship role until 2028.
Evo Sold: What This Means for the Fighting Game Community
The Evolution Championship Series, widely known as Evo, is the longest-running fighting game tournament in the world. With Evo sold to NODWIN Gaming, the event is now positioned for unprecedented global growth. Although Sony has exited its ownership role, it will continue as a sponsor, reaffirming its commitment to the fighting game community through PlayStation Tournaments and upcoming initiatives that aim to engage players worldwide.
Phil Rosenberg, Senior Vice President at Sony Interactive Entertainment, stated that the acquisition is a natural transition. “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. As SIE transitions to become an Evo sponsor, the momentum for Evo has never been stronger,” he said.
NODWIN Gaming Leads Evo’s Next Phase
With Evo sold to NODWIN Gaming, the esports company — already a leader in South Asian esports and youth entertainment — will spearhead Evo’s expansion into new markets. Akshat Rathee, Co-founder and Managing Director of NODWIN Gaming, highlighted the company’s commitment: “Evo was built by a team whose authenticity and passion for the fighting game community are unmatched. We will continue SIE’s great work and honor 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.”
The deal also strengthens Evo’s international reach. Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya has extended its partnership with Evo until 2027 and invested in RTS, further backing Evo’s future plans. With this alignment, Evo is preparing for more international events, original content creation, and immersive community experiences that will shape the future of esports.
Why the Evo Sold Story Matters
The news of Evo sold is more than just a business transaction; it signals the increasing globalization of esports. Evo has long been the crown jewel of fighting game tournaments, attracting top players and fans from across the globe. With NODWIN Gaming at the helm, Evo can tap into rapidly growing markets in Asia, the Middle East, and beyond, offering new opportunities for players, fans, and sponsors alike.
Industry analysts see Evo’s sale as a step toward greater collaboration between regional esports organizations and global gaming giants. This model could pave the way for similar deals in the esports space, driving further consolidation and professionalization.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Evo
With Evo sold to NODWIN Gaming, the immediate focus is on expanding its geographical footprint and creating richer community-driven experiences. From blockbuster tournaments in Las Vegas to potential new events in Asia and the Middle East, Evo’s future looks brighter than ever.
For gamers, this means more opportunities to compete on international stages, greater exposure to sponsors, and enhanced community engagement. For NODWIN Gaming, the acquisition represents not only a strategic win but also a responsibility to preserve Evo’s authenticity while propelling it into a new era.
Stay updated with the latest startup and esports business news on StartupNews.fyi
