By Sagar V. Mankar 
NODWIN Gaming, a subsidiary of Nazara Technologies, has recently acquired the Ukrainian esports tournament organizer StarLadder for an initial sum of $5.5 million. This acquisition not only enhances NODWIN’s global footprint in the gaming industry but also provides StarLadder with increased resources as it plans its return to Counter-Strike events in 2025.
StarLadder, established in 2001, has been a prominent figure in the esports scene, particularly in hosting Counter-Strike tournaments. Despite a hiatus from major events since 2019, the company has recently announced plans to organize multiple tournaments across 2025 and 2026, including the second major of 2025 in Budapest.
The deal structure reflects modern business practices, with an initial payment of $5.5 million and additional performance-based payments to follow. In an interesting twist, StarLadder’s founder, Roman Romantsov, won’t just hand over the keys and walk away. Instead, he’ll continue leading StarLadder while also becoming a shareholder in NODWIN Gaming, ensuring continuity in operations and vision. “Together with NODWIN Gaming, StarLadder is committed to creating extraordinary experiences for fans, delivering unforgettable events across multiple games and regions,” Romantsov stated.
For those unfamiliar with NODWIN Gaming, this Indian company has been quietly building its esports empire since 2014. They’ve made their mark primarily in mobile gaming and regional events across South Asia, including collaborations with major players like ESL and BLAST. This acquisition of StarLadder represents their sixth major purchase since 2024, following their recent acquisition of esports media company AFK Gaming for approximately $910,000.
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