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

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.

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