Reliance Industries has entered the esports business, partners BLAST, a leading European tournament organizer. This move positions Reliance to tap into India’s rapidly growing gaming sector, which now boasts over 600 million gamers. The partnership was announced by RISE Worldwide Ltd., a Reliance subsidiary, and BLAST Esports Ltd., a division of Denmark-based BLAST ApS. The new venture will focus on hosting and promoting esports competitions in India, leveraging Reliance’s digital infrastructure and BLAST’s expertise in tournament organization.
The venture will introduce BLAST’s globally recognized tournament formats to India while developing new intellectual properties tailored to local audiences. Reliance’s gaming platform, JioGames, will broadcast the events, oversee all competition aspects, secure sponsorships, and collaborate with publishers.
With India’s gaming industry projected to nearly triple from $3.8 billion in 2024 to $9.2 billion by 2029, this collaboration aligns with a significant market opportunity. BLAST’s esports events, currently broadcast in 150 countries, are expected to generate over 2 billion views in 2025. Reliance’s entry comes at a time when the Indian government has recognized esports as part of the multi-sports category, leading to increased institutional support.
1. Introduction: Reliance Industries Partners with BLAST
Reliance Industries, led by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, has entered the esports industry through a joint venture with BLAST, a Danish tournament organizer. This partnership signifies Reliance’s commitment to expanding its presence in India’s digital entertainment sector. The venture, backed by RISE Worldwide Ltd., aims to transform the Indian esports ecosystem through high-quality competitions, live streaming, and extensive publisher engagement.
2. Working Model of the Venture
2.1 Reliance and BLAST will collaborate to develop esports tournaments, offering Indian gamers access to international competitive formats.
2.2 JioGames, Reliance’s gaming platform, will stream the events, manage all aspects of competitions, activate sponsorships, and engage with publishers.
2.3 The joint venture will focus on sustainable growth by fostering publisher relationships and attracting sponsorships.
3. Revenue Model and Market Strategy
3.1 The primary revenue streams will include tournament sponsorships, ad revenues from streaming, and strategic partnerships with gaming publishers.
3.2 The model will also leverage Jio’s massive digital ecosystem, integrating esports within its broader entertainment portfolio.
3.3 Additional monetization strategies will include ticketed live events, merchandise sales, and collaborations with brands targeting India’s gaming audience.
4. Founders and Their Background
4.1 Mukesh Ambani, Chairman of Reliance Industries, has strategically invested in India’s digital economy, expanding into telecom, media, and now gaming.
4.2 BLAST, a Denmark-based esports organization, has successfully hosted major tournaments for titles like Counter-Strike 2, Fortnite, and Rainbow Six.
4.3 Robbie Douek, CEO of BLAST, brings expertise in global esports event management and has collaborated with top gaming publishers such as Epic Games and Ubisoft.
5. India’s Esports Growth and Market Potential
5.1 India’s esports industry is set to grow from $3.8 billion in 2024 to $9.2 billion by 2029.
5.2 The government’s recognition of esports as a multi-sport event has attracted investments from global and domestic entities.
5.3 Esports viewership in India is rising, with younger demographics embracing competitive gaming as mainstream entertainment.
6. Competitive Landscape and Future Prospects
6.1 Major global players, including Riot Games and KRAFTON, are investing in India’s gaming industry.
6.2 Reliance’s venture with BLAST will introduce high-quality, structured competitions, setting a new benchmark for esports tournaments in India.
6.3 The growth of cloud gaming and 5G technology is expected to further enhance esports experiences, benefiting both players and audiences.
7. Learning for Startups and Entrepreneurs
7.1 Strategic partnerships drive success: Collaborations with industry leaders, like Reliance and BLAST, can accelerate market entry and establish credibility.
7.2 Digital infrastructure matters: Leveraging existing digital ecosystems, such as JioGames, enhances reach and revenue potential.
7.3 Understanding audience preferences: Catering to India’s growing esports audience requires localized content, competitive gaming formats, and engaging digital experiences.
About The Startups News
At The Startups News, we bring the latest updates on emerging business trends, startup innovations, and market shifts. Our in-depth reports cover industry insights, funding trends, and entrepreneurial strategies to help startups navigate the evolving business landscape. For more news on India’s gaming and esports industry, visit thestartupsnews.com.