The Evolution Champion Series (or Evo, as most know it) revealed today that it’s getting a new co-owner as Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) sells its stake, though it’s still remaining a sponsor.
SIE has sold its stake in Evo to Nodwin Gaming, which also happens to be backed by the Sony Group Corporation. This makes Nodwin Gaming a new co-owner of Evo.
However, SIE will still be a global partner for Evo through 2028. It will also continue the PlayStation Tournaments platform.
Phil Rosenberg, SVP and Head of Global Partner Development and Relations at SIE, shared a bit of insight into the group’s original role with Evo:
“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.”
Nodwin Gaming Co-Founder and Managing Director, Akshat Rathee, also spoke about the news:
“Evo was built by a team whose authenticity and passion for the fighting game community are unmatched. We will continue SIE’s great work and honor the legacy of everyone who has made it what it is today, while opening the door for a new generation to experience the spirit of Evo.”
At the same time, Qiddiya has announced that it is investing even more in RTS, the other co-owner of Evo. It’s also extending its global partnership with Evo from last year until 2027.
CEO of RTS, Stuart Saw, spoke a bit about the investment announcement:
“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.”
Evo’s 2025 business update explains that these new partnerships and a “realignment” have the goal of pushing Evo’s plans for more original content while also creating more community-focused experiences at the live events.
Rich Thiher, the General Manager of Evo, spoke a bit about this:
“In recent years, Evo hosted record-setting events in the USA and Japan, and our upcoming premiere in France is already breaking European records. These latest partnerships join the ongoing support from our global and regional partners in accelerating Evo’s expansion from hosting renowned live events to serving as a nexus point for fighting game culture worldwide.”
Evo recently just held the largest in-person tournament in the history of Japan, seeing 30,000 in attendance at Evo Japan 2025. It’s continuing to grow in Las Vegas, and it’s also hosting its first-ever European tournament in Nice later this year. Plus, 2027 will see an event in Singapore, as well.