Sony Exits Evo Ownership, Nodwin and RTS Take Over

Sony has officially sold its stake in the Evolution Championship Series (Evo) to Nodwin Gaming, an Indian esports and events company. This marks the second ownership change for Evo in just four years, following Sony and RTS’s joint purchase in 2021.

Nodwin and RTS will now jointly own the event.

While Sony is stepping back from ownership, it is not cutting ties completely. The PlayStation maker will continue as a global sponsor of Evo until 2028, ensuring its brand remains visible at one of the most important stages in the fighting game community. Phil Rosenberg, SVP at Sony Interactive Entertainment, framed the move as a transition rather than a withdrawal, emphasizing Evo’s growth after a successful Las Vegas event and its planned global expansion.

Nodwin Gaming may be new to Western audiences, but the company has a strong track record in Asia. Founded in 2015, it has organized high-profile events including Dreamhack India, Valorant Challengers South Asia, PUBG Mobile tournaments, and Comic Con India. Its entrance signals Evo’s intent to broaden its international presence beyond the U.S. and Japan.

At the same time, Saudi Arabian entertainment investor Qiddiya – already a global Evo partner – has deepened its involvement by investing in RTS. Qiddiya’s support will continue until at least 2027, linking Evo to Saudi Arabia’s wider push to build a high-tech city focused on gaming, sports, and entertainment.

Fans are split on what this means for Evo’s future. Some point to Sony’s lack of first-party fighting games and the rocky experience of running tournaments on PS5 hardware, which drew complaints about overheating and controller disconnects. Others worry about the creeping influence of Saudi money in esports, or lament Nintendo’s continued absence after pulling Super Smash Bros. from the event. On the other hand, some see Nodwin’s global ambitions as a chance to expand Evo beyond its traditional footprint.

Whether Evo can thrive under new management will depend on how well it balances corporate backing with the grassroots passion of the fighting game community. For many, Evo isn’t just another event – it’s the heart of competitive fighting games, and its future remains a subject of fierce debate.