Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya buys RTS and joins NODWIN as co-owner of Evo Championship Series

Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya has acquired RTS, making it co-owner of Evo alongside NODWIN after Sony sold its stake. Here’s what changes for the FGC, esports and events.

Mufaddal Fakhruddin
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Mufaddal Fakhruddin
Mufaddal Fakhruddin has been writing about games and technology for the past 15 years. He has lost count as to how many reviews he has written...
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Saudi Arabia's Qiddiya buys RTS and joins NODWIN as co-owner of Evo Championship Series
TL;DR
  • Qiddiya bought RTS, making it a co-owner of Evo.
  • NODWIN acquired Sony’s Evo stake in August 2025.
  • Sony remains a global sponsor through 2028.

Qiddiya has acquired full ownership of RTS, the company that runs Evo. That makes Qiddiya a co-owner of Evo alongside NODWIN Gaming, which bought Sony’s stake in August. The deal was confirmed on 2 September 2025 via Qiddiya’s leadership. Sony now steps back to a sponsor role.

What exactly changed at Evo?

Evo’s ownership has shifted. RTS, the operational arm behind Evo, is now owned by Qiddiya. NODWIN holds the stake Sony sold in August 2025.

  • Qiddiya acquired RTS, the organiser and former co-owner.
  • NODWIN bought Sony’s equity and becomes the other co-owner.
  • Sony moves from co-owner to sponsor through 2028.
  • Financial terms were not disclosed.

This means the Evo brand remains under two owners: Qiddiya (via RTS) and NODWIN. Operations should continue through RTS, with NODWIN’s commercial footprint and Sony’s sponsorship still in the mix. None of the parties disclosed the price, but public statements point to expanded international plans.

Who are the new players?

Qiddiya is a Riyadh “gigaproject” backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. NODWIN is an India-based esports company with ties to Sony Group.

  • Qiddiya: PIF-backed entertainment and sports city; Evo partner since 2024; now owns RTS.
  • RTS: Esports operator and talent/brand services firm; co-owner/operator of Evo since 2021.
  • NODWIN: Bought Sony’s Evo stake; now co-owner and described as majority shareholder in some trade reports.
  • Sony: Leaves ownership; stays on as global sponsor through 2028.

For the FGC, that’s a different balance of influence: Saudi funding and India’s esports network now sit at the top table, while Sony keeps skin in the game as a sponsor and via PlayStation Tournaments.

FAQ

Who owns Evo right now?

Qiddiya (though its ownership of RTS) and NODWIN Gaming. Sony sold its stake to NODWIN in August 2025 and is now a sponsor.

Does this change affect upcoming Evo events?

The organisers say Evo continues under RTS with a focus on global growth. No event cancellations have been announced alongside the ownership news.

What does Sony’s role look like now?

Sony moved from co-owner to global sponsor through 2028. Expect PlayStation tournaments and brand activity, but not board-level control.

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SOURCES:VGC
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Mufaddal Fakhruddin has been writing about games and technology for the past 15 years. He has lost count as to how many reviews he has written over the years, but he is sure headphone reviews make up at least 70% of that.