Qiddiya has taken full ownership of esports company RTS, a move Chief Strategy Officer Muhannad Aldawood described as a “strategic step” to strengthen the organisation’s position in gaming and esports. The acquisition secures Qiddiya’s bigger role in the Evolution Championship Series (Evo), which it called the “world’s largest fighting game event since 1996.”

Based in Saudi Arabia, Qiddiya is a major project under the country’s Vision 2030 plan, being developed as a global hub for entertainment, sports and culture.

“This milestone paves the way for setting new heights in the evolution of Evo toward achieving the aspirations of the fighting game community,” Aldawood said in a LinkedIn post, while praising the efforts of RTS leadership and Qiddiya’s partners, including NODWIN Gaming Co-Founder Akshat Rathee.

The deal comes after an earlier investment by Qiddiya in RTS in August, while Sony Interactive Entertainment sold its co-ownership stake in Evo to India-based NODWIN Gaming. RTS had previously shared ownership with Sony, but will now operate under Qiddiya with continued backing for Evo through 2027. Sony will remain involved as a global sponsor until 2028.

Evo has seen record attendance in recent years, with its 2025 Las Vegas event attracting competitors from more than 60 countries and on-site activations from brands such as Chipotle, AT&T, Red Bull and Under Armour. The tournament will expand internationally in October with its first European edition in Nice, France, and a Singapore debut planned for 2027.