Qiddiya Fully Acquires Evolution Championship Series Organizer RTS

Qiddiya, a Saudi Arabian government-backed mega-city project, has finalized the full acquisition of RTS, the organizer behind the Evolution Championship Series (Evo). This strategic move, confirmed in September 2025 by Qiddiya’s Chief Strategy Officer, follows an initial investment in the company announced just days prior. While the financial terms of the transaction remain undisclosed, the acquisition is intended to bolster Qiddiya’s presence in the global gaming ecosystem and provide long-term support for the growth of the Evo tournament brand.

The acquisition marks a significant shift in the ownership structure of the world’s largest fighting game event. Shortly before the full buyout of RTS, India-based NODWIN Gaming acquired Sony Interactive Entertainment’s stake in Evo, transitioning Sony from an owner to a sponsor. Qiddiya, which previously served as a global partner for the 2024 iteration of the event, now holds full control over the organization responsible for managing the series.

This development reflects the broader expansion of Saudi Arabian state-backed entities into the international esports and entertainment sectors. The move has drawn attention from international watchdog organizations, which frequently monitor such investments in the context of broader geopolitical and human rights concerns. Despite these criticisms, Qiddiya continues to integrate itself into the global gaming market, including the establishment of a physical presence in New York City to facilitate North American business operations. The leadership team at RTS, including key executives such as Stuart Saw, Kim Phan, and Richard Thiher, remains central to the ongoing management and future development of the Evo platform under its new ownership.