'Evo is dead': Major fighting game tournament is now wholly owned by Saudi megaproject Qiddiya, promises 'traditions, values, and identity will remain unchanged'
PC Gamer
by Mollie Taylor February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The fighting game community has experienced a significant shift as Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya megaproject has fully acquired Evo, one of the most prominent fighting game tournaments. Once co-owned by RTS and NODWIN, Evo now operates exclusively under Qiddiya, with assurances that its "traditions, values, and identity" will remain intact. However, this move has sparked concerns among fans and participants who worry about the impact on the grassroots nature of the fighting game community.
Qiddiya, a Saudi government-backed initiative focused on sports and entertainment, has been expanding its influence in esports. This acquisition aligns with their broader vision to establish a mega esports district, including four state-of-the-art arenas, and fits into Riyadh’s larger sportswashing efforts. While Evo plans to continue its major tournaments—Evo Japan, the U.S. event, and the newly added Evo France—the community is cautious about how Qiddiya’s involvement might shape the future of the tournament.
Critics argue that Qiddiya’s ownership could lead to commercialization or prioritization of larger-scale events over grassroots initiatives. The fighting game scene has historically thrived on local communities and independent tournaments, and many fear that the influence of megaprojects like Qiddiya could disrupt this balance. As one commenter noted, "Evo is dead," highlighting concerns about the potential decline of Evo’s unique role in the community.
Despite these worries, the fighting game scene remains robust, with other major tournaments offering alternatives to Evo. However, Evo’s legacy as a cornerstone of the genre and its influence on the industry cannot be overlooked. Its evolution under Qiddiya will likely shape the future of esports in ways that resonate beyond just fighting games, making it an important development for gaming enthusiasts and industry watchers alike.
Ultimately, while Evo continues to operate, its full acquisition by Qiddiya marks a turning point for the tournament—and potentially for the broader esports landscape. The outcome of this partnership will be closely watched as it could set a precedent for how grassroots events adapt to the growing influence of large-scale, commercialized initiatives.
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Originally published on PC Gamer on 2/23/2026