In a landmark move for India’s rapidly growing esports industry, Reliance Industries’ subsidiary RISE Worldwide has announced a joint venture (JV) with European esports giant BLAST to expand competitive gaming in the country. The partnership aims to leverage BLAST’s global expertise in tournament organization and Reliance’s vast technological and distribution network through JioGames, positioning India as a key player in the international esports arena .
A Strategic Alliance for Esports Growth
The JV will focus on delivering end-to-end esports services, including tournament management, production, broadcasting, and targeted marketing. BLAST, known for organizing high-profile events for games like Counter-Strike 2, Fortnite, and Dota 2, brings its media production prowess and publisher relationships with industry leaders such as Epic Games, Riot Games, and Ubisoft. Meanwhile, Reliance will contribute its digital infrastructure, including Jio’s widespread reach and technological capabilities, to host and stream events on the JioGames platform .
Robbie Douek, CEO of BLAST, emphasized the significance of the Indian market, stating, “India is one of the most exciting and fastest-growing gaming markets in the world. Partnering with Reliance allows us to elevate the local esports scene and create opportunities for Indian talent to compete globally.” Devang Bhimjyani, Head of Reliance Sports, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the JV’s potential to unlock India’s esports ecosystem .
India’s Booming Gaming Market
The collaboration comes at a pivotal time for India’s gaming sector, which is projected to grow at a 19% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), reaching $9.2 billion by 2029 from $3.8 billion in 2024. With over 600 million gamers—18% of the global player base—India represents a massive untapped market for competitive gaming . The government’s recent recognition of esports as part of the “multi-sports event” category further legitimizes the industry, paving the way for structured development and investment .
Global Ambitions and Local Impact
BLAST’s expansion into India aligns with its broader strategy to host over 15 live esports events annually across five major titles by 2026, including Rainbow Six Siege and Rocket League . The company, which recently turned profitable in 2023, is betting on emerging markets like India to sustain growth amid the global “esports winter” .
This partnership not only enhances India’s esports infrastructure but also opens doors for homegrown talent. Indian organizations like S8UL, recently selected as a club partner for the Esports World Cup 2025, are already making waves internationally . With Reliance and BLAST joining forces, India is poised to become a major hub for competitive gaming, bridging the gap between local enthusiasts and the global esports stage.