EVO acquisition by Saudi Arabian company Qiddiya sparks fierce debate in the Fighting Games Community

The Saudi Arabian EVO acquisition has sent the fighting game community spiralling into a heated debate.

Public Investment Fund project and investment company, Qiddiya, is the new operator of EVO (Evolution Championship Series) after acquiring RTS. Their acquisition has sent shockwaves through the FGC (Fighting Games Community). Event fans are particularly concerned about the impact on EVO’s diversity and reputation for inclusivity.   

Qiddiya acquires RTS, gaining control over EVO 

The Saudi Arabian company first partnered with EVO in 2024. However, Qiddiya has now completed a full EVO acquisition by acquiring the operator, RTS. 

Qiddiya’s Chief Strategy Officer, Muhannad Aldawood, announced the EVO acquisition via a LinkedIn post. 

He celebrated the move, sharing that he was “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 acrfoss the broader gaming ecosystem.”

Regarding the EVO community, he claimed, “This milestone paves the way for setting new heights in the evolution of EVO toward achieving the aspirations of the fighting game community.” 

However, questions have immediately been raised regarding inclusivity at what is considered to be a very diverse event. 

Well. If this means EVO is about to start playing the same propaganda that plays during EWC, 2025 was likely my last EVO.

I am. so sad.

What are queer people who want to seriously engage in the competitive side of the FGC expected to do? If not become invisible? https://t.co/WAE54OwkhG

— PAR | Fem!Shep (@FemShepFGC) September 2, 2025

Does Qiddiya own EVO?

Qiddiya technically acquired RTS, the operator of EVO. However, this does not mean that they own the entire EVO brand. In August 2025, NODWIN Gaming purchased Sony Interactive Entertainment’s stake in EVO, becoming the majority shareholder. 

This means that Qiddiya shares the brand ownership, but will likely be responsible for actively running and managing the event.

FGC community reactions to EVO acquisition focus on diversity and inclusivity concerns

Reactions to the EVO acquisition from the FGC have been conflicting. 

Some have pledged to continue attending the tournament in the name of representation. In particular, they argue that continuing to celebrate LGBTQ+ culture at the event openly would ensure the tournament cannot be overshadowed by Saudi Arabian sportswashing and human rights abuse allegations. 

However, others are highly critical of this approach, arguing that continued participation would actively contribute to the success of sportswashing and distract from human rights and LGBTQ+ issues. 

Additionally, some are using the announcement to advocate for greater investment and appreciation of grassroots organisations and tournaments. 

Although the news about Evo is disappointing for many, it should be a fire starter for our community to support their local and regional events more than ever.

Let's continue to be steadfast in supporting events that align with proper community growth and representation.

— Arris @ 🏡 in 🛌 (@KingKaiFL) September 2, 2025

Similar debates have taken place in other esports scenes. 

For example, the integration of the Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS) Midseason Playoffs into the Riyadh-hosted and Saudi-funded Esports World Cup reignited debate and controversy in the community. 

LGBTQ+ player ‘Hambino’ dropped out of the competition due to safety concerns and protest against deadly LGBTQ+ human rights abuses that take place in the host country.

SonicFox vs Thorin debate on EVO acquisition and tournament participation

FGC pro Dominique ‘SonicFox’ McLean and esports social media personality Duncan ‘Thorin’ Shields became embroiled in a debate over tournament participation following the EVO acquisition. 

SonicFox initially posted that they have “a personal life goal” regarding EVO that they plan to complete. On the topic of Saudi Arabian LGBTQ+ controversies, they stated the following: 

“I will not be erased, even if it means I’m the only voice there.” 

In a statement of resistance, they called on others in the LGBTQ+ community to also consider their participation: 

“We, the LGBTQ+ community, are a core part of the FGC and we aren’t going anywhere, and this only motivates me to use my platform to amplify our voices even further.”

I have a personal life goal that I’ve been dedicating myself to when it comes to EVO and I plan to see it through.

I will not be erased, even if it means I’m the only voice there.

I will simply be Gayer and Louder than ever as I wave my Trans Rights Flag in grand finals. https://t.co/HPhv2ciMn2

— SonicFox (@SonicFox) September 2, 2025

However, Thorin took issue with this approach, criticising SonicFox for having boycotted EVO in former years to protest grooming allegations against the tournament’s cofounder, while not boycotting due to Saudi Arabian investment. 

According to Thorin, SonicFox’s approach equated to stating that “literal murder and imprisonment is apparently better than grooming.” 

This further sparked discussion over whether it is more impactful for LGBTQ+ esports players to win money from Saudi-run tournaments and maintain a strong presence there, or whether boycotting is more morally “correct.” 

Responding to Thorin, SonicFox distinguished the two boycotting movements. 

They stated, “Boycotting sexual misconduct was correct. Choosing to remain visible against an oppressive government entity is also correct.” 

Overall, SonicFox’s approach to the EVO acquisition through visibility within the tournament is contrasted by that of Thorin, who stated in response that “If choosing not to attend is boycotting then choosing to attend is supporting.” 

Pay attention to the faux activists on the Saudi topic. They'll use as many euphemisms as they need to never openly and directly point out the Saudis imprison and kill the people they supposedly support.

— Thorin (@Thorin) September 3, 2025

What does this exchange tell us about the EVO acquisition debate?

This debate between SonicFox and Thorin exemplifies much of the conversation taking place across the community. 

Visibility within the tournament may represent resistance against the erasure of LGBTQ+ identities. However, this visibility also attracts increased event coverage, which can often benefit Saudi Arabian sportswashing aims. It also involves LGBTQ+ competitors accepting Saudi Arabian money.

Nevertheless, some feel that there is importance in ensuring that the LGBTQ+ community is not forced out of major event spaces. 

Boycotting, on the other hand, can introduce press coverage that draws attention to the issues surrounding Saudi Arabian investment. It can also make the investment less profitable for the investors. But it also results in less visibility for LGBTQ+ players.

Qiddiya’s esports investments: an overview of Saudi Arabian investment through the PIF company

Debates like those surrounding the EVO acquisition are increasingly common in esports. RTS’ buyers, Qiddiya, are an example of the extent Saudia Arabian companies have invested in the industry. 

Qiddiya is a company supported directly by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund (PIF). Although the name “Public Investment Fund” might suggest otherwise, the program is simply a sovereign wealth fund for the country.  

The PIF also funds several “Giga-Projects.” One of these giga-projects is Qiddiya City, led by the Qiddiya Investment Company. 

Resistance to Qiddiya’s acquisitions in esports and gaming is not uncommon. The frequency of investment from Qiddiya in esports, combined with the company’s status in Saudi Arabia, is a magnet for criticism.

So I found some information. Qiddiya is a state sponsored program from the Saudi Arabia Government. Founders have often been tied to multiple human rights abuse cases.

General consensus is they are "Sportswashing" to cover negative media of the country. Their website even has a… https://t.co/BJGGQ3G5UA

— KGE | Copper (@CopperFGC) September 2, 2025

Over the past five years alone, Qiddiya has made a long list of esports investments, including but not limited to the following:

• A three-year partnership with the Saudi Arabian Esports World Cup (from 2024 to 2026). 
• A five-year partnership with ESL Faceit Group, which was announced in April 2024 and continues until at least 2029. 
• Multi-event investment in PUBG Mobile esports (started in 2024)
• Presenting sponsorship and partnership with Mobile Legends Bang Bang tournament organiser MOONTON, which began in 2023. This partnership was further expanded in February 2025. 
• A partnership with ASUS, the gaming technology company, which was announced in April 2024
• A partnership with Geekay Group for the distribution of gaming products, signed in August 2024.
• Sponsorship of the Esports World Cup’s predecessor, Gamers8, in 2023 (partnered directly with the Saudi Esports Federation) 
• Presenting partner of ESI London 2023, the esports business and industry conference
• The Prince Mohammed Bin Salman Stadium project, ongoing in partnership with Populous.
• The overarching Gaming and Esports District in Qiddiya City project, announced in December 2023. 

Given Qiddiya’s centrality to the PIF’s Qiddiya City giga-project, it is unlikely that this push into the esports and gaming industry will slow. 

In the meantime, many in the FGC are reconsidering their involvement in EVO tournaments.

Community reluctance to engage may also impact their upcoming EVO France tournament in October. 

Nevertheless, the Saudi Arabian esports investment program continues.