Sony and PlayStation made a big move into esports in 2021 when they acquired the Evolution Championship Series (EVO), the world’s largest fighting game tournament, partnering with RTS to run the event. Now, after several editions, Sony is stepping back, selling its stake, and remaining involved only as a sponsor.
New Owners, Same Legacy
The tournament’s future is now in the hands of RTS and NODWIN Gaming, an Asian esports and entertainment company backed by Good Game Investments, Nazara Technologies, KRAFTON, Sony Group Corporation, and JetSynthesys. Sony confirmed PlayStation will continue supporting EVO as a sponsor, but it will no longer manage or organize the event.
Phil Rosenberg, Sony Interactive Entertainment’s Senior VP of Global Partner Development, is confident EVO is in good hands:
“When SIE acquired Evo alongside RTS in 2021, our goal was to help the Evo community grow and spotlight the skills and passion of fighting game fans on a global stage. As SIE transitions to become an Evo sponsor, the momentum for Evo has never been stronger, following a successful Las Vegas event and upcoming expansion to new regions. We look forward to supporting the continued growth of Evo globally.”
This step marks PlayStation’s retreat from esports after its strong push during the early PS5 era. While initiatives like PlayStation Tournaments helped promote competitive gaming, Sony is likely to reduce its direct investment in esports.
EVO’s Next Chapter
NODWIN Gaming plans to continue building EVO and raising it to new levels. One of the first moves in this new phase involves Qiddiya, a Saudi Arabian company and global partner of EVO since 2024. Qiddiya will invest in RTS, EVO’s co-owner and operator, and support the tournament at least through 2027.
“Teaming up with Qiddiya strengthens the future of RTS and what we’re building with Evo, an event that lives up to its name by driving real transformation in the fighting game community through new opportunities, deeper connections, and meaningful growth,” said Stuart Saw, CEO of RTS.
