RTS has acquired the Evolution Championship Series (Evo), further advancing Qiddiya City’s long-term vision for gaming and esports as a central pillar of its destination strategy.
Qiddiya Investment Company, the company leading the development of Qiddiya City, continues to expand its footprint in the global gaming industry with the transaction. The acquisition strengthens Qiddiya City’s ambition to become a global hub for competitive gaming and community-driven play through its planned Gaming & Esports District.
Evo, formally known as the Evolution Championship Series, is widely regarded as the most established and influential fighting game competition in the world. Founded more than 20 years ago, the tournament has evolved from grassroots arcade events into the largest fighting game event globally and a cornerstone of the Fighting Game Community.
The 2026 calendar will see Evo host major international tournaments in Tokyo, Japan; Las Vegas, Nevada; and Nice, France. Singapore is also scheduled to join the rotation in 2027, further expanding the event’s global footprint.
The acquisition follows Qiddiya Investment Company’s purchase of RTS in September 2025. RTS, founded in 2021 as a gaming creator talent management and brand consultancy company, operates at the intersection of competition, culture, and commercial growth. Evo was acquired from NODWIN Gaming, which will continue collaborating with Evo, particularly in emerging markets.
Under RTS ownership, Evo’s traditions, identity, and leadership structure will remain intact. Stuart Saw will continue in his role as Chief Executive Officer of RTS, providing continuity and stability.
The acquisition aligns Evo more closely with Qiddiya City’s broader development strategy, anchored by the Gaming & Esports District. The purpose-built district will span 183,100 square metres and include four world-class esports arenas with a combined seating capacity of 73,000. It will also host regional industry headquarters for more than 30 companies.
Positioned as one of Qiddiya City’s defining projects, the Gaming & Esports District reflects the city’s “Power of Play” philosophy, integrating gaming, sport, entertainment, and culture into a single destination.
Qiddiya City, located approximately 40 minutes from Riyadh, is a flagship initiative under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Quality of Life program. Once complete, it is expected to attract more than 40 million visitors annually and become home to approximately 500,000 residents.
KEY QUOTES:
“Evo is a global gaming institution, built on community, competition, and creativity. Through RTS and Qiddiya City, we are committed to supporting Evo’s long-term growth in a way that respects its heritage and strengthens its role within the global Fighting Game Community. This is about investing in the future of play, and safeguarding what makes Evo special.”
Muhannad AlDawood, Chief Strategy Officer, Qiddiya Investment Company
“We are proud of our legacy with Evo that started 5 years ago. We’re going to continue investing in the things that matter to our community, elevating and empowering members of the FGC and working diligently with our game developer partners to ensure that Evo benefits all involved parties.”
Stuart Saw, Chief Executive Officer, RTS
