Qiddiya acquires Evo operator RTS to expand its role in global esports
| Date | Type | Companies Involved | Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 3, 2025 | acquisition | Not disclosed |
- The Saudi firm first partnered with Evo in 2024 and has now taken full ownership of RTS.
- Qiddiya calls the deal a strategic step to strengthen its esports business and fuel Evo’s growth.
- Backed by PIF, Qiddiya is also building Qiddiya City, a Vision 2030 giga-project for entertainment, sports, and culture.
- Once complete, Qiddiya City will host over 500,000 residents, 59,000 buildings, and 300,000 jobs.
Saudi Arabia's Qiddiya has acquired Evolution Championship Series (Evo) operator RTS to expand its involvement in the fighting game community.
Qiddiya, which first invested in the company in August 2025, described the full ownership as a strategic move to strengthen its esports presence and, more importantly, to drive the continued growth of Evo.
The Saudi firm first became a global partner of Evo In 2024 and will extend its partnership through 2027. The move will also help drive Evo’s vision for original content and more immersive live event experiences.
Founded in 2022, RTS is an esports and gaming talent management and brand consultancy firm, in addition to its role in operating Evo.
Building Qiddiya City
Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) is developing Qiddiya City, a flagship Vision 2030 giga-project positioned as Saudi Arabia’s capital of Entertainment, Sports, and Culture.
Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), Qiddiya positions “play” as its core philosophy, seeing it as a driver of creativity, learning, connection, and growth.
It was launched in 2017 to diversify the economy, create jobs and boost tourism. Upon completion, it could house over 500,000 residents, 59,000 buildings, and generate more than 300,000 jobs.
“Excited to share that Qiddiya has acquired full ownership of RTS, a strategic step that will further strengthen our esports business and unlock new opportunities across the broader gaming ecosystem," said Qiddiya chief strategy officer Muhannad Aldawood in a post.
“This milestone paves the way for setting new heights in the evolution of Evo toward achieving the aspirations of the fighting game community.”