End of an Era: Saudi-Backed Qiddiya City Takes 100% Ownership of EVO

The fighting game community’s biggest stage has completed its corporate transition. Following a series of ownership shifts that began in late 2025 including a stake in EVO, RTS (a subsidiary of the Saudi Arabian entertainment project Qiddiya City) has now officially acquired full control of the Evolution Championship Series (EVO).

The announcement confirms that RTS has bought out the remaining stake from India-based NODWIN Gaming. This move completely severs the lingering ties to former co-owner Sony, leaving the world’s most prestigious fighting game tournament entirely in the hands of the Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC).

For the Fighting Game Community (FGC), this represents a massive ideological and structural shift. Here is what you need to know about the future of the event:

• Complete Control: With 100 percent ownership, Qiddiya City and RTS now hold the keys to EVO’s venue choices, game lineups, and broadcast rights.
• Corporate Reassurance: RTS CEO Stuart Saw claims the group will continue “elevating and empowering members of the FGC” and insists that EVO’s core values will remain unchanged.
• Marketing Pivot: NODWIN Gaming is not entirely gone; they will transition to a marketing role for the upcoming events.

What is at Stake for the Players?

The FGC was built on grassroots passion in arcades and hotel ballrooms. Over the last five years, players have watched their marquee event bounce from the original founders to Sony, and now to a sovereign wealth-backed entertainment megaproject. While RTS promises stability heading into EVO Japan 2026 this May and the main EVO 2026 event in June, the community remains naturally skeptical.

“When a single entity holds total ownership of an event this vital to an entire esports ecosystem, the community must remain vigilant. We have to ensure that the promised investments actually reach the players, tournament organizers, and developers who built this scene.”

As the summer tournament season approaches, attendees and viewers alike will be watching closely to see if EVO retains its grassroots soul under its new monolithic ownership.