Key Takeaways
1. Sony Interactive Entertainment has sold its share in the Evolution Championship Series (EVO) to NODWIN Gaming, an esports firm from India.
2. The financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, but SIE will continue to sponsor EVO globally until 2028.
3. The transition in ownership is seen as a significant milestone for EVO, which is experiencing growth after a record-setting event in Las Vegas.
4. NODWIN is expanding its global presence by acquiring other companies and has raised $63 million in funding from various investors.
5. Qiddiya, a Saudi Arabian entertainment project, has become a new global partner and investor in EVO, further strengthening its partnerships.
Sony Interactive Entertainment has divested its share in the Evolution Championship Series, commonly known as EVO, to NODWIN Gaming. NODWIN is an esports and entertainment firm from India, owned by Nazara Technologies and supported by Sony Group Corporation.
Financial Details Unrevealed
The specific financial aspects of this deal have not been made public, establishing NODWIN as the new primary shareholder and co-owner of the leading fighting game tournament. Even though SIE has stepped back from owning EVO, they have expressed a strong commitment to sponsoring the event worldwide until 2028, ensuring that it continues to thrive and uphold its importance within the fighting game community.
Major Announcement
This news was shared through a “Business Update” blog post on EVO’s official website, where the tournament highlighted this change in ownership as “a significant milestone” in its development. Phil Rosenberg, SIE’s Vice President and Head of Global Partner Development and Relations, spoke about the transition, stating:
“When SIE purchased EVO along with RTS in 2021, we intended to assist the EVO community in expanding and showcasing the talents and enthusiasm of fighting game fans on an international platform. As SIE shifts to become an EVO sponsor, the momentum for EVO has never been greater, especially after a successful event in Las Vegas and plans to reach new regions.”
Ongoing Expansion
This ownership transition occurs as EVO continues to grow, following a record-setting event in Las Vegas in 2025, which saw over 10,000 participants competing in popular titles like Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, and Mortal Kombat 1. EVO is also planning to introduce new regional tournaments, with a first-time event in Europe.
NODWIN has been actively acquiring other companies, such as AFK Gaming, to strengthen its global presence. The firm has successfully raised $63 million in funding over five rounds, drawing support from investors like Sony and Pratithi Investments.
New Partnerships
The update also announced Qiddiya, a Saudi Arabian entertainment and gaming project, as the new global partner for EVO and an investor in RTS.
As SIE withdraws from its ownership position, its goal of continuing to sponsor EVO indicates a desire to keep PlayStation at the forefront of EVO events. This may include showcasing new products such as the recently revealed FlexStrike fight stick and playable demos of future fighting games like Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls.
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