eSports company ESL invests in Nazara Technologies

Nazara Technologies has announced that ESL, the largest esports company, has invested for a minority stake in the Indian company. Founded in 2000, ESL runs amateur to professional leagues, ranging from online tournaments through major global mega stadium events in venues around the world, distributing its content and original programming across digital and linear channels, including Facebook, Twitter, Twitch, Sony Vue, Disney XP and Hulu.

Additionally, ESL has signed a licence agreement with NODWIN Gaming, the pioneer of esports in India, which was recently acquired by Nazara Technologies. As part of this, NODWIN Gaming secures multi-year exclusive licensing rights for the ESL system and ESL community platform for organizing and operating ESL competitions in India. NODWIN Gaming also secures media distribution rights of ESL global content to local linear and digital platforms in Indian subcontinent.

ESL hosts competitions around the globe to facilitate thousands of gaming competitions annually. Some of their more notable competitions include the following: ESL National Championship, ESL Pro League, ESL One and Intel Extreme Masters.

Speaking on the advent of esports in India, Ralf Reichert, Co-Founder & CEO of ESL, quoted, “Our goal is to bring esports to the players and fans all around the world. We believe that Nazara, one of the leading mobile games companies, will help us in expanding our ESL operations through strategic local partnerships.”

According to Manish Agarwal, CEO, Nazara Technologies, "We, at Nazara, welcome ESL to Nazara’s family of shareholders and look forward to partner with ESL to bring global games to India and other emerging markets.”

According to, NODWIN Gaming with the licence for ESL for 5 years, CEO & Managing Director, Akshat Rathee, “Ralf and ESL team have been important supporters of Nodwin since many years and have witnessed the growth of Nodwin Gaming and esports in India. I hope that with Nazara and ESL, NODWIN will be able to successfully develop the esports business in the emerging markets where esports is one of the fastest-growing sports."