ESL invests in gaming company Nazara Technologies

ESL (Electronic Sports League), the world’s largest esports company has invested in mobile gaming startup Nazara Technologies Limited for a minority stake in it. The investment will be used to scale up Nazara’s footprint in emerging markets. Additionally, ESL has signed a license agreement with NODWIN Gaming, which was recently acquired by Nazara Technologies. As part of this licensing agreement, NODWIN Gaming has acquired multi-year exclusive licensing rights for the ESL system and ESL community platform for organising and operating ESL competitions in India. NODWIN Gaming has also secured media distribution rights of ESL global content to local linear and digital platforms in the Indian subcontinent. Commenting on the development, Ralf Reichert, co-founder and CEO of ESL said, “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.” Manish Agarwal, CEO, Nazara Technologies stated, “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. We believe that the partnership with ESL and NODWIN Gaming, will enable us to leverage the strength of global experience of ESL, the execution experience of NODWIN Gaming and on ground networks of Nazara across different countries in emerging markets.” 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.