New Delhi, April 2 — Reliance’s wholly-owned sports arm RISE Worldwide has entered into a strategic joint venture with BLAST Esports, one of the world’s leading tournament organizers, to expand and shape the future of the esports ecosystem in India.
According to a joint statement released on Tuesday, the partnership aims to develop new, market-leading esports Intellectual Properties (IPs) in India, while also bringing BLAST’s globally recognized esports events to Indian audiences.
The joint venture (JV) seeks to tap into India’s booming gaming market, home to over 600 million gamers, accounting for nearly 18% of the global gaming population. Despite its size, the Indian esports industry is still in its early stages and is poised for rapid growth, especially after being officially recognized by the Government of India as part of the “multi-sports event” category.
BLAST, a Denmark-based esports powerhouse and a subsidiary of BLAST ApS, collaborates with top-tier game publishers such as Epic Games, Valve, Riot Games, KRAFTON, and Ubisoft. It brings to the JV an impressive portfolio of esports content, extensive production capabilities, and a global viewership footprint expected to hit 2 billion views in 2025, spanning 150+ territories and 30+ languages.
Through this partnership, BLAST will contribute its media production expertise, existing publisher relationships, and global IPs. Meanwhile, Reliance, through RISE Worldwide and Jio, will provide technological support, unmatched distribution capabilities via JioGames, and local market connections to ensure sustainability and innovation.
Robbie Douek, CEO of BLAST, said:
Devang Bhimjyani, Head of Reliance Sports, added:
This move is in line with Reliance Industries’ broader digital strategy, led by billionaire Mukesh Ambani. With a consolidated revenue of USD 119.9 billion, Reliance has a significant presence across energy, petrochemicals, advanced materials, renewables, retail, and digital services — now adding esports to its expanding portfolio.
As India cements its position as a gaming powerhouse, the Reliance-BLAST joint venture is set to be a major catalyst in shaping a vibrant, professional esports landscape in the country.
Joint Venture to Create and Host World-Class Esports Events
According to a joint statement released on Tuesday, the partnership aims to develop new, market-leading esports Intellectual Properties (IPs) in India, while also bringing BLAST’s globally recognized esports events to Indian audiences.
The joint venture (JV) seeks to tap into India’s booming gaming market, home to over 600 million gamers, accounting for nearly 18% of the global gaming population. Despite its size, the Indian esports industry is still in its early stages and is poised for rapid growth, especially after being officially recognized by the Government of India as part of the “multi-sports event” category.
Leveraging BLAST's Global Strengths with Reliance's Reach
BLAST, a Denmark-based esports powerhouse and a subsidiary of BLAST ApS, collaborates with top-tier game publishers such as Epic Games, Valve, Riot Games, KRAFTON, and Ubisoft. It brings to the JV an impressive portfolio of esports content, extensive production capabilities, and a global viewership footprint expected to hit 2 billion views in 2025, spanning 150+ territories and 30+ languages.
Through this partnership, BLAST will contribute its media production expertise, existing publisher relationships, and global IPs. Meanwhile, Reliance, through RISE Worldwide and Jio, will provide technological support, unmatched distribution capabilities via JioGames, and local market connections to ensure sustainability and innovation.
Leadership Commentary
Robbie Douek, CEO of BLAST, said:
“By partnering with Reliance, a market leader with unparalleled expertise and reach in India, we have a unique opportunity to elevate the local esports scene to new heights.”
Devang Bhimjyani, Head of Reliance Sports, added:
“With this JV, Reliance will extend its interest in sports into esports and leverage RISE's ability to market and promote sporting events and teams, along with Jio providing its distribution and technology expertise.”
Mukesh Ambani’s Expanding Digital Vision
This move is in line with Reliance Industries’ broader digital strategy, led by billionaire Mukesh Ambani. With a consolidated revenue of USD 119.9 billion, Reliance has a significant presence across energy, petrochemicals, advanced materials, renewables, retail, and digital services — now adding esports to its expanding portfolio.
As India cements its position as a gaming powerhouse, the Reliance-BLAST joint venture is set to be a major catalyst in shaping a vibrant, professional esports landscape in the country.
